Star Princess: Magical Evolution at Spellbound Castle

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Princess Cruises is raising the curtain on the next act of its smash-hit, Spellbound by Magic Castle. This isn’t your typical cruise ship entertainment; it’s an immersive speakeasy experience born from the creative minds behind the legendary Hollywood haunt, The Magic Castle®. Set to debut on the brand-new Star Princess, Spellbound promises a mesmerizing evening of illusion, sleight-of-hand wizardry, and storytelling that will leave you questioning reality itself – all while at sea.

Following its acclaimed premiere aboard Sun Princess, the Star Princess edition of Spellbound by Magic Castle dives deeper into the golden age of magic, paying tribute to the one and only Richard Valentine Pitchford, a.k.a. Cardini. Imagine Cardini’s legendary elegance and mystique, amplified for a modern audience. Thanks to his great-nephew, Randy Pitchford, owner of The Magic Castle, Cardini’s legacy now lives—and thrives—within this enchanting venue.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. Guests will discover a series of newly themed spaces, each meticulously designed to heighten the sense of wonder. Forget stale cruise ship décor; this is a curated experience. Picture a whimsical ticketing booth, a clandestine Inner Circle, the aptly named Cardini Bar, a behind-the-scenes Backstage area, and the grand Peacock Theater. From the eclectic décor to the perfectly dimmed lighting, every detail is engineered for maximum theatrical impact.

And what’s a high-end speakeasy without a killer cocktail menu? The Cardini Bar on Star Princess will feature an exclusive roster of handcrafted drinks designed to tantalize the taste buds and add another layer of intrigue to the evening. Forget your basic Mai Tais; we’re talking innovative libations with surprises in every sip. Take “The Inner Circle,” a milk-washed Meili vodka concoction with delicate jasmine tea notes. Or perhaps the “Cardini,” a butter-washed rum Old Fashioned that’s as smooth as the magician’s touch.

“Spellbound has quickly become one of the hottest tickets on the high seas, and we’re ecstatic to elevate the experience aboard Star Princess,” says Lorna Warren, Princess Cruises Vice President Hotel Operations and Guest Experiences. “By capturing the essence of the original Magic Castle in Hollywood, we’ve created a truly unique venue where every guest can lose themselves in a world of pure magic.”

In a move that’s sure to please cruise-goers, Spellbound by Magic Castle is open to all guests aboard Star Princess, with multiple showtimes each night. Tickets are priced at $45 per guest, which includes two signature cocktails and the incredible magic show. Score your tickets in advance at princess.com or snag them once you’re onboard.

One key difference from the original concept: dinner service has been removed, which allows guests to enjoy the shows without the interruption of dinner service. Star Princess recommends guests dine at least two hours prior to their reservation.

Currently undergoing final touches at Fincantieri, the massive 177,800-ton, 4,300-guest Star Princess, a sister ship to the award-winning Sun Princess, is shaping up to be a destination in itself. Boasting 30 distinct dining and bar venues, top-tier entertainment and activity offerings, and luxurious accommodations ranging from Sanctuary Collection suites to cozy balcony staterooms, this ship is designed to impress.

Expect panoramic ocean views from over 1,500 balcony staterooms, next-generation entertainment in The Dome, a state-of-the-art theater in The Princess Arena, and stunning architectural design throughout the ship’s centerpiece, The Piazza.

Star Princess is slated for a debut season packed with sailings to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Panama Canal, and Alaska. Bookings are open now: www.princess.com/ships-and-experience/ships/st-star-princess.

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat. Sun Princess, named Condé Nast Traveler’s Mega Ship of the Year, introduces the groundbreaking Sphere Class platform and will be joined by sister ship, Star Princess, in Fall 2025.