Spellbound Gets New Theme and Lower Price on Star Princess
Princess Cruises is bringing back its magical speakeasy experience, Spellbound by Magic Castle, for the launch of its newest ship, Star Princess. The popular venue, which debuted earlier this year on Sun Princess, has been reimagined with a fresh theme and a lower ticket price, making it easier for more guests to enjoy.
Spellbound by Magic Castle Originally Debuted on Sun Princess
When Sun Princess set sail in early 2024, it introduced a first-of-its-kind collaboration between Princess Cruises and The Magic Castle, the legendary private club for magicians and magic enthusiasts in Hollywood. Known for its vintage décor, exclusive membership, and world-class performances, The Magic Castle has been a landmark of illusion and sleight-of-hand since 1963.
On Sun Princess, Spellbound transported guests into an intimate speakeasy where they enjoyed a multi-course dinner, whimsical cocktails, and close-up magic in a series of elaborately themed rooms. While the venue quickly became one of the ship’s most buzzed-about experiences, its $149 price tag and limited seating made it a splurge that not everyone could experience.
A Tribute to a Legendary Magician
While the Sun Princess version featured a variety of whimsical, eclectic spaces, Star Princess will introduce an all-new thematic inspired by the golden age of magic. The venue pays special tribute to famed magician Richard Valentine Pitchford, better known as Cardini, whose elegant sleight-of-hand performances captivated audiences in the early 20th century. The connection is personal, as Cardini’s great-nephew, Randy Pitchford, owns the Magic Castle in Hollywood and collaborated with Princess Cruises on the project.
New Spaces and Specialty Cocktails
Spellbound takes place in an exquisitely themed venue set not accessible to everyone else on board. Guests will enter through a whimsical ticket booth before exploring new themed areas like the Inner Circle, the Cardini Bar, the behind-the-scenes Backstage area, and the Peacock Theater. Each space is designed with theatrical lighting, detailed décor, and a touch of mystery.
The Cardini Bar will feature an exclusive cocktail menu not available elsewhere on the ship. Drinks will come with their own magical twist, like The Inner Circle (milk-washed Meili vodka with jasmine tea) and Cardini (a butter-washed rum Old Fashioned).
A More Affordable Experience
One of the biggest changes for Star Princess is the price. Admission to Spellbound by Magic Castle is now $45 per guest, down from $149 per person on Sun Princess. The ticket includes two signature cocktails and a live magic show.
The lower cost comes with a format change, however. Unlike the original version, Spellbound will no longer include a multi-course dinner before the performance.
More Showtimes and Wider Access
On Sun Princess, seating was extremely limited (only 30 – 40 people per show), making reservations difficult to secure. The Star Princess version will offer several performances each night, opening the experience to more guests during each sailing. You can purchase tickets in advance through Princess Cruises website or once onboard.
About the Star Princess
Currently being completed at Fincantieri shipyard, the 177,800-ton Star Princess will carry 4,300 guests. The second ship in the Sphere Class, Star Princess highlights include The Dome, a glass-enclosed pool and entertainment space; The Princess Arena, the line’s most advanced theater; and The Piazza, a dramatic three-story atrium with ocean views. The ship launches with a wide selection of dining, bars, and entertainment venues, and Spellbound by Magic Castle will be one of its most talked-about experiences.
My Take: Making Spellbound More Accessible Makes It More Appealing
My Take: Making Spellbound More Accessible Makes It More Appealing
Recently, it seems every cruise line has been adding a speakeasy or themed-bar experience to their ships. MSC has a hidden speakeasy on World Europa and World America, Virgin Voyages has an invite-only speakeasy and magic show, and even Margaritaville at Sea has a hidden bar on their ships (for a fee). For themed bar experiences, Disney Cruise Line’s new Haunted Mansion Parlor takes the immersion to the next level.
Princess Cruises was smart to partner with The Magic Castle, a well-known name, to create something unique for their Sphere Class ships. But on Sun Princess, the price point and limited capacity really restricted who could enjoy it. The Star Princess version lowers the cost, drops the dinner component, and adds more showtimes, making it a much easier splurge for guests who want to experience a little magic at sea.
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