Spellbound by Magic Castle is one of the most unique entertainment experiences currently available on Princess Cruises. Found exclusively aboard Sun Princess and Star Princess, this immersive magic themed speakeasy combines handcrafted cocktails, interactive entertainment, themed lounges, and a live magic show inspired by Hollywood's famous Magic Castle.

Unlike a traditional cruise ship bar, Spellbound is designed as a complete experience. Guests step through a hidden entrance into a series of themed rooms filled with magical artifacts, secret details, and live performers before enjoying cocktails and a resident magic show. If you're wondering whether Spellbound is worth visiting on your Princess cruise, this guide covers everything you need to know.

About Spellbound

Spellbound by Magic Castle was created through a partnership between Princess Cruises and The Magic Castle, the legendary private magic club located in Hollywood, California. The venue debuted aboard Sun Princess and was later updated for Star Princess with a revised format focused on cocktails, immersive storytelling, and live magic.

Today, Spellbound operates as a themed speakeasy experience rather than a dinner event that existed at launch. Guests are welcomed into a collection of interconnected rooms where magic and illusion are woven into nearly every detail. Throughout the evening, guests can explore the venue, interact with performers, enjoy specialty cocktails, and attend a live magic show performed by a resident magician trained through the Magic Castle partnership.

One of the things that stands out most about Spellbound is the attention to detail. The venue is filled with artwork, props, hidden surprises, and themed decor that encourage guests to slow down and explore. The self playing piano lounge is a particular highlight. Guests can request songs by asking the piano to play just about anything, and the piano will attempt to play them live for you, creating one of the most memorable moments in the venue.

The magic show itself is entertaining and accessible even for guests who are not particularly interested in magic. While dedicated magic fans will likely appreciate the experience the most, the show is designed for a general audience and focuses on audience participation, storytelling, mentalism, and slight of hand tricks rather than large elaborate stage illusions.

Another unexpected highlight is the bar itself. During our visit, the bartender was also an accomplished magician who performed card tricks and slight of hand demonstrations while preparing drinks. Guests were able to ask questions, interact with the performer, and even learn how some of the illusions worked.

Spellbound Cocktail Menu & Highlights

A major part of the Spellbound experience is the specialty cocktail menu. Every admission includes two signature cocktails that are available exclusively within the venue. Princess Cruises also offers a non alcoholic option for guests who do not drink alcohol.

Current signature cocktails include The Magician, The Conjuror, 1963, Genii, The Artemis, and Isabella. There is also a non alcoholic option called The Artemis In The Moonlight.

For guests looking for something even more elaborate, Spellbound offers several theatrical cocktails for an additional charge including Smoke & Mirrors, Escape from Houdini's Chest, and The Professor. These drinks feature additional presentation elements and specialty serving techniques that fit the overall theme of the venue.

The cocktails are among the strongest and most creative drinks we have had on a Princess cruise. The presentation is part of the fun, but the quality of the drinks themselves is equally impressive. While guests can purchase additional beverages, only two signature cocktails are included with admission.

Cost to Visit Spellbound

Spellbound currently costs $45 per guest. Admission includes access to the venue, two signature cocktails, and a live magic show. An 18% service charge is added to the cover charge. Reservations are strongly recommended due to limited capacity and high demand.

It is important to note that Spellbound is not included with Princess Plus, Princess Premier, or any Princess Cruises beverage package. Guests must purchase admission separately regardless of the package they have booked.

Whether Spellbound is worth the extra cost depends largely on your interest in magic and themed entertainment. We enjoyed the experience and thought the cocktails, atmosphere, and performers were excellent. However, if you are not particularly interested in magic, the value proposition becomes more difficult. While we had a great time and would recommend experiencing it at least once, it is not necessarily something we would personally pay for multiple times.

Which Ships Have Spellbound?

Spellbound is currently available on Sun Princess and Star Princess as part of Princess Cruises’ lineup of “Extraordinary Experiences” . Guests sailing on these ships should reserve early to secure one of the limited nightly spots.

Spellbound FAQ

Is Spellbound included with Princess Plus or Princess Premier?
No. Spellbound requires a separate cover charge and is not included with Princess Plus, Princess Premier, or any Princess Cruises beverage package.

How many drinks are included?
Each guest receives two signature cocktails or non alcoholic beverages as part of the admission price.

Does Spellbound include dinner?
No. The original concept included a dining component, but Princess Cruises has since transitioned Spellbound into a cocktail and entertainment experience focused on the speakeasy and magic show.

How long is the magic show?
The live magic performance typically lasts around 45 minutes and is included with admission. Princess currently schedules multiple performances throughout the evening, and guests in the bar and lounge area are alerted when a show is about to begin.

Can you stay in the lounge after the show?
Yes. Guests can spend time exploring the themed rooms, enjoying their cocktails, and taking in the atmosphere before or after their scheduled performance.

Is Spellbound family friendly?
Guests must be at least 13 years old to attend Spellbound.

Conclusion

Spellbound by Magic Castle is one of the most distinctive attractions available on Princess Cruises today. Combining a themed speakeasy, specialty cocktails, interactive performers, hidden details, and a live magic show, it offers something very different from a traditional cruise ship bar.

Whether you're sailing aboard Sun Princess or Star Princess, Spellbound is worth considering if you're looking for a unique evening experience. Even guests who are not dedicated magic fans may find themselves impressed by the atmosphere, performers, and attention to detail that make this one of the most talked about venues on Princess Cruises.

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