Making Magic with The Magic Castle and Princess Cruises: Lindsay on Location
Two California Icons: Princess Cruises and Magic Castle. Come together for the first time ever for Magic Castle™ Conjurer’s Cruise. And, I got to be a part of it all. We on board the Discovery Princess and we cruised along the beautiful California coast.
Whether you know it or not, you are all familiar with Princess Cruises. Princess Cruises became famous because of its role as one of the leading stars of the iconic tv show Love Boat. The show had phenomenal success, continuing for 10 seasons until 1987 as one of the highest-rated prime-time television shows in the country. Princess continues to be known as the "Love Boat" cruise line to this day.
What is Magic Castle? If you do not live in Los Angeles or in the magic world, you might not know about the magic castle.
Known for 60 years as the mecca of magic and the legendary home to the Academy of Magical Arts. Located in the holiday hills. This exclusive private magic clubhouse opened its doors in 1963 by the Larsen family. The Larsen brothers wanted to live out their fathers dream by creating the magic castle. Their idea was:
“When we started the castle, we thought it should feel a bit like the Addams Family or Disney’s Haunted Mansion."
One of the original members who still goes regularly today is, Dick Van Dyke. Former members include Johnny Carsen, Cary Grant, and former president Neil Partick Harris. Magicians that have been members or performed there: David Blaine, Penn & Teller, Siegfried & Roy and David Copperfield.
Who has walked the halls? Celebrities, presidents. Katy Perry even had her birthday party at the castle.
It is Membership only. You have to know a member or magician to be invited. But, if you can get in, it will all blow your mind. From close up magic to illusions. It has a magic library and the halls are lined with tv and movie set props and magic memorabilia. Dress code is strictly enforced. Do not make the mistake I did. Read the small print! You can make a night of it and enjoy their dining room or one of their themed bars. They even offer magic classes.
On the newest ship in the Princess fleet, Discovery Princess housed us for the week. With daily magic performances, magic classes, history of magic castle taught by the founders daughter- Erica Larsen.
I was involved in many magic tricks. They amazed me at every turn. The magician Joel Ward even made my engagement ring disappear and reappear inside a tennis ball. If you are a magic fan and missed this cruise, don't worry they will be doing another one next year and the entire Princess cruise will all be Magic Castle fans. You can book this adventure now!
The journey took us along the California coastline. San Francisco, where we saw an underground magic show at the magic patio. Andrew Evans levitates and even does mind reading magic. He also has performed at the magic castle.
We took in the San Fran sites, then headed to San Diego and Ensenada, Mexico. Giving many international guests on board a great overview of the beautiful state of California.
I am excited to announce that you do not have to be a member or live in LA to experience Magic Castle anymore. Launching in February the new Sun Princess cruise is going to have the first ever Magic Castle venue on board called, "Spellbound." Spellbound will have everything the Magic Castle has as well as the magicians.
Whether on board Sun Princess or at the Magic Castle in Hollywood you still need to know those magic words to enter. When you see the wise owl on the lobby library shelves, you need to whisper the secret words: "open says a me."