How Aristotle Onassis Designed the World's First Superyacht

Cond Nast Traveler Magazine July 2019 Insider

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 .

what happened to onassis yacht christina

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Video – grace line mid-century west indies cruise ss santa rosa, aristotle onassis, jackie kennedy, sir winston churchill, maria callas and the fabulous christina o – the greatest yacht of them all..

Posted by: Michael Grace November 22, 2010

SOCIAL HISTORY: CHRISTINA O – the greatest yacht of them all.  Aristotle Onassis, Jackie Kennedy, Sir Winston Churchill, Maria Callas and the fabulous boat.  The famous yacht heads up the Hudson River – 1960s…

In 1954 Aristotle Socrates Onassis created the greatest yacht of all, Christina.

Named after his beloved daughter, she was a sleek, 325-foot, shimmering-white masterpiece proudly displaying the Onassis signature, the yellow funnel.

(Above: Aristotle Onassis and Churchill in the yacht’s swimming pool. It doubled as a dance floor – Onassis’ party trick was to flood it while people were still dancing.)

While the ship had begun life in 1943 as the Canadian naval frigate Stormont, a convoy escort, Onassis purchased her in 1948 for just $34,000 and converted her during the early 1950’s into the most sumptuous private yacht that the world had ever seen, at the cost of more than $4 million.

(Above: CHRISTINA O’s canopied decks are the ideal venue for any extra special occasion – 1950s. ) When Onassis bought the yacht in 1954, he converted the yacht at an expense of over $4 million, into the largest, most modern and most exalted yacht of her era. CHRISTINA O became his floating mansion and headquarters for over two decades until his death in 1975. Onassis’ guests on board the yacht were some of the most famous and influential people of the time. At night, CHRISTINA O served as the stage for Onassis’ celebrated social life, as he played host to Presidents and Prime Ministers, royalty and film stars.

(Above: Elizabeth Taylor and Aristotle S. Onassis aboard the yacht.) CHRISTINA O’s fame owes itself to names such as Maria Callas, The Begum of Aga Kahn, John Paul Getty, John D Rockefeller, Eva Peron, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Rudolf Nureyev, John Wayne, Greta Garbo and Dame Margot Fonteyn.

John F Kennedy and Sir Winston Churchill first met as guests of Aristotle Onassis on board CHRISTINA O and two of the century’s most celebrated wedding receptions were held on CHRISTINA O; Prince Rainier to Princess Grace, and Onassis to Jackie Kennedy.

what happened to onassis yacht christina

(Above: Churchill with the ‘terribly irritating’ opera singer Maria Callas on her lover Aristotle Onassis’ yacht, Christina, in 1959)

Churchill was a frequent guest and he didn’t care for the diva Maria Callas.

(Above: Mrs. Aristotle S. Onassis (L), formerly Jacqueline Kennedy, greeting guests on her husband’s yacht ‘Christina O’ during their wedding reception.)

Whether he was in Monaco or at Skorpios, his private Greek island, Onassis’ real home was Christina. His first wife, shipping heiress Tina Livanos, said, “The yacht is his real passion. He is like a housewife fussing over it, constantly looking to see that everything is impeccable.” Impeccable indeed—a crew member once explained, “You could smash up a $20,000 speedboat into pieces and not a word would be said, but spit on the Christina’s deck, and you were out of a job.”

At the time of Onassis’ death in 1975, the ship was turned over to his daughter and only heir, Christina. She donated the vessel to the Greek government for use as the presidential yacht in 1978. Sadly, the Argo (as the Greek government renamed her) was little used and eventually fell into despair.

All was not lost, however. In 1998 John Paul Papanicolaou, a Greek national in the shipping business and an old friend of the Onassis family who had cruised aboard the yacht as a child, secured the yacht at a new government-sponsored auction. He made it his goal to rebuild Christina in a way that would have awed Onassis himself, renaming her Christina O as a tribute.

The elegant yacht.

Proudly embarking on the most extensive refit project ever launched, and using his considerable knowledge and shipping background, Papanicolaou assembled a gifted team of experts. Naval architect Costas Carabelas spearheaded the group. Interior architecture and construction were done by Apostolos Molindris and Decon, respectively. The refit work was executed by Viktor Lenac, a Croatian shipyard.

