The most famous member of maritime aristocracy: Onassis’ Christina O anchored in Šibenik harbour

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Christina O in front of Šibenik / source Cruiseclipping.hr Author Zagorka Stančić

With a view of Šibenik, one of the most famous yachts in the world, Christina O, is anchored in the harbor.

This summer, the Adriatic is graced by maritime beauties, and one of them—perhaps the most unique, with an extraordinary pedigree—has docked in the port of Šibenik.
The Christina O yacht, synonymous with glamour, luxury, and maritime aristocracy, once belonged to the Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis, and today is the most popular luxury charter yacht, with rental prices ranging from €620,000 to €700,000 depending on the season.

The elegant, 99-meter yacht, originally built in 1942, was initially used as a warship during World War II and even participated in the Allied landings in Normandy. After the war, it was purchased by Greek shipping billionaire Onassis for $34,000, who invested $4 million to transform it into one of the most luxurious yachts in the world. He named it after his only daughter, Christina.

Christina O in front of Šibenik / source Cruiseclipping.hr Author Zagorka Stančić

Onassis epitomized the concept of yachting elite, and with the reputation of a true jet-setter, he hosted some of the most glamorous people of the 20th century on his luxury yacht—stars from the world of film, music, fashion, politics, and aristocratic families. Maria Callas, Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, John F. Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Winston Churchill, Grace Kelly, and Prince Rainier III were just a few of the notable guests. In 1968, he famously married the most iconic widow of the time, Jackie Bouvier Kennedy, on board his yacht.

After Aristotle Onassis’s death, the yacht was inherited by his daughter, Christina, after whom the ship is named. In 1975, she donated the yacht to the Greek government, which converted it into a presidential yacht.

The yacht was saved from ruin in 1998 by a friend of the Onassis family, Greek shipowner Papanicolaou, who invested $50 million to turn Christina O into an ultra-modern luxury charter yacht, which is now cared for by a crew of 38.

The yacht features 17 spacious cabins, and for the ultimate guest experience, it offers amenities like a gym, cinema, heliport, jacuzzi, and one of the most impressive swimming pools that transforms into a dance floor.

Who is currently cruising the Adriatic on this yacht remains a mystery, but we’re sure they are enjoying it. Meanwhile, we are left with the image of the maritime princess anchored in Šibenik harbor, surrounded by the glamour of the 20th century.

Christina O in front of Šibenik / source Cruiseclipping.hr Author Zagorka Stančić
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