Magic and Earlitha “Cookie” Johnson just returned from a lavish six-week yacht vacation aboard the Phoenix 2 superyacht, where they witnessed the arrival and departure of numerous celebrities, acquaintances, and family members.
The NBA great began his Mediterranean tour in Antibes, France, and stopped in several Italian towns and cities as well as the Corinth Canal, Mykonos, Oia, Kefalonia, Kalami, and Santorini; Montenegro; and Dubrovnik, Croatia. He also visited Positano, Nerano, Sicily, and Capriccioli in Italy.
While on his journey, Johnson was no stranger to opulence. Famous hotels and restaurants visited by the NBA great included Taormina’s San Domenico Palace and Sicily’s Four Seasons, both of which were featured in the film The White Lotus. Although Johnson did not stay at the hotel, he did dine at the poolside restaurant, where he ordered a salad for $33 and a cannoli for $22. The property’s nightly rates begin at $1,700.
The former athlete didn’t have to worry about finding a place to sleep the night before his race because he rented the luxurious yacht Phoenix 2, which starts at €1,150,000 (about $1,255,000) each week. Johnson probably spent about $7,530,000 on the yacht for his six-week experience.
The seven-cabin superyacht is priced with a crew of 29, who are prepared to help a maximum of twelve guests. A two-story apartment with its own set of stairs makes up the main cabin. The suite’s private balcony has a jacuzzi and offers breathtaking views of the ocean. A central elevator links the remaining cabins across three levels of the ship; depending on guests’ demands, some of the rooms can be transformed into family accommodations.
On board the luxury yacht, guests can relax in one of three pools, enjoy a movie in either the indoor or outdoor theater, soak in a jacuzzi, work out in the gym, listen to music in the piano room, have a drink at the bar, or visit the salon and wellness center if they feel the need.
Johnson and his visitors also enjoyed entertaining evenings. The group surprised the basketball star and his family with a masquerade party one night. A “Greek god and goddess extravaganza” was the highlight of their second night in Greece. On Instagram, Johnson made a post. “We had so much fun dressing up and dancing and Chef Daisy prepared an outstanding spread for us to enjoy!”
Among Johnson’s notable companions on board were Judge Matthis, Michael Jordan, and Samuel L. Jackson.
“Last night, we had a fantastic meal at the lemon tree restaurant in Capri, Italy, Da Paolino Ristorante!” On Instagram, Johnson made a post. Judge Greg and Linda Mathis, John and Vicki Palmer, Sam and LaTanya Jackson, Michael Jordan and his wife Yvette, and my close friend and the best basketball player of all time were all there.
A carousel of images shows the pals posing for a group portrait, all smiles and laughter. At the legendary eatery, Magic and Jordan grinned in another shot as they were serenaded by musicians.
Johnson was joined in Italy by his family after his initial group of pals had already left on the vacation.
“Gigi and Avery, as well as our children Andre, EJ, and Elisa, as well as our daughter-in-law Lisa, will be joining Cookie and me on the yacht!” Along with a snapshot of the joyful bunch posing on the deck against a magnificent backdrop of seashore rocks, Magic, 63, commented.
With a total of 18 guests on board, Johnson visited 5 countries. He will probably repeat the entire process in 2024 if the trend from previous years persists.
