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CHRISTINA O Yacht – Paradise-like $40M Superyacht

Conceptualized by Aristotle Onassis, a Greek shipping magnate, the Christina O entertained the stars of the 20th century.

Onassis hosted the likes of Winston Churchill, Grace Kelly, and Elizabeth Taylor. The $40 million yacht hosted legendary parties, scandals, and luxury on the first personal yacht.

CHRISTINA O yacht interior

After World War II, Onassis bought the River-class frigate and spent $4 million converting the vessel into a luxurious superyacht named after his daughter.

The opulence reflected his tastes, with a Minotaur-themed mosaic swimming pool that could be raised into a dance floor once drained.

Ari’s Bar had barstools upholstered with the foreskins of whales, with whales’ teeth as the footrests and ivory armrests.

The bathrooms were in marble, and the fittings were in gold. The fireplace in the famous Lapis Lazuli lounge was encrusted in lapis lazuli.

Illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans designed and painted the children’s dining room. When Onassis died, his daughter donated the boat to the Greek government, which let the masterpiece go to rot.

In 1999, she was bought back from the Greek government by John Paul Papanicolaou and completely gutted.

The CHRISTINA O yacht was refitted with replicas of the lavish features Onassis was so proud of. The interior of the yacht reflects an English country manor house style.

During the refit, more accommodation was added to the vessel. The staterooms are smaller compared to 21st-century yachts. CHRISTINA O has a master suite and 17 passenger staterooms.

She can accommodate 34 guests on board and 39 crew. A spiral staircase connects the many indoor and outdoor living spaces.

She lacks the indoor boat storage that is now standard on superyachts, but she has many living areas, and the deck space is very generous.

She also features a glass-paneled gym, a music room, and other luxury amenities. The compass deck features areas for lounging and sunbathing, while the deck below, called the promenade deck, had an aft spa pool and dining area.

She also has a tender garage filled with toys for fun on the water.

CHRISTINA O yacht exterior

Canadian Vickers built the CHRISTINA O yacht in 1943. She served in Normandy during WWII but later became a surplus relic.

Onassis bought the vessel for her scrap value. Onassis charged the Howaldt Shipyard in Germany with creating the lavish personal yacht.

Caesar Pinnau, a German professor of architecture, created classic lines and a high stern for the new and improved CHRISTINA O.

The classic yellow funnel remains to this day. While the yacht retains some of her rugged exteriors, she appears low-slung and eye-catching in the water.

CHRISTINA O yacht specifications

With a length of 99.1m, the CHRISTINA O yacht has a beam of 11.12m and a draft of 4.24m.

She has a volume of 1802 gross tons; she has a top speed of 19 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots. Her MAN engines give her a range of 5000 nautical miles.

She was one of the first boats to fit an onboard stabilization system for guests’ comfort.

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In pictures: all aboard iconic superyacht Christina O

Her storied history includes serving in WW2 and hosting Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly’s wedding reception 

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The superyacht Christina O did not start her life on the seas as a playground for the rich and famous. Constructed in 1943 by Montreal-based shipbuilder Canadian Vickers, the 99m Canadian frigate - originally called HMCS Stormont - was first used to serve in the Second World War and was present at the D-Day landings in Normandy in 1944.

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Acquired in 1954 by Aristotle Onassis, it was the Greek billionaire shipping magnate that transformed the Stormont into one of the world’s most luxurious superyachts . Renamed after his daughter, Onassis spent $4m on the refurbishment of a ship that would become an elite and exclusive entertainment destination.

From John Fitzgerald Kennedy and Winston Churchill to Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Kennedy, who Onassis later married, Christina O hosted some of the world’s most influential people during her glory years. The wedding reception of Monaco’s Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly was also held on board, while legendary Hollywood couple Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor were regular guests.

Today the Christina O can be hired for corporate events and be chartered for private use. Charter prices start from €560,000 (£492,900) a week in low season to €630,000 (£554,700) a week in high season. See morleyyachts.com

‘Greatest yacht of them all’

After a number of refits, the ship has been meticulously restored. It can sleep up to 34 guests who can enjoy the same luxury experienced by the famous visitors of yesteryear. Designed to the highest standard, Onassis’s “unique taste is everywhere”, says Boat International magazine. Christina O is regarded by many as the “greatest yacht of them all”.

Swimming pool

One of the highlights aboard the superyacht is the beautiful swimming pool. Designed with a tiled bull mosaic, the pool can turn into a dance floor at the flip of a switch.

