We were part of a small group of 40-ish pax on the 2023 inaugural MCC Cruise who participated in the special program. I will share our experience as a possible precursor for what may come. We had already booked the 2023 cruise before the Magic Castle(MC) collab announcement(~3 mos before sail). We later contacted Princess to have our names added to the group; there was no additional cost for us. Presumably, we were guinea pigs for this year's sailing.
At embarkation, all participants received a custom lanyard and placard for entrance to program events. We began collecting signatures on the back, which started a trend.
Onboard representing MC were Randy Pitchford(Owner), Erika Larsen(Pres.), Liberty Larsen(daughter/performer), and about 12 performing magicians. Some of the magicians came on or left during the cruise.
We attended private sail-away and farewell socials and group dining most nights in a separate section of one of the main dining rooms. If you're familiar with Reserve Dining on the Discovery, we sat adjacent to that. I recall a group breakfast and brunch, as well. A magician or two would go around and perform close-up magic. There were public and private events both on and off the ship. Princess provided reserved seating for designated shows in the main theater. The only event requiring a fee was an optional private theater show in San Francisco at The Magic Patio.
We were pleasantly surprised at how friendly and engaging the MC reps and magicians were. The program exceeded our expectations.
My thoughts on Value.
We have been on several themed Princess cruises. Most offer themed experiences at a premium. We are on the Majestic this weekend to Alaska with Jeff Corwin. I recall some of those theme-hosted excursions costing several hundred dollars for just a few-hours excursion. Considering that these packages offer experiences spanning multiple days, some will reconcile the cost. Obviously, the packages offer little value if you have no affinity for Magic.
Inaugural Magic Castle Farewell Social. MC Pres. Erika Larsen(front row center, colorful dress), Cruise Dir Duvall(front row center, white jacket), Group members, and Princess coordinators.
We were part of a small group of 40-ish pax on the 2023 inaugural MCC Cruise who participated in the special program. I will share our experience as a possible precursor for what may come. We had already booked the 2023 cruise before the Magic Castle(MC) collab announcement(~3 mos before sail). We later contacted Princess to have our names added to the group; there was no additional cost for us. Presumably, we were guinea pigs for this year's sailing. At embarkation, all participants received a custom lanyard and placard for entrance to program events. We began collecting signatures on the back, which started a trend. Onboard representing MC were Randy Pitchford(Owner), Erika Larsen(Pres.), Liberty Larsen(daughter/performer), and about 12 performing magicians. Some of the magicians came on or left during the cruise. We attended private sail-away and farewell socials and group dining most nights in a separate section of one of the main dining rooms. If you're familiar with Reserve Dining on the Discovery, we sat adjacent to that. I recall a group breakfast and brunch, as well. A magician or two would go around and perform close-up magic. There were public and private events both on and off the ship. Princess provided reserved seating for designated shows in the main theater. The only event requiring a fee was an optional private theater show in San Francisco at The Magic Patio. We were pleasantly surprised at how friendly and engaging the MC reps and magicians were. The program exceeded our expectations. My thoughts on Value. We have been on several themed Princess cruises. Most offer themed experiences at a premium. We are on the Majestic this weekend to Alaska with Jeff Corwin. I recall some of those theme-hosted excursions costing several hundred dollars for just a few-hours excursion. Considering that these packages offer experiences spanning multiple days, some will reconcile the cost. Obviously, the packages offer little value if you have no affinity for Magic. Inaugural Magic Castle Farewell Social. MC Pres. Erika Larsen(front row center, colorful dress), Cruise Dir Duvall(front row center, white jacket), Group members, and Princess coordinators.
