Aqua Lares in the latest and largest addition to the Aqua Expeditions fleet and marks something of an innovative approach for the company. Built in 1974 in the Netherlands as a Soviet Icebreaker, the ship has been progressively altered over the years and now represents the doyen of luxury arctic super yachts.
Previously know as Legend and once owned by Google billionaire Eric Schmidt, the vessel has just completed her first Arctic circle season and is now making her way to warmer waters for the southern hemisphere summer visiting the Seychelles and the Maldives before returning to the Northern Hemisphere in 2027.
The 77m vessel can now accommodate thirty guests in fifteen beautifully appointed suites with a 1:1 crew to passenger ratio. Each suite is equipped with all of the luxury amenities one would expect as well as deep pile carpets, beautiful wood panelling and furniture, brass window frames, Leather wall coverings, and high-end bathroom suites including bathtubs.
The new owners have retained much of the character and hardware of the ship which was significantly rebuilt last in 2019 and further upgraded in 2025. Furniture in the public rooms has had new fabrics, the lounge bar has enhanced rich wood panelling, and the vessel is being further altered for the season ahead considering customer feedback.
The vessel features a whole host of equipment suited to her deployments including two Rafner 850 RIBS capable or taking twelve passengers at speeds of up to thirty-eight knots. Jet skis, scuba diving equipment, paddleboards, and kayaks are also part of the ships toy cupboard.
There is also a helipad for anyone wishing to use that facility. When not in use, this area can be set up as an outdoor sunbathing area with attentive crew meeting your every need. Outdoor dining is also available both under cover and on deck and certainly in the Seychelles, outdoor dining is very much the order of the day, and the adaptable crew are well versed in hour to set the area up for maximum comfort even going as far as rugs, throws, cushions, Candles and other items to make everyone feel cosy and relaxed.
The large jacuzzi features a free fall waterfall which is a really nice touch. And of course, at the stern of the vessel there is a platform for diving or boarding RIBs or other water equipment. All Snorkelling, (East Africa), Diving (East Africa), Kayaking, Stand-up Paddleboarding and Tender Excursions are included in the fare.
You would be hard pressed to find any evidence of the ship being over 50 years old, she is of course immaculately presented, there is nothing out of place every surface gleams. The colour palette is subtle but warm and inviting, cream is a dominant colour in soft furnishings as well as carpets with plush navy blue and gold trimmed cushions throughout the vessel. Wood ranges from dark tones to cherrywood to give a warm and elegant look.
The vessel has a significant range of upto 18,426 nautical miles allowing her to traverse oceans with ease, and, thanks to her sturdy built and benefiting from stablisers she is also designed to be extremely stable in all seas. She is a Class 1B certification suitable for arctic ice breaking. Service speed is between 10 and 12 knots.
Other onboard features include an extremely plus fourteen seat cinema with plush, wide, fully adjustable red seats, wellness centre, and a substantial dining room with one large table that can accommodate all passengers and several side tables as well as a bar and comfortable lounge area.
Cruise on board is first class; no expense is spared in the quality of the ingredients used or the preparation of dishes. On our visit a range of canapes was served which were exceptional. As one might expect the bars on board are well stocked with a wide range of spirits, wines, and champagnes.
The crew onboard are extremely pleasant and clearly enjoy being onboard. Attentive without being intrusive, guests wishes are absolutely met. Being a smaller ship, the crew undertake multiple roles, and it appeared on our visit that they were everywhere, reappearing on different decks and undertaking different tasks.
Aqua Lares offers a distinctive interpretation of luxury at sea, combining the character of a vessel with a rich history with refined interiors, personalized service and equipment designed for exploration.
Christopher Brindle