Jacuzzi deck

Relaxation is the top activity on the Christina O. As well as the Jacuzzi deck (pictured) the ship also has an indoor air-conditioned gym and a spa which offers beauty treatments and massages.

Callas Lounge

The surroundings inside the yacht are as plush as the exteriors. The Callas Lounge (pictured) is named after the American-born Greek soprano Maria Callas. Regarded as one of the influential opera singers of the 20th century, it’s said that her “opera notes still play in the Callas Lounge”.

Ari’s Bar

The legendary Ari’s Bar is christened in tribute to Aristotle Onassis himself as “this was one of his favourite places in which to enjoy a drink”, says Yacht Charter Fleet .

Ranked 56 in the Top 100 Largest Yachts in the World list, Christina O is the “epitome of elegance and luxury”, says Superyachts.com . “Its capacious deck can host up to 250 guests beneath extensive canopies, perfect for a special occasion or one-off corporate incentive.” Other amenities include the Galaxy Bar on the Compass deck and the large Jacuzzi on the Promenade deck.

Onassis’ Suite

The expansive and luxurious Onassis Suite is situated on the bridge deck and holds a spacious bathroom with Jacuzzi tub and a private en-suite lounge, says Superyachts.com .

Spiral staircase

Christina O’s elegant marble-railed spiral staircase covers three decks and at the bottom is the floor depicting Onassis’ Omega emblem.

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Mike Starling is the former digital features editor at The Week. He started his career in 2001 in Gloucestershire as a sports reporter and sub-editor and has held various roles as a writer and editor at news, travel and B2B publications. He has spoken at a number of sports business conferences and also worked as a consultant creating sports travel content for tourism boards. International experience includes spells living and working in Dubai, UAE; Brisbane, Australia; and Beirut, Lebanon. 

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Fact file: five things you didn't know about legendary superyacht Christina O

Styled in the early fifties by Caesar Pinnau , Christina O’s iconic visage has been splashed across the pages of magazines and yachting journals for more than half a century. Countless designers have been inspired by her golden-age, Jackie O-influenced interiors, while her colourful Hollywood history makes her one of the most coveted charter yachts on the market. BOAT International takes a look at the life of this 99.1-metre legend... 

1. She was rescued by a Greek billionaire (and then again by his friend)

Built by Canadian Vickers as a wartime, anti-submarine vessel, Christina O was salvaged post-WWII by Greek shipping magnate and second husband of Jackie Kennedy, Aristotle Onassis. He bought her at scrap value ($34,000) and spent $4 million – approximately $50 million in today’s terms – on her transformation, an eye-watering investment that set an aspirational standard of post-war luxury.

Christina O was named after Onassis' first child (the yacht was formerly just Christina ) and inherited by her muse after Aristotle's death in 1975 – only to be donated to the Greek government three years later. Suffering from a decade of slow decline, she was finally rescued by Onassis family friend John Paul Papanicolaou, who set about the three-year restoration needed to return Christina O to her former glory (and glamour). This second, comprehensive refit was completed in 2001 and cost yet another $50 million!

2. She's hosted Hollywood stars (and been on the silver screen herself)

Christina O 's guestlist reads like a Hollywood casting sheet, with the likes of Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, and Frank Sinatra all having graced her decks. She's also lived a fairly illustrious political life – in fact, the yacht's bar (known as Ari's Bar) served as the first meeting place for John F. Kennedy and Winston Churchill.

But Christina O is a celebrity in her own right, too, starring on screens both big and small. She most recently had 122-metre shoes to fill playing Alexander – the converted cruise ship where Princess Diana and Charles celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary – in Netflix drama The Crown. The yacht was also featured prominently in Ruben Östlund’s glossy satire Triangle of Sadness (2022), starring Woody Harrelson as captain and set on a luxury cruise ship in the midst of a storm. 

3. She still has plenty of original features

Walking through the halls and cabins of Christina O reveals a wealth of golden-era artefacts. In the Callas Lounge, named after renowned opera singer and Onassis' lover Maria Callas, remains the original Steinway piano where Sinatra and Callas used to entertain. The Onassis Suite still has the same onyx fireplace and twinkling Baccarat crystal lighting as it did when the Greek magnate used to sleep among its Venetian linen. The circular staircase, with its onyx and silver handrail, is also a vintage piece.

