CHAKRA vs. CHRISTINA O: A Tale of Two Charter Giants
In the world of large-yacht charter, few vessels command as much attention as CHAKRA and CHRISTINA O. While both offer extraordinary capacity for hosting significant numbers of guests, they represent two profoundly different philosophies of life at sea. To compare them is to contrast a modern floating resort with a floating piece of history. CHAKRA, at 86 metres and fresh from a 2017 refit, is a vision of contemporary indulgence, accommodating 24 guests in an incredible 21 suites. She is a high-volume, high-impact vessel built for sophisticated entertainment in the Arabian Gulf. In the other corner stands the legendary CHRISTINA O. At 99.1 metres, she is not merely a yacht but a 20th-century icon, once a naval frigate and now, following a 2020 refit, a pristine time capsule of glamour. She hosts an unrivalled 34 guests and her very name evokes images of Onassis, Churchill, and Callas. The choice between them is less about specifications and more about the story you wish to tell.
Your decision here is refreshingly clear-cut. CHAKRA is the undisputed choice for a vibrant, contemporary charter experience, delivering a private-club-at-sea atmosphere for large groups. For those to whom history, legacy, and the sheer romance of a bygone era of glamour are paramount, CHRISTINA O is, and will always be, in a class of her own. The former is a statement of modern luxury; the latter is a statement of historical significance.
Ideal for large corporate events or multi-family groups seeking a vibrant, contemporary atmosphere and an abundance of private suites. A modern marvel for sophisticated entertainment at scale.
Perfect for milestone celebrations, legacy-minded families, or charterers who want to host an event steeped in history and glamour. An iconic vessel for a truly unique, story-filled charter.
Specs side by side
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| Length | 86 m | 99.1 mlarger | 13.1 m |
| Beam | 12 mlarger | 11.1 m | 0.9 m |
| Launched | 1998larger | 1943 | 55 |
| Guests | 24 | 34larger | 10 |
| Cabins | 21larger | 17 | 4 |
| Crew | 30 | 39larger | 9 |
| Cruise speed | 12 kts | 14 ktslarger | 2 kts |
| Top speed | 14 kts | 19 ktslarger | 5 kts |
| Cruising range | 3,200 nm | 6,000 nmlarger | 2,800 nm |
| Charter type | Motor Yacht | Motor Yacht | — |
| Builder | Davenport | Canadian Vickers | — |
| Cruising region | Arabian Gulf | Caribbean | — |
| Weekly from (EUR) | €495,000 | €700,000 | 205,000 |
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Design & Pedigree
The divergent origins of these yachts define their character. CHRISTINA O began life in 1943 as a Canadian naval frigate, her robust, ice-strengthened hull built for war. Her transformation into a superyacht by Aristotle Onassis, with design by Apostolos Molindris, is one of the industry’s foundational stories. Her classic, riveted profile and elegant lines are instantly recognisable. The 2020 refit has meticulously preserved this heritage. CHAKRA’s history as a commercial vessel, launched in 1998, explains her immense interior volume and unconventional layout. Her 2017 conversion and refit by Davenport was a complete reimagining, creating a thoroughly modern, high-capacity charter platform. Her aesthetic is one of clean lines, expansive deck spaces, and contemporary luxury finishes. One is a pedigree icon reborn; the other is a modern powerhouse engineered for leisure.

On Board Experience
Life on board each yacht is a world apart. CHAKRA is designed for the modern charter guest, with spaces dedicated to wellness, entertainment, and relaxation. One can expect a fully-equipped gym, massage and beauty rooms, a cinema, and multiple bars across her five decks, creating the feel of an exclusive boutique resort. The focus is on providing a wealth of contemporary amenities and social settings. On CHRISTINA O, the experience is about inhabiting a legend. Guests gather in the Lapis Lounge, dine in the grand dining room that has hosted world leaders, and sip cocktails at Ari’s Bar, complete with its original whale-tooth bar handles. The signature feature remains the aft deck swimming pool; its mosaic floor rises at the touch of a button to become a dance floor, a feature that continues to captivate guests decades on. The experience is less about features and more about atmosphere and history.

