The world of cruise entertainment is a captivating realm, and Princess Cruises has taken it to a whole new level with their latest venture. Prepare to be spellbound as we delve into the magic of the Star Princess' unique offering!
In the ever-evolving cruise industry, crafting a compelling sequel is an art. When designing sister ships, cruise lines must navigate the delicate balance between familiarity and innovation. And the Spellbound venue on Princess Cruises' Sphere-class ship, the Star Princess, is a testament to this artful balance.
Spellbound first made its appearance on the Sun Princess, enchanting guests with its speakeasy vibe and magical shows. Designed by the team behind Los Angeles' iconic Magic Castle, it has now been reimagined for the Star, taking on a new theme inspired by vaudeville and the legendary card magician, Richard Pitchford, also known as the Great Cardini.
While the Sun's Spellbound exudes a Victorian charm, its sequel on the Star Princess embraces a vaudeville-inspired aesthetic. The connection to vaudeville runs deep, with Erika Larsen, whose family founded the Magic Castle, sharing a personal link to this bygone era of entertainment. Larsen's uncle, a vaudeville venue owner, played a pivotal role in shaping her appreciation for what she calls the 'variety arts'.
"I had the privilege of witnessing the last days of the old vaudevillians," Larsen shared during the Star Princess' maiden voyage from Port Everglades. "Acrobats in their 80s, jugglers, it was a sight to behold!"
The Magic Castle, an exclusive members-only venue, may be off-limits to many, but Spellbound on the Star Princess offers an enchanting alternative. The decor, from the plush velvet seating to the framed portraits and posters, and even the meticulously recreated backstage of a vaudeville theater, creates an atmosphere that is captivating and mysterious, devoid of any kitsch.
The venue itself is spacious, comprising three interconnected rooms. Guests can relax with a drink, admire the intricate wall art, or be mesmerized by a card trick. A neighboring theater hosts intimate shows featuring a mentalist, adding to the overall allure.
The generously sized bar is another highlight, where guests gather to watch bartenders craft smoking cocktails, creating a lively and entertaining atmosphere.
It was the vision of Princess Cruises executives that led to the new theme for Spellbound on the Star, Larsen revealed. This approach is not unique to Princess Cruises; Royal Caribbean International, for instance, has taken a similar path with their Icon-class specialty restaurant, the Supper Club, which features live music and a different theme in each iteration: New York, Chicago, and soon, Hollywood on the Legend of the Seas.
For Larsen, the opportunity to design a new Spellbound was a labor of love. "We really enjoyed working on this one," she said, highlighting the team's dedication to creating a unique and captivating experience.
And this is where it gets intriguing... What do you think about the concept of themed venues on cruise ships? Do you prefer a familiar atmosphere or do you embrace the idea of a new theme with each ship? Share your thoughts in the comments below! We'd love to hear your take on this fascinating aspect of cruise entertainment.
