- The world’s first superyacht, Christina O, is a 325-ft masterpiece and was once a WWII warship.
- Hosted the most influential figures of the 20th century, from Winston Churchill to John F. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, and Frank Sinatra.
- Now back on the market with a $95 million USD (~$150 million AUD) price tag, blending history and opulence.
We’ve seen modern-day billionaires redefine sea luxury—from Bill Gates’ $1 billion hydrogen-powered yacht to Jeff Bezos’ $800 million floating marvel. But before all the cutting-edge technology and billionaire battles for the biggest, there was Christina O — the original superyacht, the one that started it all.
This iconic vessel has hosted some of the most powerful and influential personalities of the 20th century and is all about history, glamour, and sheer extravagance. Now it is once again up for sale, for a $95 million USD (~$150 million AUD) price tag, and its story takes us back to where the concept of superyachts began.
From a Warship to a Symbol of Elegance
The yacht was built in 1943 and it began its life not as a luxury yacht but as a Canadian warship that served in World War II and even participated in the D-Day landings.
That’s a far cry from the champagne-drenched parties it later hosted. After the war, Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis bought the ship in 1954 for a mere $50,000 USD — a bargain, even back then — and started a $4 million USD transformation that turned it into the world’s first true superyacht. The vessel was named after his daughter, Christina, and became known among the world’s elite for its detailed design and unmatched features.
The guest list of the yacht reads like a history book. Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill sailed on the yacht on eight separate occasions. Former US President John F. Kennedy made an appearance, and so did Jackie Kennedy, who later married Onassis in 1968 and even had their wedding reception onboard. The yacht also entertained Hollywood royalty such as Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Maria Callas, and John Wayne. And if you’re wondering why it looks familiar, it made an appearance in season five of Netflix’s hugely popular royal drama, The Crown, recreating Princess Diana and Prince Charles’ 1991 trip to Italy.
A Floating Legacy Reborn
Sure, today’s superyachts come with infinity pools and onboard submarines, but Christina O has something those floating tech palaces don’t — pure history and character. The yacht is 325 feet long and features 17 luxurious staterooms, including the Onassis Suite, and can accommodate up to 34 overnight guests. But its deck space allows for grand events with up to 250 guests, making it a floating social club for the world’s elite.
Then there’s the design that features a mosaic-tiled swimming pool that converts into a dance floor and the Lapis Lounge that is decorated with semi-precious stones. And let’s not forget Ari’s Bar, where some of the most powerful conversations of the 20th century took place. Fun fact: the bar stools are infamously made from whale foreskin — adding another layer to its charm.
After Onassis’ death in 1975, Christina O fell into disrepair until it was restored in 2001 and later sold for $78 million USD (~$123 million AUD). More recently, it was available for charter, with weekly rental rates between $600,000 and $670,000 USD. Now, its current owners, a group of Irish investors, have put the yacht back on the market. While $95 million USD (~$150 million AUD) may seem like a lot, the price isn’t just for a luxury yacht — it’s for a piece of history.
Unlike modern superyachts that impress with size and tech, Christina O impresses with legacy. It’s a yacht that has seen political alliances formed, Hollywood legends unwind, and some of the most iconic moments of the 20th century unfold on its decks. For the right buyer, this isn’t just a yacht; it’s a priceless artefact.