4. And some carefully restored features too

Christina O's main deck aft very much resembles the setup of Onassis’ day. This includes the 16-person dining table, inlaid with Melinda Patten marquetry depicting the tales of Ulysses and of course, the iconic saltwater pool. Meticulously restored, the fantail number is emblazoned with a Greek mythological minotaur mosaic and is capable of rising to form a dance floor at the push of a button. The technology is still replicated on superyachts today (see Lürssen's Octopus or Blohm + Voss' Eclipse ), which is testament to just how influential Christina O was at the time of her launch. 

Other dutiful recreations include a working Lapis Lazuli fireplace (from which Christina O 's Lapis Lounge gets its name) and the 16 guest cabins, which have been refurbished with a similar pastel colour scheme and décor as originally selected by Jackie Onassis. 

5. She's made with an unexpected material

Ari’s Bar is one of the most historical parts of Christina O . This original rope-covered bar is reportedly made from the timbers of a sunken Spanish Galleon. Engraved orca whale teeth offer footrests on the stools and, lining the circumference of the bar, a convenient place to hang a handbag. The stools themselves are upholstered with whale penis skin – a piece of trivia that Aristotle took great joy in sharing with his guests. “Madame, you are now sitting on the largest penis in the world,” he once told film star Greta Garbo.

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Christina O

• Amenities & Toys
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CHRISTINA O YACHT CHARTER

99.13m  /  325'3   canadian vickers   1943 / 2020.

• Previous Yacht

Cabin Configuration

• 14 Convertible

Special Features:

• Iconic superyacht
• Mosaic swimming pool turns into dancefloor
• Original features faithfully restored
• English country manor house style
• Glamorous bar

CHRISTINA O is one of the most iconic motor yachts ever launched, best known for her grand interiors and unrivalled level of luxurious amenities.

The 99.15m/325'4" classic yacht 'Christina O' by shipyard Canadian Vickers offers flexible accommodation for up to 34 guests in 17 cabins and features interior styling by Apostolos Molindris & Associates.

Onassis epitomised the life of the superyacht elite, garnering a reputation as the original jetsetter, but following his death in 1975, Christina O fell into disrepair. Luckily, a meticulous restoration project led by a family friend of Onassis was completed in 2001 and, today, charterers can enjoy the resonance of her unique past with the ultimate in luxurious accommodation and on-board service.   

Iconic yacht Christina O cuts a fine figure in the water, showcasing elegant lines and an array of spacious living areas, this yacht is sure to turn heads wherever she goes. Her features include a dancefloor, beauty salon, spa, elevator and gym.

Exterior Design

Styled in the early fifties by Caesar Pinnau, the exterior of Christina O easily stands out among other superyachts on today’s charter market thanks to her distinctive clipper bow, long sheer line, rounded superstructure and dazzling white topsides, and this is not forgetting her trademark, vibrant yellow funnel. A variety of vast open-air spaces across Christina O offer a multitude of options for lounging and socialising. The top level of the yacht, known as the compass deck, is well-primed for sunning, with a line of chaise loungers and a bar, while the spacious promenade deck below features an aft spa pool, and alfresco dining and bar setup. Most impressive is the main deck, where Onassis’ swimming pool has been faithfully restored with its renowned Minoan bull and vaulter mosaic. What’s more, the bottom of the pool can be raised to form a dance floor.

Interior Design

Christina O’s expansive interior was completely gutted during her most recent refit, with notable artefacts salvaged and sensitively restored. Aftermost on the main deck is the Lapis Lounge, named after its original lapis fireplace, which remains in place, and decorated in the style of an English country manor house. The main deck is also home to a dining salon with a 24-seater table, and the Aris Bar, which boasts its original rope-covered bar, whale fang bar handles and whale-skin bar stools. A majestic atrium with a striking mosaic of the Onassis omega logo then allows guests to access the two further salons on the promenade deck above via a spiral staircase.

Guest Accommodation

Known as the Onassis Suite, the yacht’s master stateroom stretches across the forward section of the bridge deck and comprises three rooms: large sleeping quarters, a white Penteli marble bathroom and a book-lined study. The latter is oak-panelled and boasts the original onyx fireplace, while the bedroom is illuminated by authentic Baccarat crystal wall lights, adding to its elegance.  The other accommodation on board comprises 10 double staterooms on the main deck forward and eight convertible cabins on the lower deck.

