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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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Cookie Johnson Threw Husband Magic Johnson A 60th Birthday Celebration He'll Never Forget

Magic Johnson and his wife Cookie Johnson are on the type of family vacation most of us can only dream about. The Johnsons rounded up some of their closest couple friends (including LL Cool J and his wife Simone Smith) and boarded a 281-foot yacht named Aquila. This luxury “grown folks vacay” reportedly cost $1 million per week , and the hefty price tag was worth it in order to celebrate Magic Johnson’s 60th birthday.

Cookie Johnson, who has been married to the basketball legend for 28 years, celebrated her husband by posting one of his childhood photos with a touching message celebrating his life. “You’ve come a long way baby!!!,” she writes. “I thank God for blessing you with 60 amazing years, full of dreams you have accomplished, new ones on the horizon, and helping so many along the way. God has so much more for you, as long as you continue to walk in His purpose. I am so proud to be a part of 42 of those years, I love you to pieces. Happy Birthday my Love!”

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cookie Johnson (@thecookiej)

Cookie and Magic looked happy and in love on the deck of the yacht, which was decorated with colorful birthday balloons. The couple’s children, Earvin Jr (aka EJ) and Elisa, were aboard to celebrate with their dad, as well as Magic’s eldest son Andre.

Out of all the presents and luxuries he’s surrounded with on this day, Magic says his greatest gift is being surrounded by his family. “The only thing I wanted for my 60th birthday was to have my family celebrating with me. I’m so happy my sons Andre and EJ, daughter Elisa, daughter-in-law Lisa, and my beautiful wife Cookie are all with me today,” he captioned their family group shot on Instagram.

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

Magic made it a point to thank his wife for making his day extra special. “A huge thank you to my queen Cookie for putting everything together,” he writes . I’ve loved you and been in love with you for over 40 years!”

Of course, Magic’s birthday dinner was nothing short of exquisite. His white, three-tiered birthday cake was topped with throwback photo of him on the court.

Happy Birthday Magic Johnson! Take a cruise through the gallery to see more photos from Magic’s birthday celebration and The Johnson’s grown folks vacation with LL Cool J, his wife Simone Smith, Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete, and Kevin Liles and wife Erika Liles.

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Check out Magic Johnson's 60th Birthday Celebration on a Yacht with His Wife and Children

Magic Johnson just turned the big 6-0 and celebrated in style with family and friends aboard a yacht. The basketball legend and his wife shared photos from the lavish affair with emotional words.

Birthdays come once in a year and should be celebrated, but when you’re worth hundreds of millions of dollars, you get to take things to a whole different level.

Magic Johnson attends the "Advancing The Dream" Live at The Apollo Theater on Sep. 6, 2013 in New York City | Photo: Getty Images

Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. turned 60 on August 14 and although he marked the occasion with only family and a few friends, the birthday bash most likely cost a decent sum.

Magic Johnson #32 of the Los Angeles Lakers walks down the court during an NBA game at the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles, California in 1988 | Photo: Getty Images

The former L.A. Lakers legend took to a yacht with his wife, Cookie Johnson, sons Andre and EJ, and daughter Elisa. He posed with all four and Andre’s wife, Melissa for a family photo with the caption :

“A blessed birthday indeed with the greatest birthday present in the world, my family. Thank you again to the amazing Aquila crew!”

LOVE FROM THE WIFE

Cookie also shared pictures from the birthday trip. In one shot, she rocked a yellow dress while leaning against her man, who also looked casual in a green t-shirt.

“Celebrating My Love,” she wrote . Happy Birthday, Earvin.”

The yacht was decorated with colorful balloons and a banner that said in All-Caps: “Happy birthday Magic Johnson.” There was also a modest white cake topped with a throwback pic of a young Magic during a Lakers game.

What was most touching, however, was Cookie’s birthday tribute to her husband of almost three decades. “You’ve come a long way, baby!!!” she captioned a photo gallery with one throwback pic of Magic and another of the couple at an event.

