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Inside the $1.2 Million-a-Week Superyacht Magic Johnson Chartered for His Summer Vacation

The nba legend and friends samuel l. jackson and ll cool j are enjoying the mediterranean in style..

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When you’re Magic Johnson, a simple European getaway just won’t do. You have to take in the continent by boat.

The NBA legend and entrepreneur is currently enjoying some time cruising around the Mediterranean onboard the Aquila , a 281-foot superyacht . And the Lakers great and his wife Cookie have invited along a star-studded group of pals, including Samuel L. Jackson and LL Cool J, to join in on the experience.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Samuel L Jackson (@samuelljackson)

Magic, who TMZ says likes to spend a month across the Atlantic each summer, has gone all out for his latest vacation. The Aquila is the largest boat built in the US since the 1930s, according to its Burgess charter listing . Originally developed by Derektor in 2010, the vessel sailed under the name Cakewalk until it was sold and completely refitted in 2016. The renewed, four-deck yacht has even more space from which its passengers can gaze upon cities like Corfu, Capri and Cervo, and is perfect for entertaining a one very large man and his family and friends.

The yacht has a massive owner’s suite with a massage room, salon and private deck that overlooks the bow, along with six other spacious guest suites. There’s also a cinema room, gym, two more massage rooms. When it comes time for entertaining, there’s a saloon called the London Bar, a beach club at sea level and a dedicated party deck with its own DJ booth, AV system and smoke machine. The interior’s pièce de résistance, though, is a 36-foot “waterfall” chandelier that stretches from the sun deck to the lower deck.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Earvin "Magic" Johnson (@magicjohnson)

Other amenities on the Aquila include a limousine tender, a deck jacuzzi, aquapark, trampoline and all the water toys you could ever want (think: jet skis, kayaks and wakeboards). The yacht, which has a 50-foot beam, is also manned by a crew of 28. It’s powered by two 3,306 hp MTU engine and has a top speed of 17 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots.

As you may have guessed, a boat like this doesn’t come cheap. The superyacht is reportedly worth over $150 million . Johnson is only chartering the vessel, but even that will set him back nearly €1 million (or about $1.2 million) a week, according to the listing. One thing is clear: No. 32 loves spending time on the Aquila . In fact, this isn’t his first time he’s rented the vessel. He also took it out on vacation back in 2019, according to TMZ . And honestly, who can blame him?

Bryan Hood is a digital staff writer at Robb Report. Before joining the magazine, he worked for the New York Post, Artinfo and New York magazine, where he covered everything from celebrity gossip to…

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Magic Johnson, Samuel L. Jackson Still On Gorgeous Yacht Vacay

Name a more iconic duo than NBA great Magic Johnson and Marvel movie maven Samuel L. Jackson. The two have been enjoying a long vacation on a yacht in Sardinia, an island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is the second largest island in the sea, right behind Sicily, and it's just big enough to harbor the massive yacht the celebrities are relaxing on. Magic Johnson is renting the yacht at an exorbitant $1 million per week, and they are about to enter week two of the vacation extravaganza.

The two are on summer hiatus after busy starts to their 2023. For Magic Johnson, the Laker legend was looking to make a bid for the NFL team, the Washington Commanders, as part of an investment group. If the deal were to get pushed through, he will be part of the group that owns the franchise for a record-breaking $6.05 billion price tag. Meanwhile, Samuel L. Jackson is coming off filming for the Marvel TV series Secret Invasion , currently streaming on Disney+.

Read more: Magic Johnson Reacts To Recent Commanders Bid

Magic Johnson & Samuel L. Jackson Soaking Up The Sun

Samuel L. Jackson is also coming off filming the sequel to Marvel's 2019 movie Captain Marvel , aptly named The Marvels. At 74 years old, the man deserves a break, and he's doing exactly that on a yacht in Sardinia. During his time with Magic, Jackson has been receiving acupuncture and cupping treatments to help relieve him of some physical soreness. This is to set him up for more filming, as the prolific actor is under contract for four upcoming features within the next year.

Johnson and Jackson jumped off the mega-yacht for some Italian grub at the Cala di Volpe Hotel. Magic has taken this annual trip for almost a decade straight, renting the "Phoenix2," which measures 296 feet long. The yacht has everything you could ever ask for: an outdoor theater, swimming pool, jacuzzis, and a gym. No word on when -- if ever -- the two of them will disembark the Phoenix2. For now, they're enjoying the time off.

Read more: Samuel L Jackson & Brie Larson Sing Their Heart Out To Ariana Grande’s “7 Rings”

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Magic Johnson Kicks Off Annual Star-Studded Couples Yacht Trip Through Europe

Nobody does a couples trip like NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson. Every year, Johnson and his wife Cookie host a trip around Europe via yacht with some of their favorite people, many of whom are public figures. The couple kickstarted their latest tour in Barcelona.