Onboard Comfort & Entertainment

As well as her impressive lounging and dining facilities, Christina O also features a unique variety of leisure and entertainment facilities, particularly on her promenade deck. These include an oak-panelled library with green upholstered chairs and settees, and a huge saloon, boasting three large seating areas. This space can also serve as a ballroom, with a raised dais for the orchestra, as well as a cinema thanks to a drop-down screen and state-of-the-art sound system. There is also a glass-panelled gymnasium on board and a music room with a Steinway piano where the likes of Maria Callas and Frank Sinatra once performed.

Performance & Range

Built with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, she offers greater on-board space and is more stable when at anchor thanks to her full-displacement hull. Powered by twin MAN engines, she comfortably cruises at 15 knots, reaches a maximum speed of 19 knots with a range of up to 5,000 nautical miles from her 329,000 litre fuel tanks at 10 knots. An on board stabilization system ensures comfort when underway.

Christina O knows a thing or two about fun on the water, with a selection of water toys and accessories for you and your guests to enjoy whilst on charter. Principle among these is a Flyboard, experience flying in and out of the water with the latest in high adrenaline watersport. Additionally, there is a waterslide for hours of fun for all ages. Take to the sea on a Jet Ski offering you power and control on the water. If that isn't enough Christina O also features towable toys, kayaks, paddleboards and snorkelling equipment. When it comes to Tenders, Christina O has you covered - with four tenders, including a Hacker Craft Limo Tender.

Why Charter Christina O

One of the most iconic superyachts available for charter, Christina O is distinctly steeped in stories of the rich and famous, who have once graced her decks. She is an ideal choice for those looking for an opulent charter vacation, enhanced with the ambience of a magnificent past. Plus, capable of accommodating 36 guests, she is perfect for larger parties set to experience the extraordinary lifestyle of the Onassis years.

Book your next Bermuda and the Caribbean luxury yacht charter aboard Christina O this summer. She is also accepting bookings this winter on request.

With its luxurious interiors, vast array of onboard facilities and a highly-trained and professional crew, a luxury yacht vacation onboard classic yacht Christina O promises to be nothing short of spectacular.

TESTIMONIALS

There are currently no testimonials for Christina O, please provide .

Christina O Photos

Amenities & Entertainment

For your relaxation and entertainment Christina O has the following facilities, for more details please speak to your yacht charter broker.

Christina O is reported to be available to Charter with the following recreation facilities:

• 1 x Hacker Craft Varnished Wood Limo Tender with 1 x Volvo 250 HP engine
• 1 x Zodiac Medline 3 RIB with 2 x 150 HP engines
• 1 x Zodiac Medline 2 RIB

For a full list of all available amenities & entertainment facilities, or price to hire additional equipment please contact your broker.

• + shortlist

For a full list of all available amenities & entertainment facilities, or price to hire additional equipment please contact your broker.

APPROVED RYA WATER SPORTS CENTRE

Your family and friends could learn to use the water toys on your charter vacation onboard this luxury charter yacht. Motor Yacht Christina O is a certified RYA Training Centre yacht.

'Christina O' Charter Rates & Destinations

Summer Season

May - September

€700,000 p/week + expenses Approx $778,000

High Season

€740,000 p/week + expenses Approx $822,500

Cruising Regions

Bermuda Caribbean Antigua, Bahamas, Cuba, Saint Martin, St Barts Mediterranean Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Turkey

HOT SPOTS:   Amalfi Coast, Corsica, French Riviera, Ibiza, Mykonos, Sardinia, The Balearics, Virgin Islands

Winter Season

October - April

Please enquire .

Charter Christina O

To charter this luxury yacht contact your charter broker , or we can help you.

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On Board Review

As the former vessel of billionaire shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis, the legendary 99m/325ft superyacht ‘Christina O’ set the scene for the original jetsetters of the late-1950s and, today, continues to be among the most world’s most famous yachts.

Follow in the footsteps of the original jet-setters aboard Christina O

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Christina O

Motor Yacht

Mega yacht Christina O is the epitome of elegance and luxury and embodies the legend that was Aristotle Onassis. In her original heyday, motor yacht Christina O defined a new category in luxury yachting and hosted some of the world’s most glittering personalities such as Sir Winston Churchill, John F.Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, John Wayne and countless others.

