Princess Cruises announces enhanced Spellbound for Star Princess following sea trials

Princess Cruises has confirmed that the upcoming Star Princess will feature a reimagined version of Spellbound by Magic Castle, alongside announcing the ship’s successful completion of sea trials.

The speakeasy-style venue, created in collaboration with Hollywood’s Magic Castle, first debuted aboard Sun Princess. For Star Princess, the experience has been expanded with a thematic focus on the golden age of magic and a tribute to renowned illusionist Richard Valentine Pitchford, known professionally as Cardini.

The venue will include a series of newly designed spaces such as a ticketing booth, the Inner Circle, the Cardini Bar, the Backstage area and the Peacock Theater. 

It will also introduce a dedicated cocktail menu featuring drinks created exclusively for the venue, including the Inner Circle, a milk-washed vodka cocktail with jasmine tea notes, and the Cardini, described as a butter-washed rum Old Fashioned.

“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,” said Lorna Warren, Princess Cruises Vice President Hotel Operations and Guest Experiences. 

“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,” she added.

Admission to Spellbound by Magic Castle on Star Princess will cost US$45 per guest, including two cocktails and a magic performance. Unlike the original version, the new concept does not include dinner service.

The announcement comes as the 177,800-tonne ship completed its sea trials in the Adriatic Sea between August 9th and 12th. Built at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone yard, Star Princess is the second LNG-powered ship in the Princess fleet, equipped with Azipod propulsion units and four controllable pitch bow thrusters to enhance manoeuvrability.

Currently in its final construction phase, Star Princess will carry 4,300 passengers and feature over 30 dining and bar venues, more than 1,500 balcony staterooms, and several new venues including The Dome, The Arena, and The Piazza. The ship will begin service on October 4th, 2025 with an inaugural Mediterranean season, before moving to itineraries in the Caribbean, Panama Canal and Alaska.