A major priority was enhancing the physical integrity of the yacht and re-powering her. Upgrading systems and reconfiguring her interior were also key. The initial survey showed that 65 tons of steel in the hull needed to be replaced. When she was put in dry dock, it actually turned out to be 560 tons. Fifty-six miles of new wiring and 140 tons of pipe work were replaced. This large task, along with the refurbishment and redecoration of gathering spaces, was stunningly accomplished in only 16 months, with more than 1.2 million man-hours and at a cost of more than $50 million. Now she was ready for charter and cruises for an exclusive worldwide clientele.

The dining salon.

On the technical front, to improve her efficiency, the original 1943 steam engines and boilers were removed. Two new MAN diesel engines and three MAN gensets were installed. She now has a cruising speed of 18 knots and a top speed of 22—not bad, considering Onassis cruised at 14 knots and could rev her up to 24.

This change opened up a cavernous space in the middle of the yacht the size of a three-story New York brownstone. New accommodations were added. The middle deck now houses a banquet-size, split-level, formal dining room that seats up to 40 guests. Its Baccarat wall lamps are original. As with Onassis, only the best is available: The porcelain service is by Bernardaud of Limoges, Waterford crystal by Rochas, and silverware by Ercuis and St. Hilaire of Paris.

(Left: Jackie Kennedy with her children; going shore the day before her wedding to Onassis.)

Alongside the dining hall is a raised music room with grand piano and a pair of conversation areas. It contains a collection of Maria Callas memorabilia, including the only Gold Record that was ever awarded to her. On the main deck there is a new gym, and for guests in need of a bit more pampering, there is a new massage room and beauty salon. The Italian master Renzo Romagnoli created the new Sports Lounge, featuring Onassis’ original sextant wall lamps and gaming tables with large, comfortable seating. New guest and service elevators were installed for efficient circulation onboard.

Much of the splendor Onassis created has been retained. Spanning her massive stern is the open pool deck where opera diva Maria Callas loved to relax during her tumultuous relationship with Onassis. Its centerpiece is the bronze-bordered pool inlaid with mosaic frescos of ancient Crete. To the delight of the guests, at the push of a button, the bottom raises to the deck level, becoming an instant dance floor. The area has been freshened with glistening varnished handrails and treatments over rich teak decks.

(Above: Ari’s Bar – bar seats covered with the foreskin of a whale!)

“Ari’s Bar,” undoubtedly the most famous spot on the yacht, has been retained. This is where Onassis presented the young John F. Kennedy to Sir Winston Churchill, who was a frequent guest throughout his retirement. Covered by a glass top over a lighted replica of the sea, it has tiny models that display the development of ships and shipping throughout history. On the wall is the original map that showed the daily position of the Onassis fleet. The circular bar was adorned with footrests and handholds of ornately carved and polished whales’ teeth collected by Onassis’ whalers. The stools were covered with the foreskin of a whale, which led to Onassis’ favorite ditty, “Excuse me, Madame, did you know you are sitting on the world’s largest….!” The stools have been recovered in fine leather.

The elegant yacht today.

Aft, the Lapis Lounge remains a central gathering point. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton loved to relax in the sitting room in front of the fireplace, whose mantle was covered in deep-blue lapis lazuli. Its oak and iroko paneling is living with original works of Renoir, Le Corbusier, and de Chirico. Forward on the same deck, past the central atrium and spiral staircase, the original guest staterooms, which Marilyn Monroe, Eva Peron, Greta Garbo, and John Wayne once occupied, have been reconfigured. With Jesurum of Venice, America’s JR Scott, and the UK’s house of Mulberry, the renowned Italian house of Imart oversaw the redesign. Each air-conditioned and soundproofed suite now has a large seating area, bureau, walk-in closet, twin or double beds, and large portholes. The original bathing salons have been replaced with luxurious en-suite marble bathrooms with showers. Each suite is equipped with a full entertainment system with TV, DVD, and CD players. In addition, on the lower aft deck, eight elegant new staterooms have been fitted out, offering the same style and elegance of the original suites.

Outside and aft, the original boat deck has been converted into a spacious “Jacuzzi deck,” complete with alfresco dining facilities, a large circular bar, and a raised sun terrace with spa pool and teak chaise lounges. Farther aft, the plane deck, where Onassis kept his seaplane, is now a helipad.

