The Christina O

Here in Canary Wharf, London;

This 325 ft. mega yacht was built in 1943 as a Canadian convoy escort, and purchased by Aristotle Onassis in 1954. Onassis converted her into the most elegant and advanced private yacht afloat. He named it after his daughter Christina and made it his floating home for 30 years. It has hosted dignitaries and Hollywood stars, including Marilyn Monroe, Liz Taylor, Richard Burton, John Wayne, Frank Sinatra, John F Kennedy, Winston Churchill, and numerous worldwide royalty guests as well. Two most celebrated wedding receptions aboard the Christina were the Prince of Monaco to Grace Kelly and Onassis to Jacqueline Kennedy. In 1975 after Onassis died, the yacht was donated to the Greek Government by Christina.

Now this beautiful ship is again refurbished for private charters. With these tough economic times they offer a smoking deal on charters. Up to 12 guests, £45,000 daily. 24 guests, £55,000 and up to 34 guests a very reasonable £65,000 per day ($101,876.70). There is a crew of 34 and a very friendly British Captain, Edmund Wilkinson, who took the time to chat with me this morning. I was invited to come aboard next month by the Captain, since I was somehow overlooked on the Onassis guest list 40 years ago. February it will officially open for tours. I'll say it again, I love this city!