Princess Cruises has revealed an exciting new version of its popular Spellbound by Magic Castle experience for the upcoming Star Princess ship.
The reimagined speakeasy pays tribute to the golden age of magic, particularly honouring Richard Valentine Pitchford, better known as the legendary Cardini.
This master of sleight-of-hand captivated audiences with his elegant and mysterious performances. His legacy continues through his great-nephew Randy Pitchford, who owns the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood.
The enhanced experience promises to transport guests into a mesmerising world of illusion and theatrical storytelling, building on the success of its debut aboard Sun Princess.
Princess Cruises has revealed an exciting new version of its popular Spellbound by Magic Castle experience
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The new venue features several uniquely themed spaces that create an immersive, magical atmosphere. Guests will discover a whimsical ticketing booth, the mysterious Inner Circle, and the enchanting Cardini Bar serving handcrafted cocktails exclusive to the venue.
There's also a behind-the-curtain Backstage area and the Peacock Theatre. Each space has been richly detailed with eclectic décor, moody lighting, and theatrical flourishes that enhance the sense of wonder.
The Cardini Bar's innovative drinks menu includes special libations with surprising twists, such as The Inner Circle - a milk-washed vodka with delicate jasmine tea notes - and the Cardini, a butter-washed rum Old Fashioned.
The experience is now open to all guests aboard Star Princess, with admission priced at £45 per person. This includes two signature cocktails and a captivating magic show, with several performances scheduled each evening.
Tickets can be purchased in advance through the Princess website or once on board. Unlike the original concept, dinner service is no longer included, and guests are encouraged to dine at least two hours before their reservation.
Princess Cruises Vice President Hotel Operations and Guest Experiences, Lorna Warren, said: "Spellbound has quickly become one of the most talked-about experiences at sea, and we’re thrilled to take it to the next level aboard Star Princess.
"By bringing to life the spirit and setting of the original Magic Castle in Hollywood, our reimagined speakeasy will deliver a one-of-a-kind venue where every guest can feel like they’ve stepped into a world of true magic.”
The 177,800-tonne Star Princess is currently in the final stages of construction at Fincantieri shipyard. The vessel will accommodate 4,300 guests and feature 30 different dining and bar venues, along with elevated entertainment and activity offerings.
CRUISE NEWS
Cruisegoers can enjoy this on the Star Princess ship
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More than 1,500 balcony staterooms will offer panoramic ocean views. Standout features include The Dome for relaxation and entertainment, The Princess Arena with cutting-edge technology, and The Piazza with its dramatic curves and floor-to-ceiling windows.
The ship's inaugural season includes voyages to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Panama Canal, and Alaska. Bookings are now available through the Princess Cruises website.
This comes as Princess overhauled its Premium packages, with new and improved benefits for holidaymakers. The cruise line launched sales for these updated packages today, featuring increased daily rates alongside enhanced offerings. The Premier package remains at £75 per person daily, whilst the Plus option remains at £50.