The main lounge and library.

On the upper deck, Onassis’ private apartment has been refurbished. The sitting room, with its original onyx fireplace, has library shelves, beamed ceiling, and classic armchairs and sofas. It opens to the master bedroom, fitted with a king-size bed, original Baccarat crystal fixtures, brass-framed windows, and delicate linens from Venice. There is also a new en suite Penteli marble bathroom. Forward, there are new captain’s quarters behind the bridge.

Topping the yacht, the huge sundeck is now fitted out with teak sun lounges and a wet bar. On the bow are two specially designed RIBs and PWC, plus a service crane. Aft on the bridge deck are two glistening Hacker tenders and two lifeboats.

Christina O lives up to her legendary past in modern splendor. Somehow, one can’t help but wonder if there is a smile in the heavens from “an old Greek sailor,” satisfied that his legend lives…

(Photos courtesy the JFK Libary)

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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
99 meters (325ft)
34
39
Canadian Vickers
Caesar Pinnau
Apostolos Molindris & Associates
1943
20 knots
1,802 ton
US $40 million
US$ 4 million

christina o yacht front 2

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.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is christina-o-yacht-evening-view-1024x1024.jpg

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 side image

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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CHRISTINA O review

Spotlight On  CHRISTINA O

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By Rebecca Bradbury | 15th Mar 2017

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.

Starting life in 1943 as a surplus Canadian war frigate, Christina O was bought in 1954 by Onassis who, as one of the richest and most famous men in the world, spent a huge sum of money transforming her into a pleasure palace for him, his family and an array of illustrious guests.

During the late 1950s, Onassis effectively established the jetset lifestyle. Under the gaze of the world’s media, the self-made magnate received a VIP list of guests aboard  superyacht ‘Christina O’ , ranging from politicians, businessmen and bankers to Hollywood movie stars such as Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. 

Thus, the setting for many an iconic moment in history,  this  motor yacht  was where Winston Churchill first met John F. Kennedy, where the tumultuous affair between Onassis and opera star Maria Callas began, and where Onassis married former first lady Jackie Kennedy.

CHRISTINA O photo 14

But, after Onassis' death in 1975, the yacht sadly entered a period of slow deterioration. Help was eventually at hand, however, and in 1999 a friend of the family, John Paul Papanicolaou, who remembered the yacht's former glory, undertook the extensive, two-year project of faithfully restoring the superyacht.

In 2001, she emerged from the shipyard as the yacht she is today. Available for charter, she now offers the unique chance to experience the opulence of the Onassis era with the amenities expected from a modern-day superyacht.

What's more, she is one of the rare charter yachts capable of sleeping up to 36 guests while cruising on a luxury yacht charter and she can also host up to 157 guests at harbour-side events and celebrations.

CHRISTINA O photo 8

Much care and effort went into restoring the important artefacts within her interior, and one such example can be seen in the Lapis Lounge.

Welcoming guests aboard on the main deck aft, the salon is named after its original, dazzling blue lapis lazuli fireplace which has been faithfully reconstructed.

With oak and iroko panelling, book-lined shelves and sumptuous pale-coloured settees, the overall look of the salon is reminiscent of an old English country manor.

Yet teak floorboards serve as a reminder of being at sea, and artworks by Renoir, Le Corbusier and de Chirico add to the grandeur of the setting.

Ari’s Bar is christened in tribute to Aristotle himself as this was one of his favourite places in which to enjoy a drink

CHRISTINA O photo 19

A door to starboard opens forward, from the Lapis Lounge into the teak-lined Ari’s bar, christened in tribute to Aristotle himself as this was one of his favourite places on board in which to enjoy a drink and socialise with his guests.

A small and cosy place to relax, the room focuses on the original rope-covered bar, which is reputedly made from the timbers of an old Spanish galleon. A huge map of the wall lines the wall, while housed in the glass-topped bar are models depicting Christina O through the ages.

Whale’s teeth form handles around the bar’s edge, acting as a grip to keep one’s seat on the bar stools in rough weather. Historically famous, these original stools are made from the leather of a whale’s foreskin and continue to be a conversation starter on today's charters.

