Super Yachts

Classification/Standards
Classed by the American Bureau of Shipping, the yacht fully complies with US Public Health requirements as well as the strict SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations for passenger vessels carrying up to 36 individuals.

Originally built in 1943 as a Canadian convoy escort, the yacht was purchased by shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis in 1954. Onassis spent over $4 million to convert the ship, which he named after his daughter, into the most elegant and advanced private yacht afloat.

The Christina was Onassis' "floating home" from 1954 to 1975.

During that time, the vessel's guest list was the ultimate who's who of dignitaries and Hollywood stars, including such luminaries as Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, King Farouk of Egypt, opera diva Maria Callas and numerous others. John F. Kennedy first met Winston Churchill aboard the yacht and two of the most celebrated wedding receptions of the century were held on her decks - 

Prince Rainier to Grace Kelly and Onassis himself to Jacqueline Kennedy. After Onassis' death in 1975, his daughter Christina donated the yacht to the Greek government.

In 1998, the yacht was bought by John Paul Papanicolaou, an Onassis family friend and shipping industry leader. He began Christina's three-year restoration, involving meticulous research, engineering and craftsmanship. "We're thrilled to reintroduce the fabled "Christina O" in all her original splendor," he says. "Having been a passenger aboard the yacht in my youth, I feel a special pride in bringing her forth to sail into the new millennium. The extent and attention to detail of her restoration would make Onassis proud." Now, after more than a quarter-century, the yacht returns to sail into a new millennium in her original grandeur complemented by today's latest technology.

IN BRIEF:

Launch : Spring / Summer 2001
Destination : The Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas
Refurbishment Cost : Over $50 million

DIMENSIONS & STATISTICS:

As her legendary past blends into the dawning of a new era, "super yacht Christina O" affords a first-time opportunity to experience the extraordinary lifestyle of the Onassis years replete with the modern touches of the 21st century.   At 325 feet in length, the magnificent yacht includes 18 staterooms, all named after Onassis' favorite Greek Islands, and the extraordinary Onassis Suite which is undoubtedly a centerpiece of the yacht.

Carefully restored by an apprentice of the original craftsmen, the inlaid mosaic floor of the swimming pool rises at the push of a button to form a dance floor.  The Lapis Lounge continues to boast the brilliant lapis lazuli fireplace to which it owes its name.

Ari's Bar, where Onassis did much of his entertaining, retains the infamous bar stools covered in whale foreskin, which Onassis used to shock his guests.  An original Renoir graces Christina O's walls and the grand spiral staircase with its onyx and silver handrail encircles the atrium.  In keeping with her former reputation as the most modern yacht at sea, today's state-of-the-art technology and conveniences have been seamlessly integrated with the signature details of the Christina O.

Each stateroom boasts CD and DVD players with surround sound, the finest Venetian linens, and magnificent marble bathrooms.  A fresh air system replaces the interior air approximately once every five minutes.  The yacht now has a spa complex that includes a Jacuzzi with open-air bar, massage room, fitness center, sports lounge and more.  Other amenities of the Christina O include a library, music lounge, show lounge, children's playroom, helicopter pad, beauty parlor and formal dining room.

Beginning in the summer of 2001, "Christina O" returns to reclaim her dominance of the world's yachting scene and will become available for those who want to become a part of her illustrious legacy.

ONASSIS SUITE Comprised of three rooms - a large bedroom, bathroom and study - totaling 678 square feet, the Onassis Suite will provide the ultimate luxury shipboard accommodations with panoramic ocean views. The bedroom features a king-sized bed covered in fine Venetian linens, custom made furniture from Milan and Onassis' original Baccarat crystal wall lights. The wood-paneled study features the original onyx fireplace, leather furniture and handmade Austrian lamps and a writing desk features silver-embossed stationery. In the bathroom, which is complete with double sinks and a bathtub with six-head shower, LeFroy Brooks fittings complement the original rare marble finishes. The Onassis Suite features three large walk-in closets, two surround sound stereo systems with DVD and CD players and televisions.

STATEROOMS

Each stateroom, with dimensions ranging between 150 and 236 square feet, is named after one of the Greek Isles. Stateroom features include a double bed or two twin-sized beds with fine Venetian linens, seating area with antique prints of the Greek Islands, leather-inlaid secretaire, mirrored walk-in closets, surround sound stereo systems with DVD and CD players and views of the sea. Bathrooms feature six-head massage showers.

RECEPTION AREAS
The Christina O, famed for magnificent parties, can host events for up to 100 guests using interior facilities and up to 250 in the canopied deck spaces.

ARI'S BAR Perhaps the most famous spot on board, John F. Kennedy first met Sir Winston Churchill in Ari's Bar in 1957. The intricately detailed bar contains barrels and sea chests hinting of pirate treasure, whaling harpoons and an illustrated wall map of the world. The circular bar itself was originally crafted from the timbers of a Spanish Galleon, wound with heavy sailing rope and is adorned with footrests and handholds of ornately carved whales' teeth. It features a glass top over a lighted relief of the sea, which depicts the development of ships through history with tiny model ships that can be moved around by magnets. The barstools are covered in whale foreskin, a fact that Onassis delighted in telling his guests.