Accommodation
Herein lies a crucial difference for charter planning. CHRISTINA O’s capacity for 34 guests is almost unmatched in the charter fleet, spread across 17 stately cabins. The configuration is ideal for large family gatherings or hosting significant events, culminating in the famous Onassis Suite, the yacht’s magnificent master stateroom. CHAKRA, by contrast, offers a unique and highly flexible layout for her 24 guests: a staggering 21 suites. This high cabin-to-guest ratio is a significant advantage for corporate charters, where single occupancy is often required, or for groups with extensive staff or individual family members who prefer private quarters. While CHRISTINA O provides for a larger group in a more traditional arrangement, CHAKRA offers unparalleled privacy and flexibility for a slightly smaller, yet still substantial, party.

Cruising Grounds & Range
Each yacht is perfectly suited to its primary cruising region. CHAKRA typically charters in the Arabian Gulf, where her 12-knot cruising speed is ideal for exploring the coastlines of Dubai and Abu Dhabi or island hopping in the calm waters off Bahrain. Her vast interior and extensive amenities make her a destination in her own right, perfect for itineraries focused on onboard entertaining. CHRISTINA O is a fixture in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Her higher cruising speed of 14 knots and top speed of 19 knots give her greater range, making her well-suited for more ambitious island-hopping itineraries, from St Barths to the Grenadines or across the Amalfi Coast. Her legendary status also makes her a welcome and celebrated sight in the world’s most glamorous ports, adding a certain prestige to any journey. She is a yacht truly built for grand touring.

Crew, Service & Toys
Both yachts deliver exceptional service, underscored by impressive crew-to-guest ratios. CHAKRA’s crew of 30 for 24 guests ensures a polished, attentive service style befitting a modern five-star resort. Her 2017 refit also guarantees a comprehensive and up-to-date inventory of water toys, tenders, and leisure equipment to satisfy active charter guests. CHRISTINA O’s crew of 39 for 34 guests provides a slightly higher ratio, delivering a service that is often described as more formal and traditional, in keeping with the vessel’s heritage. The crew are not just service professionals but custodians of a floating museum, ready to share its incredible stories. While her toy collection is extensive and updated during her 2020 refit, the primary draw remains the unique onboard experience that only she can offer.

Pricing & Value
With a weekly rate from €495,000, CHAKRA presents a compelling proposition for large-scale charters. At full capacity of 24 guests, the per-person cost is highly competitive, especially considering the yacht’s modern amenities and flexible 21-suite layout. The value is tangible: you get a vast, contemporary platform with every conceivable luxury. CHRISTINA O enters the market from €695,000 per week. While the absolute weekly cost is significantly higher, her ability to host 34 guests means the per-person cost is remarkably similar to CHAKRA's. The value proposition for CHRISTINA O is therefore less tangible and more emotional. You are paying for an inimitable piece of history, an iconic brand, and the chance to host an event on a vessel of unparalleled global renown. For a lower entry point, CHAKRA delivers more modern features; for a higher premium, CHRISTINA O delivers priceless pedigree.
FAQ
- Which yacht is bigger, CHAKRA or CHRISTINA O?
- At 99.1 metres, CHRISTINA O is over 13 metres longer than the 86-metre CHAKRA. However, CHAKRA has a wider beam at 12 metres compared to CHRISTINA O's 11.1 metres, giving her a very high internal volume.
- Which is better for families?
- Both are exceptional, but CHAKRA's 21-cabin layout offers more flexibility for families with nannies or teenagers wanting their own space. CHRISTINA O's history and grand spaces are ideal for multi-generational legacy trips.
- Which has the better water toy programme?
- As a more recently refit yacht focused on contemporary leisure, CHAKRA typically boasts a larger and more modern collection of water toys and tenders.
- Which yacht is the better value for a charter week?
- On a per-person basis at full capacity, they are similarly priced. CHAKRA offers more modern amenities for the price, while CHRISTINA O's value lies in her priceless historical significance and iconic status.
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