CHRISTINA O photo 1

During her recent transformation, Christina O’s old central steam engines, which extended upwards through three decks, were replaced with smaller diesels. This change means space once taken up by one of these regions now serves as a large dining salon.

Located forward of Ari’s bar, the salon centres on a long, 24-seater table reflected in a backlit glass panel on the ceiling. To port, a raised plinth hosts four smaller tables for a more intimate dining experience, while pillars and a shiny marble floor further enhance the splendour.

To starboard, glazed panelling partially divides the salon from a music lounge. Fitted out with a grand piano and a collection of Maria Callas memorabilia, the room is one of four guest lounges on board and is a light and airy escape thanks to large windows and a light colour palette.

CHRISTINA O photo 15

Exiting the salon forward, the corridor opens out into a breathtaking atrium, with a majestic staircase and brass and onyx handrail that spirals upwards. Best taken in from above, there is a spectacular mosaic on the floor depicting Onassis' Omega emblem.

CHRISTINA O photo 4

The staircase gently ascends to the promenade deck above, where an oval-shaped, oak-panelled library is located forward off the lobby. Features include green upholstered seating, an extensive collection of books and double doors that open into the spacious Maria Callas Lounge.

The oak panelling continues and Giorgetti sofas create three sumptuous seating areas, but the main focus is on a raised plinth forward, which can be used as a stage for live music. A drop-down screen and state-of-the-art surround sound system means movie nights can also take place here.

Aft of the central lobby, meanwhile, is the Sports Lounge. Cards and backgammon can be played around three games tables, while a curved glass walls divides the lounge from a children’s play room decorated in a colourful mural.

There is also space here, on the port-side, for a fully-equipped gymnasium. Work out while taking in glorious ocean vistas before indulging in a massage or spa treatment from the on-board therapist in the adjoining beauty salon and treatment room.

Purely the domain of the principal charterer is the expansive and luxurious Onassis Suite

CHRISTINA O photo 16

The bridge deck is also accessed from the central staircase, but this is purely the domain of the principal charterer and the captain as sitting behind the bridge itself is the expansive and luxurious Onassis Suite.

An oak-panelled study, which also serves as a cosy lounge, with the original onyx fireplace provides entry into the sleeping quarters forward. Fine Venetian linen drapes the large bed, the original Baccarat crystal lights line the walls and white Penteli marble glistens in the bathroom.

Ten guest staterooms, meanwhile, span off a long central corridor on the main deck forward, with the remaining eight cabins situated towards the aft end of the lower deck. Those nearer the centre of Christina O are bigger in size, with writing desks and larger walk-in wardrobes.

However, all cabins can serve as either doubles or twins, ensuring an extremely flexible accommodation setup on board, and all boast wall panels, a tranquil pastel colour palette, prints of the Greek islands and marble-lined shower rooms.

CHRISTINA O photo 13

Opportunities for entertainment and relaxation continue onto Christina O’s generous decks. Referred to as the compass deck, her top tier features a line-up of sun loungers, a bar and, of course, fabulous ocean views.

On the deck below, a clear expanse of teak deck forms a versatile space aft of the funnel. Extremely flexible, this space perfectly adapts to whatever occassion charterers have on the agenda.

CHRISTINA O photo 12

Staircases to port and starboard sweep down to the promenade deck, so called as yacht-goers can circulate the whole level.

Well-equipped for hosting large numbers, the deck features a helipad aft, which is looked over by an inviting Jacuzzi. After guests have taken a dip, they can sip cocktails at the large, circular bar before dinner is served at one of the six circular tables.  

There is also space for sun loungers, and the whole setup enables the charter party to unwind and make the most of Christina O's alfresco offerings without interfering with one another.

CHRISTINA O photo 9

The outdoor offering on the main deck aft, meanwhile, very much resembles the setup of Onassis’ day. Here, the famous swimming pool with its mosaic of the Minoan bull and vaulter from the palace at Knossos has been painstakingly recreated.

Another highlight of the pool is that its floor can raise, draining the water to form a dance floor or other area in which to socialise - an innovative asset which the original boasted. The two pictures (above-right) indicate the floor in both positions.

Such a feature was extremely revolutionary in the 1950s and one which is still replicated on superyachts today, reflecting just how groundbreaking Christina O was at the time of her launch.

