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 29-person crew on the seven-cabin superyacht is willing to assist up to twelve guests. The main cabin is a two-story apartment with a separate staircase. With a jacuzzi and amazing ocean views, the suite’s private balcony is a great place to relax. The remaining cabins are connected by a central elevator that travels through three deck levels; some of the rooms can accommodate families upon request.
Guests on the opulent yacht have access to three pools for relaxation, an indoor or outdoor theater for watching movies, a jacuzzi, a gym, a piano room for music, a bar for drinks, and a salon and wellness center for when they feel like it.
Johnson also enjoyed entertaining evenings with his guests. One night, the group threw a masquerade party and surprised the basketball player and his family. Their second night in Greece culminated in a “Greek god and goddess extravaganza.” Johnson shared something on Instagram. “Chef Daisy made an amazing spread for us to enjoy, and we had so much fun dressing up and dancing!”
Michael Jordan, Samuel L. Jackson, and Judge Matthis were some of Johnson’s notable traveling companions.
“We had a great dinner at Da Paolino Ristorante, the lemon tree restaurant in Capri, Italy, last night!” Johnson shared something on Instagram. There was Michael Jordan and his wife Yvette, Sam and LaTanya Jackson, Judge Greg and Linda Mathis, John and Vicki Palmer, and my close friend, the greatest basketball player of all time.
The friends can be seen grinning and laughing as they pose for a group photo on a carousel of pictures. Magic and Jordan smiled in another picture at the storied restaurant while they were serenaded by musicians.
Johnson’s first group of friends had already left for their vacation when his family arrived in Italy.
“Joining Cookie and me on the yacht will be Gigi and Avery, our kids Andre, EJ, and Elisa, and our daughter-in-law Lisa!” Magic, 63, posted a comment alongside a photo of the happy group posing on the deck against a stunning backdrop of seaside rocks.
Johnson traveled to five countries while carrying a total of eighteen guests. If the past few years’ pattern continues, he will most likely go through the entire procedure again in 2024.