LAPIS LOUNGE This elegant lounge owes its name to the breathtaking lapis lazuli fireplace, which is the focal point of the room where Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor once relaxed. Bookshelves surrounding the fireplace are filled with rare volumes. Fine pieces of art including a Renoir, Le Corbusier and de Chirico line the walls.

SWIMMING POOL / DANCE FLOOR Carefully restored by an apprentice of the original craftsmen, the floor of the bronze-bordered swimming pool is inlaid with an exquisite mosaic copied directly from the Palace of Knossos in Crete. With the push of a button, the bottom of the pool rises above the water to become a dance floor.

ATRIUM A majestic spiral staircase highlighted by an onyx and silver handrail circles the atrium, connecting the three cabin decks. A delicate mural winds up the surrounding wall and a central mosaic with the Christina Yachting emblem adorns the floor.

SPA COMPLEX Encompassing half the Promenade Deck, the spa complex includes a fitness center, massage room, sports lounge and beauty salon as well as the sumptuous Jacuzzi Deck, fitted with a large Jacuzzi, an open air bar and al fresco dining.

MAIN DINING ROOM The dining room can accommodate up to 40 people and features fine hand-finished tables, Venetian lace tablecloths, Waterford glassware, Ercuis silverware and a sunken marble floor.

LIBRARY Filled with books from around the world which are published in several languages, the library provides guests with a place to read some of the rare volumes or work at one of two writing desks.

MUSIC LOUNGE This lounge features a grand piano, Italian furniture by Giorgetti and Maria Callas memorabilia including her sole gold record.

SHOW LOUNGE Equipped with a presentation platform, Giorgetti furniture, and huge bay windows offering panoramic views, the Show Lounge houses video equipment and a stereo system.

CHILDREN'S PLAYROOM This brightly decorated room provides an ideal spot for children to convene and offers a selection of toys for their amusement.

Christina O is a destination unto itself; cruising the fascinating Greek Isles aboard this magnificent yacht is the realization of dreams come true.

Welcome to a journey unlike any other journey you will experience in your lifetime. From the moment of arrival in Italy's "Eternal City" of Rome, an aura of magnificence surrounds you. For more than 2500 years the city has played an intricate role on the stage of world events, from politics to the arts. Accommodations at the Hotel Eden have been reserved from the evening before your arrival to ensure immediate check-in. Surrounded by the green parks of the Ludovisi, Borghese and Malta Villas, the hotel's panoramic view of Rome's landmarks, the Forum, Colosseum, the Vatican and the Spanish Steps, is unsurpassed.

The Voyage

A short flight takes you to the port town of Brindisi, where Aristotle Onassis' private yacht, "Christina O", awaits departure on a fascinating voyage through the Greek Isles. Champagne and caviar mark the beginning of a journey aboard one of the world's most famous yachts, first sailing along Italy's Adriatic coast, through the waters of the Ionian Sea, to the historic island of Corfu. Eight days are spent exploring both well-known and lesser-known Greek islands, where picture postcard images ignite the imagination and stir the soul. Evenings are enjoyed either aboard the legendary yacht, where international cuisine is accompanied by celebrated wine, or you may take a tender ashore - the choice is yours.

The Islands

Corfu offers fertile valleys, complete with citrus and olive groves; enjoy a horse-drawn carriage around the old city, travel to Achilleon Palace, or spend the day relaxing on a secluded beach. View Onassis' private island, Skorpios, en route to the green island of Kefalonia and the charming village of Fiscardo. Journey to the ancient Panhellenic site of Delphi, where the Temple of Apollo and the famous oracle once was found. Explore the fashionable island of Hydra, where cars are banned from its quaint village and donkeys prevail. Milos, home of the Venus de Milo, is the most westerly island of the Cyclades; dazzling white houses are offset by bright-blue church domes, and spectacular beaches frame the sparkling waters of the sea. The approach by sea into Santorini affords the dramatic opportunity of sailing into a caldera. Visit the antiquities at the "Pompeii of Greece," Akrotiri, the famous black sandy beaches, or the charming villages of Oia and Fira. Mykonos is truly the playground of international celebrities, a sophisticated island with spectacular beaches. The sacred island of Delos offers a wealth of archaeological treasures, steeped in history and mythology.

Athens:

Explore a magnificent ancient civilization that lies amidst a thriving modern city renowned as "the birthplace of philosophy and drama." Throughout its charming streets and squares, often framed by orange trees, landmark antiquities reflect the treasured legacy of bygone eras. Visit the Acropolis, symbol of Athens, where an in-depth look at some of history's greatest architectural and sculptural monuments includes the Parthenon, an unparalleled masterpiece. The Grand Bretagne Hotel is located on a prestigious block in Athens, across from the National Gardens, Constitution Square and the Greek Parliament building. It has been renowned as the "Royal Box of Athens" for over 130 years. Heads of state, international celebrities and guests of royalty who have shaped the political and social face of Greece have long enjoyed the gracious surroundings of this landmark hotel. This memorable journey comes to a conclusion with a dinner in the "Paris of the Mediterranean." You have now made history aboard "Christina O", a part of the same history made by the celebrated guests of Aristotle Onassis. Your voyage becomes part of the legacy of "Christina O" that will continue to captivate future generations for years to come.