Originally built in 1943 for use as a Canadian convoy escort, Christina O came into her own when Onassis purchased her in 1954 and converted the sumptuous megayacht at the expense of over US $4m. Christina O became Onassis’ floating mansion and headquarters for over two decades until his death in 1975. Christina Onassis, namesake of the vessel and Aristotle’s daughter, donated her to the Greek government in 1978 where she fell into disrepair. A close family friend purchased Christina O in 1998 and financed an extensive refurbishment and re-powering which has helped restore this incredible yacht to her former glory with the addition of all the latest technology and equipment.

Chartering luxury megayacht Christina O is a spectacular opportunity for those who desire a cruising holiday with the utmost of style and comfort. Christina O’s capacious deck can host up to 250 guests beneath extensive canopies, perfect for a special occasion or one-off corporate incentive. Retaining a dazzling atmosphere of opulence, many photographs and original items from her early days when her guests and cruising destinations were regularly reported in the news.

Christina O boasts eighteen exquisite en-suite cabins, fourteen of which can be configured for either double or twin beds and 10 of which lie forward on the main deck while the remaining eight are housed aft on the cabin deck. The cabins all have an en-suite shower room and are connected by an elegant marble-railed spiral staircase that covers three decks. The Onassis suite is situated on the bridge deck and holds a spacious bathroom with Jacuzzi tub and a private en-suite lounge. The intricate detailing throughout this incredible yacht, from its excess of precious inlay and Baccarat wall lights, is sure to astound.

Other amenities onboard Christina O includes the following: the Galaxy Bar and extensive sunbathing decks on the Compass deck, show lounge, library, massage and beauty salon, children’s playroom, fitness centre, sports lounge and large Jacuzzi on the Promenade deck, ‘Rendezvous’ music lounge, impressive interior dining room, Ari’s Bar, Lapis Lounge and the famous swimming pool whose floor is a replication of the ancient mosaic of Knossos and converts to a dance floor located on the Main deck.

Christina O is available for charter in the Mediterranean for the summer season and the Caribbean and Bahamas during the winter season.

• Yacht Builder Canadian Vickers No profile available
• Exterior Designer Caesar Pinnau No profile available
• Interior Designer Apostolos Molindris & Associates No profile available

Yacht Specs

Other canadian vickers yacht, related news.

How Aristotle Onassis Designed the World's First Superyacht

Before the Christina O , the superyacht as we know it wasn’t a thing.

But in 1954, shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis happened upon a slender, elegantly shaped anti-submarine frigate that had served at the D-Day landings, and paid its scrap value of $34,000. What happened next was typical of the Golden Greek: Naming the boat after his daughter, he spent almost $4 million creating the original floating pleasure palace, adding revolutionary touches like a helipad and the mosaic-tiled bottom of the seawater pool that would rise to become a dance floor at the touch of a button.

Soon Frank Sinatra was playing the Steinway or flirting with Marilyn Monroe on barstools made of whale foreskins at Ari’s Bar—where Winston Churchill is said to have thought that a young John F. Kennedy was a waiter when they first met in the mid-1950s. For all that went down on the 325-foot Christina O, the ship itself was influential, providing a blueprint for both design and hedonism to a generation of superyachts, especially those of fledgling boat designer Jon Bannenberg, whose interior design of Talitha G for the Getty family owed a debt to this original. After Onassis’s death, in 1975, Christina Onassis (shown above, at age 3, on board) donated her namesake to the Greek government, and the ship was allowed to decay until a 2001 overhaul, followed by another restoration 15 years later. Now it’s available to rent—if only those Spanish-galleon-timber walls could talk.

The Christina O can be chartered for $624,500 a week through Morley Yachts .

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Christina O

• 99.13m | Canadian Vickers | 1943 (2020)
• captain & crew
• chef & cuisine
• specifications
• testimonials

An iconic vessel on which Maria Callas sang and Winston Churchill engaged in heated political debate with Aristotle Onassis. A place where John F Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, Jackie Onassis, Margot Fonteyn, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, amongst other giants from the worlds of royalty, Hollywood and politics, could kick back and enjoy the romance and legendary hospitality synonymous with Christina O. The wedding reception of Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly was held on board and the supermodel Heidi Klum recently married her beau on the yacht.

However, to fully understand the incredible history of this magnificent 99.13m superyacht, you need to travel back almost a century to her humbler, yet nonetheless impressive, beginnings.

Built in 1943 by Canadian Vickers, this one-time frigate, originally known as Stormont, played an active part in the Second World War, including participation in the D Day landings and escorting convoys of ships providing defence. In late 1944, she reportedly spend a record 63 days at sea – the longest active period of any frigate during the war.