The area forward of the swimming pool is home to a long, rectangular dining table, lounging options, and bollards and windlasses that appear in iconic images as posing stools for many of Onassis' famous guests.   

Christina O offers the unparalleled opportunity to walk in the footsteps of some of the greatest names of the twentieth century

CHRISTINA O photo 7

There can be no doubt that M/Y Christina O is in a league of her own. Not only does she offer the unparalleled opportunity to walk in the footsteps of some of the greatest names of the twentieth century, she is resplendent in modern facilities and surpasses most other superyachts in terms of accommodating large numbers of guests. 

For further information, please speak to your preferred  charter broker .

Charter Specification

  • Christina O

Builder Canadian Vickers

Interior Designer Apostolos Molindris & Associates

Exterior Designer Caesar Pinnau

Length99.14m / 325'3
Beam11.12m / 36'6
Draft4.24m / 13'11
Gross Tonnage1802 GT
Built| Refit1943 | 2020
Hull MaterialSteel
SuperstructureAluminium
ClassificationABS
Charter Guests34
Cabins17
Crew38
Max Speed19 knots
Cruising Speed14 knots
Fuel Consumption650 LPH
Range 5,000 nm
Range at 10 Knots
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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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The Chiristina O in Villefranche-sur-Mer.

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.

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 On His Yacht, the Christina O.

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.

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

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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.

Jacqueline Kennedy

Aristotle Onassis 's iconic yacht, the "Christina O"—a favorite haunt of midcentury luminaries, including Winston Churchill, John Wayne, and Marilyn Monroe—can now be yours for a week.

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.

jackie kennedy aristotle onassis wedding yacht catherine o

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.

aristotle onassis yacht chrisitina o

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."

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COMMENTS

  1. Christina O

    Christina O is a private motor yacht that once belonged to billionaire Greek shipowner Aristotle Onassis. At 99.13 metres long, it was the 59th largest yacht in the world as of 2022. ... Whilst owned by Onassis, Christina O was also notable for employing a seaplane for use as a supplementary tender. Over the years three different Piaggio P.136s ...

  2. Christina O: what happened to Aristotle Onassis' 99m superyacht?

    Christina O. Twenty-five years ago, one of the world's most famous yachts was restored to its former glory, rescued from a pile of rust. The rebuild smashed records, unearthed some tantalising glimpses into its owner, the late great Aristotle Onassis - and nearly broke naval architect Costas Carabelas. By Daniel Pembrey.

  3. The real story behind the Triangle of Sadness superyacht

    Spending $4 million on a yacht in the years of austerity after the Second World War seemed an act of frivolity by Onassis, but it was shrewd philosophy that underpinned what appeared to be a wasteful extravagance.The Canadian anti-submarine frigate HMCS Stormont, which he bought for its scrap value of $34,000 in 1954, was transformed into Christina O: a pleasure palace that vastly enhanced his ...

  4. Whatever Happened to Aristotle Onassis' Yacht the Christina O?

    The Christina O today. Decades after Onassis' death and after years of being virtually forgotten, the Christina O is back in the limelight once again. The ship is now open to be rented out. Anyone interested in the history (and extreme luxury) of the yacht can actually experience it themselves, although they need to have about $100,000 for a ...

  5. Meet 'Christina O,' an Historic Yacht That Hosted JFK and Churchill

    Christina was also a place where Onassis conducted business, thanks to the network of 42 telephone lines across the boat. John F. Kennedy and Winston Churchill had their first encounter on the yacht.

  6. Life Aboard Onassis' Legendary Yacht 'Christina O'

    The captain of Aristotle Onassis' legendary yacht " Christina O" recently broke his long self-imposed silence, speaking about the celebrities the Greek tycoon once entertained onboard. In an extensive interview with Greek daily Espresso, Giorgos Zacharias spoke about Onassis' kindness to his staff and recalled personalities such as ...

  7. Christina O: Rebirth Of A Legend

    May 8, 2012. While the 1950s and 1960s produced many remarkable personalities, few public figures had the charisma and audacity of the late Aristotle Onassis, the Greek shipping magnate who converted a warship into the yacht Christina, one of the most glamourous private yachts ever built. Inseparable from his ocean-going palace, Onassis lived ...

