Skip to headerSkip to main contentSkip to footer
The Week Logo

All you need to know about everything that matters.

Start your free trialSubscribe to TheWeek. Start your free trial
Subscribe
Try 6 Free Issues
Start your free trialSubscribe to TheWeek. Start your free trial
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Arts & Life
  • Podcasts
  • Daily Briefing
  • Newsletters
  • Home
  • Arts & Life
  • Design & Architecture
The wish list

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 

by The Week team
4 Feb 2021

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. 

  • Yacht buying guide: all you need to know when purchasing a superyacht
  • Review: Lamborghini takes to the seas

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

Christina O superyacht

© Stef Bravin

‘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”.

Christina O superyacht

© Stef Bravin

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.

Christina O superyacht

© Stef Bravin

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.

Christina O superyacht

© Stef Bravin

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”.

Christina O superyacht

© James McNaught

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.

Christina O superyacht

© Stef Bravin

The decks

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.

Christina O superyacht

© Stef Bravin

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. 

Christina O superyacht

© Stef Bravin

Spiral staircase

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

Recommended

Sleep in style: new hotels and places to stay
Nomad London © Sydell Group
The wish list

Sleep in style: new hotels and places to stay

The Scarlet: a perfect tonic for tough times
The Scarlet hotel in Cornwall
The big trip

The Scarlet: a perfect tonic for tough times

Craufurdland Castle: a hidden treasure in rural Scotland
Craufurdland Castle
The big trip

Craufurdland Castle: a hidden treasure in rural Scotland

Five most-viewed overseas homes of 2021 so far
400 South Mashta Drive, Key Biscayne, Florida, USA (Rightmove)
The wish list

Five most-viewed overseas homes of 2021 so far

Luxury travel bucket list: dream holidays and destinations
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi - The Private Island
The wish list

Luxury travel bucket list: dream holidays and destinations

Look up and learn: ten of England’s most unnoticed historical sites
The Peel Building carvings © Martin Henderson / Art UK
In Focus

Look up and learn: ten of England’s most unnoticed historical sites

Best properties: houses in need of renovation
Southcott House, Weare Giffard, Bideford, Devon
The wish list

Best properties: houses in need of renovation

Best wellness retreats for a post-lockdown break
Sharpham House walking © Sharpham House
The big trip

Best wellness retreats for a post-lockdown break

Popular articles

Ten Things You Need to Know Today: 26 Feb 2021
10 Downing Street
Daily Briefing

Ten Things You Need to Know Today: 26 Feb 2021

Best TV crime dramas to watch in 2021
Line of Duty series six returns to BBC One in 2021
In Depth

Best TV crime dramas to watch in 2021

Budget predictions: what will Rishi Sunak announce?
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak poses with the Budget Box outside 11 Downing Street
Why we’re talking about . . .

Budget predictions: what will Rishi Sunak announce?

Skip to headerSkip to main contentSkip to footer
Popular searches
  • COVID VACCINE
  • GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCEMENT TODAY
  • RICHEST MAN IN THE WORLD
  • BUDGET 2021
  • TODAY'S PAPERS
  • ITV DRAMA
  • HOW MANY VACCINATED IN UK
  • LOCKDOWN TIMELINE UK
  • RISHI SUNAK STAMP DUTY HOLIDAY EXTENSION
  • NICOLA STURGEON
  • NEW FILMS 2021
  • DJOKOVIC GRAND SLAMS
  • BANQUIST
  • LONDON HOUSE PRICES
  • BRITISH EMPIRE
  • WHEN WAS THE BLACK DEATH
  • THE WEEK
  • HALAL
  • DOWNING STREET BRIEFING TODAY
  • QUIZ
  • PURIM
  • COST OF COVID VACCINE
  • WHEN CAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS GO BACK
  • CULTURAL APPROPRIATION
  • OPERATION LONDON BRIDGE
  • BRENDAN DASSEY
  • SURREY
  • SAFEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD
  • FREE MASONS
  • JANSSEN VACCINE
  • HOW TO STOP SMOKING
  • KAABA
  • MESSI VS RONALDO
  • WORST PLACES TO LIVE IN UK
  • HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A PASSPORT?
  • ROSWELL
  • IS CBD OIL LEGAL?
  • LOCKDOWN TIMELINE
  • MALAYSIA FLIGHT 370
  • POUND COIN
  • HOW MUCH DOES A PROVISIONAL LICENCE COST
  • 5 POUND NOTE
  • BENEFITS OF BREXIT
  • BIASED BBC
  • FROGMORE COTTAGE
  • WHEN DOES THE FOOTBALL SEASON END
  • BULLINGDON CLUB
  • WHEN WAS GAY MARRIAGE LEGALIZED IN UK
  • £10 NOTE
  • BEST CONSPIRACY THEORIES
Dennis Logo
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Authors
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Kiplinger
  • MoneyWeek
  • The Week US
  • Privacy Preferences

Discover The WeekDay

A twice-daily digest of the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from our website

Copyright © Dennis Publishing Limited 2021. All rights reserved.
The Week™ is a registered trade mark.

Follow us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterConnect on LinkedIn