When they said it was about the journey and not the destination, little did we know they were talking about superyachts? Hollywood A-listers, musical royalty, and NBA legends have opted for these floating mansions as the best way for the wealthy to vacation. Magic Johnson and his clan, including Michael Jordan and Samuel L. Jackson, have been spotted on John’s chartered beauty, 295-footer Phoenix 2. The former Lakers Superstar was seen having the time of his life with friends in Europe aboard the luxurious vessel, and not for the first time. Let’s explore what makes this Lurssen beauty such a draw for the millionaire who doesn’t mind splurging $1.5 million a week annually on the cruiser-
The magic of the Phoenix 2 Yacht-
Lurssen’s Phoenix 2 is like a decadent cake. The layers are laced with creamy luxury heavily inspired by opulent art deco styling. The icing on the cake is how it teleports you to glamorous 1930s New York. The skyline won’t leave you alone and appears across the four decks in numerous places. From cherry velvet floors to piano lounges and gilded furnishings, there is nothing you’d want to forget, but it is a lot to remember.
Even yacht designer Andrew Winch agrees, “I think it’s great if you go on this boat and haven’t seen it for five years. You will find things that you recognize and remember, but you will also find things that you didn’t see the first time around.”
It is easy to forget the details over time but not the ones that leave a lasting impression, like the split-level owner’s suite, the comfortable stroll on the vast external side decks that led you to the stainless-steel Phoenix sculpture on the bow, or the retro decor that marries the shades of black, cream, gold and burgundy to recreate an era that romantic and opulent in equal measures.
A perfect ship for entertaining, the Phoenix 2 incorporates several open-plan areas to unite people who laugh and indulge on the large dining table in a piano-theme design. The owner’s penchant for classical music, piano, and opera comes to life in the orchestral-themed formal dining room. The captivating space enthralls with a large six-paneled gold bas-relief frieze of jazz musicians crafted by DKT. The ship houses another custom black-and-gold Steinway piano found in a room adjacent.
Art enthusiasts will love the Modigliani sculpture in the hallway that leads o the owner’s suite. Another well-designed space is the cinema, where movie lovers will have the time of their life watching classics in a cinema influenced by Radio City Music Hall in New York. Fiber optics accentuates the space, while the black carpet and velvet curtain slides make matters authentic for a typical movie-watching experience.
The upper deck lounge includes a central skylight and is roomy for over 120 people connecting to the winter garden. On quieter days, the lounge can be closed off for privacy owing to retractable glass windows. Interestingly, the buffet tables move up and down at the touch of a button. New York makes an appearance en route to the owner’s suite as a busy mural depicting a scene of its daily chaos.
The monochrome main suite is reminiscent of a piano with black and white interiors. The area is elegant, opulent, and extravagant, with concealed wardrobe, a sliding mirror that divides the bathroom, large artworks, and a custom vanity table. The suite is spread across two levels and includes a private Jacuzzi. Other amenities on the stellar Phoenix 2 include a 25-foot pool attached to a spa pool, a gym, and a beauty salon.
The ship is serviced by a crew of 28, including a pianist, guitarist, massage therapist, and chocolatier. As mentioned above, the incredible floating time machine can be chartered for $1.5 million weekly.
Worth $620 million, 63-year-old Earvin “Magic” Johnson loves to splurge
The Michigan-born son of a General Motors assembly line worker and a school janitor fell in love with basketball at an early age. He earned the moniker magic at age 15; scoring a triple-double with 36 points, 18 rebounds, and 16 assists. It was a nickname coined by a local reporter but stayed on as Johnson’s career skyrocketed and the name became more befitting. Johnson won 5 championship games during 13 seasons with the Lakers as the point guard. The basketball star contracted HIV in 1991, which ended his relationship with the sport.
However, it inaugurated his second inning as an entrepreneur who launched an empire called Magic Johnson Enterprises, valued at over $1 billion. The businessman also owned 105 Starbucks locations and a 4.5% ownership position in the Los Angeles Lakers, sold for $100 million.
