Halloween isn’t the only time of year when travelers are interested in mysterious, magical, and otherworldly experiences. We mortals are fascinated by the unseen. We love supernatural movies and TV shows, and intriguing attractions that are themed around them.
In cities like New Orleans and Savannah, Ga., haunted tourism thrives all year round. Magical thrill seekers flock to Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood to explore their popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter-themed areas.
Related: Carnival, Virgin, and Disney Cruise Line share Halloween plans
Mixology can be its own kind of magic and creative cocktails and mocktails are in high demand, especially on cruise ships. On land and at sea, themed bars and not-so-secret speakeasies entice people to enjoy craft cocktails in unique spaces.
To keep tempting travelers to sip at sea, cruise lines are conjuring up new ways to surprise and enchant passengers with shipboard bars and entertainment.
Combining the allure of immersive experiences that draw travelers into a story with the excitement of the supernatural, these enthralling new experiences from Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises bring mystery, magic and spirited fun to cruise ship nightlife.
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Image source: Walt Disney
Haunted Mansion-themed bar coming to Disney Treasure cruise ship
On Disney Cruise Line, the first Haunted Mansion-inspired bar will welcome foolish mortals when the Disney Treasure ship sets sail beginning in December. The Haunted Mansion Parlor will immerse passengers in the mysterious lore of the iconic Haunted Mansion Disney Parks attraction with a nautical twist.
Designed to look like a first-class drawing room from the classic cruise liners of the golden age, the Haunted Mansion Parlor will feature a puzzling storyline about a good-humored sea captain. Passengers can look around the parlor for clues that point to how the captain entered the ghostly realm after a doomed dinner with his strange, but entrancing fiancé.
Spirited cocktails will add to the ghoulish experience like a signature tequila cocktail served with swirl of flavored smoke. This spooky twist on a margarita will contain a secret message that can be revealed to guests only by black light.
Eerie portraits hanging around the parlor will remind passengers of paintings found inside the original Haunted Mansion attraction and give them a look at some of the happy haunts that call the Disney Treasure home. Beware of hitchhiking ghosts!
Related: Disney cruisers just can't wait for these new themed dinner shows
Princess Cruises entrances passengers with Spellbound experience on Sun Princess
The magical art of mixology meets mind-bending feats of magic on Carnival’s Princess Cruises' new ship, Sun Princess, which debuted in early 2024. Sun Princess enchants passengers with Spellbound by Magic Castle, a unique after-dinner experience that features magic performances, surprises in themed rooms and theatrical cocktails.
Spellbound by Magic Castle is a collaboration with Hollywood’s legendary Magic Castle, the exclusive, private clubhouse of the Academy of Magical Arts located in a Victorian mansion in the Hollywood Hills. On Sun Princess, the Spellbound by Magic Castle experience includes Magic Castle-sponsored magicians performing in an immersive, themed venue.
The experience begins with a specialty dinner with a unique menu before guests are escorted to a mysterious door to enter the world of Spellbound.
Inside Spellbound, Victorian-inspired rooms designed to capture the essence of Hollywood’s Magic Castle pique curiosity with magical artifacts and interactive special effects. Sleight-of-hand bartenders conjure theatrical cocktails for guests before the evening culminates with close-up magic performances in the intimate, 30-seat Spellbound theater.
Spellbound by Magic Castle is offered nightly on Sun Princess with three seating times and limited capacity. Advance booking is required with a $149 per person cover charge.
Related: Princess Cruises builds on its 'Love Boat' history
Sun Princess passengers can enjoy even more magic on a Conjurer’s Cruise
The cruise line is also offering a magic-themed Conjurer’s Cruise on Sun Princess sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale Nov. 9-16, 2024. The magical voyage will feature headline performances by acclaimed actor and magician Michael Carbonaro.
In addition to being mesmerized by Spellbound, passengers on the Conjurer’s Cruise will experience wonder and illusion with custom-curated magical events and activities. A variety of magical add-on enhancements are also available for passengers to further immerse themselves in the mysterious world of magic.
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