top of page

Christina O: The Incredible Story of the World’s Most Famous Superyacht

  • Writer: adarayachts
    adarayachts
  • 6 hours ago
  • 2 min read

The Christina O yacht is not just a luxury ship; it is a floating piece of 20th century history. From a World War II frigate to the private sanctuary of Aristotle Onassis, this vessel has hosted icons like Winston Churchill, Maria Callas, and Jackie Kennedy.

In this guide, we explore the legendary history, the scandalous luxury details, and the famous movies filmed on board the Christina O.


Christina o Yacht

1. From Warship to Icon: The History of HMCS Stormont

Before it was a symbol of the Dolce Vita, the Christina O yacht was the HMCS Stormont, a Canadian River-class frigate launched in 1943 to escort North Atlantic convoys.

In 1954, Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis purchased the ship for just $34,000 (scrap value). He invested over $4 million—an astronomical sum at the time—to transform it into the first true "superyacht" in history, naming it after his daughter, Christina.


Christina O warship

2. Iconic Luxury: The Whale Skin Bar and the Mosaic Pool of the Christina O yacht

The interior design of the Christina O yacht set a standard for opulence that remains legendary. Two features, in particular, continue to fascinate the public:

  • Ari’s Bar: The bar stools are famously upholstered in whale foreskin leather. Onassis famously used this provocative detail to break the ice with high-society guests.

  • The Knossos Pool: Inspired by Minoan art, the swimming pool floor features a complex mosaic. At the touch of a button, the floor rises to become a dance floor.

  • The Onassis Suite: A master cabin that has hosted more world leaders than many presidential palaces.


Christina O swimming pool

3. A Guest List of Legends: Churchill, Callas, and Kennedy

The Christina O yacht was the epicenter of global power and glamour. Notable guests included:

  • Winston Churchill & Franklin D. Roosevelt: The yacht served as a backdrop for high-level political relaxation.

  • The Maria Callas Scandal: Much of the tragic romance between the opera diva and Onassis took place on these decks.

  • The Kennedy Wedding: In 1968, the wedding reception of Jackie Kennedy and Onassis was held on board.

  • Hollywood Stars: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and Grace Kelly were frequent visitors.


Christina O yacht Maria callas

4. The Christina O in Movies and TV

The yacht’s timeless silhouette makes it a favorite for directors looking for "old money" aesthetics.

Triangle of Sadness (2022)

The Christina O yacht is the primary setting for Ruben Östlund’s Oscar-nominated film. The movie uses the yacht’s opulence to satirize the lives of the ultra-rich, making the mosaic pool a central element of the plot.

The Crown (Netflix)

In Season 5 of The Crown, the yacht "plays itself" during the episodes depicting Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s 1991 Italian holiday.

Onassis Biopics

From documentaries to feature films like The Greek Tycoon (1978), the ship is an essential character in any story about the Onassis dynasty.


5. Can You Rent the Christina O Today?

After a massive $50 million restoration in 1998 by John Paul Papanicolaou, the yacht is now available for private charter.

  • Capacity: 34 guests in 17 cabins.

  • Price: Weekly rates typically start at €700,000, depending on the season.

  • Key Features: It still houses Maria Callas’s original Steinway piano and many Onassis family heirlooms.



Christina O yacht

Comments

bottom of page