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Magic Johnson's $7.5M yacht party—Is this the ultimate way to celebrate a legend's birthday?

Magic Johnson might be turning 65 soon, but the Los Angeles Lakers legend is far from your average retiree! As August rolls around, fans know it’s the time of year when Magic sets sail on the Mediterranean, surrounded by his wife, Cookie, and a star-studded lineup of friends. This year, he has even witnessed the Olympics in Paris, but his birthday week kicked off with a unique surprise that left him speechless– a stunning replica of his rented $7.5 million superyacht, Phoenix 2.

Crafted entirely out of cake, this sweet tribute was so intricately detailed that Magic found himself hesitating to take the first slice. The 5x NBA champion posted a series of photos and a video on social media, unveiling the incredible birthday cake—a perfect miniature of the Phoenix 2, complete with all the luxury trimmings.

“Pastry Chef Hannah and Chief Engineer Tom joined forces to handmake an early birthday treat for me, and it’s by far the best birthday cake I’ve ever had! Not only did they bake the cake, but they also built an exact replica of our Phoenix 2 yacht! It was so unbelievable we didn’t even want to cut into it,” Magic wrote, capturing the essence of his joy and amazement. So, why is the Phoenix 2 so special to Magic?

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It all started last summer when Johnson first rented the mega yacht for a lavish six-week vacation. The journey took him to some of the most picturesque locations in Europe—Portofino, Capriccioli, Capri, and Sicily in Italy; the Corinth Canal, Mykonos, and Santorini in Greece; Montenegro; and finally, Dubrovnik in Croatia. Each stop was a testament to Magic’s love for exploration and luxury, making the Phoenix 2 a cherished part of his travel memories.

This time around as well, Magic and his yacht have made stops in Venice, and Mallorca, among other cities while being joined by friends Samuel L. Jackson and his wife, LaTanya, John and Vicki Palmer, Cedric The Entertainer and Lorna Wells, and his former teammate Vlade Divac.

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Magic Johnson's $7.5M yacht party—Is this the ultimate way to celebrate a legend's birthday?

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However, this luxurious experience comes with a hefty price tag. According to People Magazine, Johnson’s six-week adventure last year likely set him back around $7,530,000, just for the yacht. With rental prices starting at €1,150,000, or approximately $1,255,000 per week, the Phoenix 2 isn’t just a yacht—it’s a floating palace of opulence.

Magic Johnson’s mega yacht: Phoenix 2

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Although Magic Johnson doesn’t own the Phoenix 2, this stunning mega yacht is available for purchase—if you happen to have €125 million ($135.2 million) to spare. As per Autoevolution, this floating palace is on the market, and for those with deep pockets, it could be the ultimate trophy.

Moreover, the Phoenix 2 holds a special place in Magic’s heart. Unlike most people who might opt for a luxury hotel or an Airbnb for their vacations, Johnson prefers this superyacht. With its seven cabins, including a unique split-cabin design with a sky deck, the yacht comfortably accommodates 12 guests along with 30 crew members.

To make it even more extraordinary, the Phoenix 2 comes equipped with not just one but two helipads, ensuring that arrivals and departures are always a breeze. Additionally, the yacht features two private cinemas—one with its own popcorn machine so that freshly popped popcorn is never more than a few moments away. And for those who enjoy relaxing in style, there’s a large swimming pool and a jacuzzi for the guests, plus another jacuzzi on the owner’s private deck. The state-of-the-art gym, complete with a spa, massage specialists, and a personal trainer, ensures that even at sea, guests can maintain their fitness and wellness routines. Isn’t that the recipe for a perfect vacation?

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Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.