“We are officially on vacation!! 😁,” the 64-year-old said as the caption to photos with a few of the other couples in their finest threads and a few shots of them enjoying fine dining. “Hanging out with our great friends John and Vicki Palmer and Sam and LaTanya Jackson at Boca Grande in Barcelona, Spain! The food was *chef’s kiss*” he wrote.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Earvin "Magic" Johnson (@magicjohnson)

After visiting Barcelona, the couples’ next stop on the summer tour was the party city of Ibiza. They indulged in seafood and enjoyed some serene views from the yacht and were joined by another star couple, Cedric the Entertainer and his wife , Lorna.

“Today Cookie and I enjoyed a beautiful day in Ibiza, Spain,” he wrote. “We had a wonderful lunch at Juan Y Andrea Formentera with our friends John and Vicki Palmer, Sam and LaTanya Jackson, and Cedric the Entertainer and his wife Lorna. I encourage everyone to have lunch right on the beach at Juan Y Andrea. We ate the catch of the day, fresh sea bass and lobster… So delicious!”

In 2023 , the Johnsons toured Europe and had quite a few celebrity friends come along for that trip. In addition to Samuel L. Jackson and his wife, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, and Vicki and John Palmer, they spent time with Judge Greg Mathis and his wife, Linda Mathis, as well as Michael Jordan and his wife, Yvette Prieto. Johnson also had his kids join the trip last year, including Andre and his wife Lisa, his son EJ and daughter Elisa, and their grandchildren Gigi and Avery.

Some highlights of the trips usually include top-tier meals from a private chef and Fourth of July celebrations. We look forward to seeing where the couples land next and living vicariously through them!

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Magic Johnson and Wife Cookie Host Chef from Their European Yacht Vacation for Dinner: ‘One of Our Favorite People’

The Johnsons shared that they were able to spend time with a "great friend" from their recent European vacation

Magic Johnson/ Instagram

Magic Johnson is still in vacation mode!

On Wednesday, the NBA legend, 64, shared on Instagram that he and his wife, Cookie Johnson , 64, hosted one of their “favorite people” for dinner.

The legend told his followers and fans that the couple invited Chef Daisy Webster from the yacht they chartered during their European vacation this past summer.

In the Instagram post, the Johnsons are seen posing with Webster and her boyfriend in one photo, while another snap features the aforementioned foursome as well as more of the Johnsons’ friends and family — including their children , Andre , 42, Elisa , 29, and EJ , 31.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Earvin "Magic" Johnson (@magicjohnson)

“Last night Cookie and I hosted a great friend and one of our favorite people, Chef Daisy from super yacht Phoenix II, her boyfriend Dan, our family, and our friends at Steak 48,” Magic wrote.

Related: Magic Johnson Celebrates Wife Cookie on Their 32nd Anniversary: ‘Will Always Honor and Support You’

During their summer vacation abroad, the Johnsons — who were joined by grandchildren Gigi and Avery — chartered a 296-foot yacht, the Phoenix II, and cruised around the continent. Webster kept everyone well-fed by whipping up lots of delicious meals.

In one Instagram post from the vacation, Magic fawned over Webster's food. “The Phoenix 2 crew put on a Greek god and goddess extravaganza tonight on the yacht,” he shared. “We had so much fun dressing up and dancing, and Chef Daisy prepared an outstanding spread for us to enjoy! What a beautiful sunset tonight in Greece.”

In addition to celebrating Webster's Grecian spread, Magic also gave a shout-out to an Asian-inspired meal the chef prepared.

“Our chef Daisy has been cooking so many delicious dishes. Last night she cooked on the upper deck of the Phoenix 2 right in front of us.” Magic wrote , before describing a menu of veggie fried rice, turkey spring rolls, General Tso’s chicken, black pepper beef, sweet and sour prawns, and king crab with ginger dressing.

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During their sail, the Johnsons enjoyed stops in Capri, Italy, and San Domenico Palace, Taormina in Sicily — which happens to be the location of the latest season of The White Lotus . Magic shared this fun fact in his Instagram post from the couple's visit to Taormina.

Cookie Johnson/Instagram

Related: All the High-Fashion Moments from Magic Johnson’s Family Vacation — Including Samuel L. Jackson’s Bell Bottoms

“Our family had a great time today at the San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a Four Seasons hotel in Sicily,” the basketball star wrote in an Instagram post at the time. “A lot of the art and artifacts in the hotel are from the 1800s and fun fact, season 2 of White Lotus was filmed on the property! I recommend anyone traveling to Sicily, Italy, stay in the hotel and eat at Anciovi!”

In addition to visits from the couple’s children and grandchildren, Samuel L. Jackson , Michael Jordan , Judge Greg Mathis and their wives joined in on the fun once the boat headed for Capri.

Magic wrote in an Instagram post highlighting their visit, “I got to hang out with my great friend and the greatest basketball player to ever live, Michael Jordan, and his wife Yvette, Sam and LaTanya Jackson, Judge Greg and Linda Mathis, and John and Vicki Palmer.”

