Princess Cruises unveils evolved Spellbound speakeasy aboard Star Princess, inviting guests into an ocean-bound world of illusion, sleight-of-hand, and vintage glamour.
This reimagined collaboration with Hollywood’s famed Magic Castle® pays tribute to the golden age of magic and one of its most enigmatic figures, Richard Valentine Pitchford—better known as Cardini. Known for his elegance, wit, and near-impossible sleight-of-hand, Cardini’s spirit is brought to life through his great-nephew, Randy Pitchford, owner of the Magic Castle, and now through the intimate spaces aboard the Star Princess.
A new chapter for Spellbound
Spellbound debuted to acclaim on the Sun Princess, but the Star Princess version adds richer storytelling and theatrical flair. Guests enter through a whimsical ticket booth before being guided into a sequence of uniquely themed areas: the secretive Inner Circle, the ornate Cardini Bar, a behind-the-scenes Backstage space, and the jewel-like Peacock Theater. Each setting is layered with eclectic décor, moody lighting, and design cues that encourage a sense of playful discovery. Whether it’s a tucked-away corner perfect for a whispered toast or a dramatic reveal as the curtain rises, the venue unfolds like a series of magical acts.
Magic in the glass
The evolution isn’t just in the set design—it’s also in the glassware. The Cardini Bar has crafted an exclusive cocktail menu that can only be experienced here, each drink carrying its own surprise element. Standouts include “The Inner Circle,” a milk-washed Meili vodka with delicate jasmine tea notes, and the “Cardini,” a butter-washed rum Old Fashioned that nods to the magician’s suave sophistication. Every beverage is designed to complement the show, enhancing the sense that anything—absolutely anything—could happen next.
Accessible wonder for all guests
Unlike the original concept, which paired the performance with dinner service, Spellbound aboard Star Princess focuses solely on the performance and drinks, ensuring uninterrupted immersion. Several showtimes are offered nightly, and the experience is open to all guests onboard. Admission is $45 per person and includes two signature cocktails alongside a full magic show. Reservations can be made in advance through the Princess Cruises website or booked onboard. Guests are advised to dine at least two hours before showtime for the best experience.
The Star Princess experience
Currently in final construction at Fincantieri, the 177,800-ton, 4,300-guest Star Princess will launch in Fall 2025 as the sister ship to the award-winning Sun Princess. The ship features 30 distinct dining and bar venues, an array of elevated entertainment options, and a variety of accommodations—from Sanctuary Collection suites to mini-suites and balcony staterooms, with more than 1,500 balconies offering sweeping ocean views. Highlights include The Dome, a next-generation relaxation and entertainment space; The Princess Arena, the most technologically advanced theater in the fleet; and The Piazza, a grand architectural centerpiece with floor-to-ceiling windows framing endless sea vistas.
Its inaugural season is set to sail through the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Panama Canal, and Alaska, offering travelers the opportunity to pair world-class destinations with an evening of spellbinding entertainment. For those who’ve ever dreamed of stepping inside Hollywood’s most famous magic club—but with the waves as their backdrop—this evolved Spellbound is a ticket to another world, where every door, drink, and detail might just hold a trick up its sleeve.
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