However post-war she had the good fortune to be acquired by Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, who decided to invest in rebuilding and renovating her, completing an amazing metamorphosis from illustrious war vessel to one of the world’s most famous and celebrated superyachts.  

Named after his daughter, Christina O – then called Christina - became a favoured destination for world leaders, movie stars and the business elite during the 1950s and 60s - an invitation on board was regarded as the pinnacle of arriving in society. Today’s guests can luxuriate in the knowledge that they are also experiencing that same sense of old-world charm and sophistication combined with seven star service in a stylish and classic environment unlike any other.

She has been consistently upgraded in the intervening years to offer every aspect of 21st century luxury and technology which sits perfectly alongside original features like the impressive circular staircase and vintage handrails.  

One of many features setting Christina O apart from other superyachts is her immense deck space. The outdoor bar and jacuzzi deck combined with the famous swimming pool deck and compass deck provide an extensive space that is hard to equal, as comfortable for 20 guests as for a cocktail party at anchor or a day cruise for 157.

Among her most astounding wow factors is the 1.6m deep mosaic swimming pool installed in the 1950s which can be raised for both aesthetics and safety when the water is removed. Guests often like to use this space as a dancefloor for parties under the stars and is a spot where many great memories have been made.

In addition to her impressive exterior spaces, Christina O offers 17 beautifully appointed cabins sleeping 34 guests - the Onassis Suite has a stunning fireplace with a Renoir hanging above it - and all other cabins are named after Greek islands. She also boasts an array of stylish reception rooms in which to relax and be transported back to another time.

The Jackie O Lapis Lounge is filled with rare books and this grand, yet cosy wood-panelled salon features an extraordinary lapis-lazuli fireplace made from this most sought-after stone, which is reputed to enhance the memory.

Ari’s Bar, meanwhile, is probably the most famous and iconic room on board. With a bar crafted from the wood of an ancient Spanish galleon, it is decorated with atmospheric black and white portraits of previous guests including John Wayne, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. It was the setting for numerous great historical meetings of minds, notably the first encounter between John F Kennedy and Winston Churchill, who made an incredible nine voyages on the yacht.

The Maria Callas Lounge is dedicated to Ari’s grand amour of opera, whose exquisite recorded arias still drift around the lounge. A grand Steinway piano is available for guests to play and a remote-controlled projector descends to show movies while the Sir Winston Churchill Library offers peace and tranquillity for guests looking for respite from the sun and a little solitude.

And then there is the cuisine. A team of six chefs from as far afield as Argentina and Japan is headed up by French Executive Chef Damien Perrinel, whose Michelin-star experience in some of France’s finest restaurants means that guests can enjoy a hedonistic dining experience every day, sampling divine dishes from every corner of the planet either on deck or in the elegant dining room, the centrepiece of which is a long table which can seat 28 guests.

With wellness a key factor for many, Christina O also boasts a spa with two full- tim e therapists which is open all day long for no extra charge during charters, offering a variety of luxury spa treatments.  

The water sports department also delivers at the highest level of excellence; instructors can award RYA jet-ski licenses to guests while on board and coach them in having fun safely on the three SeaDoo waverunners in line with local regulations. Additionally, Christina O is served by two beautifully restored hacker craft tenders.

Indeed, with a crew of around 40 and a staff to guest ratio of at least 1:1, you can be confident that your every need or desire will be met.

“The sense of pride when you charter Christina O is palpable,” says charter broker Tim Morley. “When people come on board Christina O they genuinely have an emotional reaction. It is unlike any other yacht. You feel the spirit of the yacht. People love it and it affects almost everybody in this way, young and old.”

Operations manager Florin Belciug has worked on board for 12 years and agrees that Christina O offers a unique experience to charter guests. “She has a classic history and charisma that most boats just don’t have. Many charter clients choose her for this reason. The Americans love the fact that Jackie Onassis and JFK spent time on the yacht. They are impressed from the moment they step on board.”

Christina O is stable, cruising fast with her relatively new engines up to a top speed of 19 knots and, with sufficient officers to allow the yacht to sail from one anchorage to another overnight, every night, guests can enjoy a full day at a new anchorage from daybreak.  

Charters can cover significant distances; during one charter in 2019, Christina O departed from Venice to cruise down the coasts of Croatia and Montenegro and through the bay of Kotor before heading across to Sicily and the Lipari Islands, and then north to Capri and Amalfi, finishing in Naples.