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Samuel l. jackson has acupuncture sesh aboard magic johnson's mega yacht, samuel l. jackson acupuncture, cupping sesh ... aboard magic's yacht.

Magic Johnson 's annual yacht vacation has somehow gotten even MORE lavish ... Samuel L. Jackson just revealed the boat trip now features acupuncture sessions!!!

Johnson, Jackson and a few of their close pals set sale yet again for their yearly European vacay earlier this month -- hitting the French Riviera this time -- and the "Pulp Fiction" star showed there's truly no expense spared on the getaway.

In photos that Jackson posted to his Instagram page Thursday morning ... you can see he got healing needles injected into his skin -- all while he was relaxing and soaking in rays on one of the boat's decks.

Samuel clearly knew the moment was one dripping with luxury -- 'cause he captioned one of the pics with the words, "Accu in da Sun!!"

"DAAYUUUM!!!!" he added.

The treatments didn't stop there, though ... he also got some cupping therapy done right on a lounge chair as well!!

Of course, the extravagant amenities shouldn't surprise anybody ... Johnson's been going all out for the summer trip for nearly a decade.

This year's yacht is called "Phoenix 2" ... and the 296-footer comes with all of the expected bells and whistles -- including jacuzzis, a gym, an outdoor cinema, a swimming pool, and so much more.

Jackson's clearly been in awe of it -- and for good reason ... its price tag to rent for just one week is about $1.2 MILLION!!

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Magic Johnson Thanks Yacht Staff for a ‘Tremendous Six Weeks’ as He Wraps Up European Vacation

The retired NBA star said the luxe trip was "one of our best vacations because of the staff, chefs and the yacht," in an Instagram post

Earvin "Magic" Johnson/Instagram

Magic Johnson is feeling grateful as his luxurious yacht vacation with his wife  Earlitha "Cookie" Johnson comes to an end.

Magic and Cookie, both 64, have been enjoying a romantic final leg of their trip after weeks of traveling with family and friends.

On Saturday, the NBA legend thanked the staff for an "incredible early birthday dinner and celebration" after a "tremendous" six weeks aboard the Phoenix 2 yacht in a post on Instagram.

The staff went all out for Magic's early birthday festivities, complete with a thoughtful display of photos of the couple from over the years.

"The planning that went into my celebration was best in class," Magic continued. "Everyone helped set up pictures of Cookie and I throughout the years; college to getting married and present day!"

Earvin "Magic" Johnson/Instagram

Magic's post continued: "I want to thank all of the staff and crew for their effort, and send a special thank you to Chef Hannah Rose for this beautiful birthday cake."

Chef Rose created a unique design for Magic's cake, with "the Commanders and Lakers front and center, which I love," he said.

"She is the best pastry chef that Cookie and I have ever experienced and her partner-in-crime, Chef Daisy, is the best chef we've ever had in our 30+ years of renting yachts," he added.

Magic encouraged his 3.5 million Instagram followers to follow both chefs. "You can follow Daisy at @thegirlyachtchef and Hannah Rose at @hannahroseyachtchef ," he wrote. "This has been one of our best vacations because of the staff, chefs and the yacht. Thank you for a tremendous 6 weeks!"

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The boat accommodates 12 guests and offers seven cabins, including a split-level master apartment accessed by its own staircase, and a private terrace with a Jacuzzi,  according to its website .

Twitter/MagicJohnson

The couple, who have been married for over three decades, have been traveling through Europe  with his family since early July. Magic began  chronicling the trip on July 5  when he and Cookie visited the restaurant Michelangelo in Antibes, France. 

Michael Jordan ,  Samuel L. Jackson  and  Judge Greg Mathis all joined the Johnsons aboard their yacht this summer. “Tonight we enjoyed an incredible dinner at the world-famous Da Paolino Ristorante aka the lemon tree restaurant in Capri, Italy!”  Johnson wrote on July 12. “AND I got to hang out with my great friend and the greatest basketball player to ever live, Michael Jordan, and his wife Yvette, Sam and LaTanya Jackson, Judge Greg and Linda Mathis, and John and Vicki Palmer.”

As the trip comes to an end, Magic will prepare for his first season as an NFL owner. He is a member of the Washington Commanders'  new ownership group , led by Apollo Global Management co-founder Josh Harris. 

The group  took ownership of the team after all 32 NFL owners approved the deal on July 20. The deal is reportedly worth $6 billion, according to the  Wall Street Journal . 

During a break from his vacation, the NBA legend returned to the United States for an appearance on the  Today  show , where he called the venture a "great opportunity" and reflected on what it means to become an NFL owner as a Black man.

“Breaking these barriers and going through these doors is important to me... as a proud Black man,” Johnson told  Today  host Craig Melvin through tears on July 21. "You got me choking up now."

“I don’t know why God blessed me with these opportunities, but I’m going to excel, not only for myself, but my family, but for all African Americans, making sure we can see [ourselves] in these seats," the NBA Hall of Famer said. “And I want people to know that we can do the job."

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