  8. CHRISTINA O Yacht • Ivor Fitzpatrick $40M Superyacht

    Key Takeaways. • The Christina O yacht, once a WWII anti-submarine frigate, was transformed into a luxurious superyacht by Aristotle Onassis. • Onassis named the yacht in honor of his daughter, Christina. • Current owners Ivor and Susan Fitzpatrick have continued to maintain and refurbish the yacht, ensuring it remains an icon of luxury.

  9. Fact file: five things you didn't know about legendary superyacht

    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 ...

  10. How Aristotle Onassis Designed the Christina O, the World's First

    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 ...

  11. The Statesman, the Magnate, and the Original 'Superyacht'

    Aristotle Onassis' yacht, the Christina. (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images) Written by Andrew Paine Bradbury . With news breaking this spring that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is commissioning a $500 million, 417-ft superyacht—and that it won't even be the largest in the world—it's safe to say we've passed the golden age of yachting and have firmly entered ...

  12. Christina O

    The official video of Christina O, courtesy Morley Yachts, showcases her classic styling.

  13. Aristotle Onassis, Jackie Kennedy, Sir Winston Churchill, Maria Callas

    (Above: Mrs. Aristotle S. Onassis (L), formerly Jacqueline Kennedy, greeting guests on her husband's yacht 'Christina O' during their wedding reception.) Whether he was in Monaco or at Skorpios, his private Greek island, Onassis' real home was Christina. His first wife, shipping heiress Tina Livanos, said, "The yacht is his real passion.

  14. CHRISTINA O Yacht

    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 ...

  15. Spotlight On CHRISTINA O

    CHRISTINA O. 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. Starting life in 1943 as a surplus Canadian war frigate, Christina O was ...

  16. Legendary Onassis Yacht 'Christina O' Graces Mykonos

    The legendary luxurious yacht Christina O once owned by Aristotle Onassis. Credit: yachtcharterfleet. The legendary yacht "Onassis O", once belonging to Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, was spotted in Mykonos over the weekend.. Mykonoslive.tv captured the luxurious private yacht anchored of the main port of the cosmopolitan Greek island which in the 1950's and 1960s hosted a ...

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

    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 ...

  18. Onassis' Legendary Yacht "Christina O" Spotted Off Nafplio, Greece

    The yacht has been a host to several celebrities and influential figures of the 20th century. Credit: Argolikes Eidiseis. Aristotle Onassis' legendary yacht "Christina O", a luxury boat has hosted some of the world's biggest celebrities in the past century, has been spotted on patrol in the Arvanitia gulf of the city of Nafplio. The yacht has been a host to several celebrities and ...

  19. 99m iconic Hollywood motor yacht Christina O newly listed on brokerage

    The iconic 99.1-metre motor yacht Christina O has joined the open market for the first time with Tim Morley of Morley Yachts.. Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Maria Callas, Richard Burton, John Wayne, Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy are some of the names that have walked on her decks or sat at her bar - the latter built from the wood of a sunken Spanish ...

  20. Christina O, The Onassis Yacht

    Christina O was launched in 1943 by Greek shipowner Aristotle Onassis. He spent US$4 million to convert her into a luxurious superyacht renamed after his dau...

  21. Aristotle Onassis' iconic Christina O. at Murdoch European super-yacht

    Named after the late Aristotle's daughter Christina Onassis, the Christina O is one of the world's most iconic super yachts. The presence of the Christina O, with its storied past, added an ...

  22. Classic superyacht Christina O to star in Netflix's The Crown

    The fifth season of hit Netflix TV show The Crown will see a fleet of superyachts appear on screen, with Christina O the latest to join the cast alongside 73 metre Titania and former Royal Yacht Britannia.. Formerly owned by Greek tycoon Aristotle Onassis, the classic 99.15 metre Christina O was first delivered in 1943 before Onassis refurbished her in a $4 million refit under his ownership in ...

  23. Jackie Kennedy & Aristotle Onassis's Yacht, the Christina O, Is

    Jackie and Aristotle Onassis's iconic yacht, the "Christina O"—a favorite haunt of midcentury luminaries, including Winston Churchill, John Wayne, and Marilyn Monroe—can now be yours for a day.