She is also one of very few yachts legally allowed to charter in Greece with a non-Greek flag thanks to possession of a Greek charter license.

Even for those guests who are well versed in chartering, Christina O is guaranteed to eclipse any past experience, setting the bar on superyacht style and luxury at the highest level of excellence.

Images: Stef Bravin

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Jackie and Aristotle Onassis's Former Yacht Is Available to Rent

The luxury ship was frequented by the likes of Winston Churchill and Marilyn Monroe.

Charter company Morley Yachts has made the ship available to charter , for a mere €740,000 a week ($814,133) during the high season. The Christina O's luxurious offerings include a main suite, 17 guest cabins with ensuite showers, a dining room for up to 40 guests, a swimming pool that converts to a dance floor, and more.

The boat's allure has been well-documented, having lured the likes of Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and more onboard. Actor Richard Burton once had a telling conversation about the yacht's power, per the Telegraph . "I don’t think there is a man or woman on earth who would not be seduced by the pure narcissism shamelessly flaunted on this boat," Burton said, to which Aristotle replied, "I have found that to be so."

When he described the Christina O himself, Aristotle tended to be blunt. "Madame," he would often tell women aboard, "You are sitting on the largest penis in the world."

The boat also hosted Jackie 's wedding to Aristotle in 1968, after which she'd be a frequent guest aboard the Christina O, until they divorced in 1975.

Recently, Christina O featured in the Triangle of Sadness , Ruben Östlund's Best Picture nominated film, and in The Crown season five , recreating Princess Diana and Prince Charles's 1991 trip to Italy .

The Christina O was acquired by new owners in 2023. "When people come on board Christina O they typically have an emotional reaction," Tim Morley, who runs Morley Yachts, told Robb Report . "People love it—and it affects almost everybody in this way, young and old."

Chloe is a News Writer for Townandcountrymag.com , where she covers royal news, from the latest additions to Meghan Markle’s staff to Queen Elizabeth’s monochrome fashions ; she also writes about culture, often dissecting TV shows like The Marvelous Mrs Maisel and Killing Eve .

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You Can Now Rent Jackie and Aristotle Onassis’s Former Yacht for $90,000 a Day

The greek shipping magnate's legendary yacht, which once hosted a-list stars, is now available to charter., max berlinger, max berlinger's most recent stories.

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In 1954, Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis bought a Canadian convoy escort and spent $4 million refurbishing it to his specifications, transforming it into a luxurious vessel fit for a man who made his fortune as the owner of fleets of ships. The yacht, christened the Christina O after his daughter, was a floating palace. Indeed, during the decades that he owned it, the ship became his de facto residence, headquarters, and vacation home, until his death in 1975.

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The ship was donated by his daughter (now deceased) to the Greek government in 1978 and acquired by a family friend in 1998 who then restored it (additional updates were made in 2015 and 2018). Today, the yacht and a slice of history and glamor that can be yours for the taking—or, more accurately, the renting—for a little under $100,000 a day.

The Christina O at sea.  Stef Bravin

Valef Yachts is now offering up charters of the luxurious vessel that hosted Jacqueline Kennedy, later to become Onassis’s wife, and a roster of glittering, high-profile A-listers like Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, and Princess Grace of Monaco. A one-night charter on the yacht will cost you €80,000 (or around $90,000) except during the high season (July and August) when that number jumps up to €90,000 (or $101,000).

Aristotle Onassis hosting guests, including Jacqueline Kennedy, on his yacht.  Uncredited/AP/Shutterstock

Of course for that price, this is one supremely luxurious cruise that comes equipped with everything you could imagine and a few things you can’t. The ship itself has been thoughtfully restored, and can accommodate up to 34 people in 17 cabins (but can host 250 for a party or event). It comes with a crew 38 strong, and it features a salt water swimming pool, jacuzzi, library, a fitness lounge (with therapists included), two massage rooms and a beauty parlor, a dance floor, a central atrium, and a bar.

Of course, as one astute legend pointed out, the yacht’s vast amenities were not even its most intoxicating quality:

“I don’t think there is a man or woman on earth who would not be seduced by the pure narcissism shamelessly flaunted on this boat,” Richard Burton famously said. “I have found that to be so.”

Now it’s your turn. 

Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor on the Christina O. in 1975.  Harry Fox/Shutterstock

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