LLOYDS WERFT
Luna: The Tale of a €50 Million Transformation
After a leisurely stay in Dubai, the 115-meter Luna is now for sale. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to her stunning multi-million dollar refit in 2014 that transformed this world cruiser.
LUNA first made waves as a more elegant take on the 113-meter LE GRAND BLUE, thanks in part to her first owner, Roman Abramovich. She became famous not only for her celebrity connection but also for her long, low aft deck, which prioritized sunbathing over interior space. The iconic pool—then the largest ever on a superyacht—continues to impress, especially when its true size is revealed when empty.
Though she was touted as one of the world’s premier explorer yachts since her debut in 2010, Luna had seen little actual exploration until new owners acquired her in 2014. Following a Mediterranean season, the yacht underwent an extensive refit that coincided with her five-year survey.
Fast forward to 2016, despite the crew busy washing decks and covering sun loungers, Luna’s vast and unique spaces remained undeniable.
Even on an overcast day, her hull shone like new, boasting a special shade dubbed “Luna Blue.” This was a significant shift; her first owner had favored a rugged look that showcased plate seams and welds. The new paint job, completed at German Dry Docks in Bremerhaven, was a top priority during her refit. “The previous paint was unappealing,” noted the owner’s representative. “Now, Luna boasts the highest-quality paint job to date for a vessel of her age.”
Local firm Thraki Yacht Painting undertook this massive task, with 70-80 painters working for eight months to fill and fair over 2,000 square meters of hull while refinishing the superstructure. The hull was first sandblasted to strip away old paint, followed by the application of over 20 tonnes of filler and multiple coats of primer and topcoat. The result? A flawless, mirror-like finish that speaks volumes of the meticulous work.
Frank Neubelt from Newcruise led the design team, aiming for a “boy cool” aesthetic that balances toughness and elegance. Outdoor living was a key focus, leading to an open deck concept that prioritizes space over superyacht toys.
While the deck isn’t teeming with gear, it offers ample room. To port, two tender garages sit across from a gym, and the expansive beach club wraps around a spa complete with a steam bath, plunge pool, and sauna—extensively updated during the refit. The gym now features cutting-edge Technogym equipment and mirrors that allow for breathtaking water views while you work out.
The beach club area saw significant changes too, including new mosaic tiles in the steam room, upgraded AV systems, and a redesigned pantry to streamline service. The seating now faces the sea rather than a TV, with a unique fish-eye sculpture taking center stage. “Who needs a TV in a beach club?” quips the representative. “Luna is all about relaxation!”
With a focus on comfort, the new sofa design includes drawers for shoes, making it easy to transition from the bathing platform to relaxation. The boarding steps have also been revamped for safer and easier access.
Breakfast is often enjoyed at the beach club dinette, with future plans for a new shell door to enhance the area’s openness. Below deck, the crew quarters have been upgraded, featuring new upholstery, curtains, and enhanced AV/IT systems.
Luna’s engine room stands out for its impressive cleanliness, maintained by an owner who values perfection. The polished floor is tended to weekly, and the meticulousness extends even to matching toolbox colors with the engine.
Equipped with seven generators delivering a combined 15,000hp, Luna can cruise through shallow ice at 21 knots, even with one generator offline. With all systems engaged, she could power a town of 25,000 people!
The main renovations took place in the living spaces above. The lounge facing the observation deck now boasts an extended cut-out for a new outdoor seating area, enhancing the experience while coming into port. New windbreaks protect the outdoor dining space, and all teak has been meticulously re-caulked. The helidecks received a stylish Future Teak finish with Luna’s name and logo.
Originally designed by Donald Starkey, Luna’s interior remains largely intact, thanks to an owner with a keen eye for detail. While some updates, such as new fabrics in corridors and cabin enhancements, were made during the refit, Starkey’s vision of a calm, elegant environment is preserved.
With a few quirky touches, including arched separations in the main deck guest corridor that cleverly disguise watertight bulkheads, Luna’s design continues to impress.
Post-refit, Luna is not only a classic but a unique expedition vessel.
