The legendary yacht Christina O has departed Greece for Cagliari, Italy, where restoration and upgrade work will continue on one of the world’s most famous luxury vessels.
Strongly associated with Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis, the yacht remains one of the best-known symbols of the golden age of Greek shipping and international high society.
The vessel recently spent several weeks in Greece undergoing repair and maintenance work before continuing its journey to Italy for further modernization and preservation efforts.
A floating symbol of luxury and power
At nearly 99 meters (325 feet) long, Christina O is considered one of the world’s most recognizable yachts. Throughout the 20th century, the vessel welcomed world leaders, royalty, celebrities, and business figures, helping build its reputation as a symbol of wealth and influence.
Originally built as a Canadian warship during World War II, the vessel was later purchased by Onassis, who transformed it into one of the world’s most luxurious private yachts.
Under his ownership, Christina O became closely linked to glamour, political influence, and elite social circles during the postwar years. The yacht played host to many of the era’s most prominent personalities and became part of the international image of luxury yachting.
Restoration efforts preserve historic vessel
After the decline of the Onassis era, the yacht went through periods of deterioration before major restoration projects helped revive the historic vessel.
The legendary Christina O, once owned by Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis, has departed Greece for Italy as restoration work continues on one of the world’s most iconic luxury yachts. pic.twitter.com/8MXah3dHEF
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) May 22, 2026
Extensive refurbishment work carried out in the early 2000s restored much of the yacht’s classic appearance while upgrading its facilities for modern luxury travel.
The latest work in Italy is part of ongoing efforts to preserve the vessel’s historic identity while ensuring it remains operational in the modern charter market.
Today, Christina O continues to operate as a luxury charter yacht and remains a major attraction for maritime enthusiasts and travelers interested in historic vessels.
Yacht returns to international spotlight
Christina O has again attracted global attention after being listed for sale with an asking price of about €52 million.
The figure marks a significant drop from earlier estimates that valued the yacht at nearly €90 million. Still, the vessel remains among the world’s most exclusive and expensive yachts because of its size, luxury features, and historical importance.
Industry observers say yachts with strong historical connections continue to hold unique value in the global superyacht market, where heritage and prestige often carry as much weight as modern technology and amenities.
For any future owner, Christina O represents more than a luxury vessel. The yacht remains a rare piece of living maritime history tied to the legacy of Onassis and the rise of Greek shipping on the global stage.
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