Cookie & Magic Johnson at Mercedes-Benz presents the Carousel of Hope Ball benefitting Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes in Beverly Hills, California on Oct. 11, 2014 | Photo: Getty Images

HEARTFELT TRIBUTE

Cookie continued:

“I thank God for blessing you with 60 amazing years, full of dreams you have accomplished, new ones on the horizon, and helping so many along the way, God has so much more for you, as long as you continue to walk in His purpose. I am so proud to be a part of 42 of those years, I love you to pieces. Happy Birthday my Love.”

THE COOKIE-MAGIC JOURNEY

The Johnsons have even more reason to celebrate. In less than a month, Magic and Cookie, 60, will celebrate their 28th wedding anniversary.

The couple tied the knot in a small wedding on September 14, 1991, and has faced several challenges without losing each other or their marriage. The first was not too long after their wedding when Magic broke the news of his HIV diagnosis to Cookie.

“It scared me to death. I mean, I fell to my knees,” she recalled during a 2016 “Good Morning America” interview. “We both fell on our knees, and we started crying.”

DEALING WITH HIV

At the time, Cookie was pregnant with their first child and would eventually heave a sigh of relief when the HIV tests came back negative for her and their unborn son.

Despite Magic telling his wife he’d understand if she decided to leave him, Cookie stayed by his side. Together, they launched the Magic Johnson Foundation to combat HIV and on June 4, 1992, welcomed their first child, Earvin “EJ” Johnson III .

DEALING WITH DIFFERENT

Magic and Cookie’s next big challenge would arise when they realized their son was different. From a young age, EJ would rather play with dolls and dresses than with toy trucks.

Over the years, it became clear to Magic and his wife that their son was not just going through a phase. It was easier for Cookie to accept that EJ was gay, but for the man many consider as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, the story was different.

EJ Johnson & Magic Johnson at the 2014 Carousel of Hope Ball in Beverly Hills, California on Oct. 11, 2014 | Photo: Getty Images

MAGIC'S FIRST RESPONSE

Last year, during an appearance on Jada Pinkett-Smith’s Facebook series, “ Red Table Talk ,” Cookie recalled her husband’s initial reaction:

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“My husband is the kind of person like he reacts quickly. Everything that came to the top of his head, he just let it out. It hurt my feelings and I know it probably hurt [EJ’s] feelings.”

WORKING IT OUT

Not too long after, however, Magic came around, and by the time EJ would come out as gay in 2013, the reality star had his entire family’s support.

“You gotta support your child because there's so many people who try to discriminate against them,” Magic said on “ The Ellen DeGeneres Show ” in 2017. “If you don't support ‘em, who's gonna support ‘em and love them? It's all about loving them no matter who they are.”

(L-R) Andre’s wife Lisa, Andre, Cookie, Magic Johnson, EJ, and Elisa at the 2014 Carousel of Hope Ball in Beverly Hills, California on Oct. 11, 2014 | Photo: Getty Images

Magic is also a supportive dad to Andre , who was born in 1981 from a previous relationship, and Elisa , who he adopted in 1995 with Cookie.

Happy birthday, Magic!

The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, and images contained on news.AmoMama.com , or available through news.AmoMama.com is for general information purposes only. news.AmoMama.com does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider.

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NBA legend Magic Johnson loves this 295 feet long superyacht so much that he charters it every year for $1.5 million a week to spend time with family and friends. The stunning Phoenix 2 is inspired by 1930s New York, it has a grand cinema, piano rooms & even a chocolatier

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 13: Magic Johnson attends “To Kill A Mockingbird” Broadway Opening Night at Shubert Theatre on December 13, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)

When you’re Magic Johnson, celebrating your birthday isn’t just an event – it’s a moment of grandeur. As an LA icon, it’s almost a given that Magic has seen it all and done it all. In his older years, he has slowed down a touch. But with style, of course. Recently, he shared glimpses of his lavish early birthday celebration on Instagram. To make things more interesting, he was aboard his jaw-dropping $15 million yacht, “The Phoenix 2”. Amid the luxurious settings of the sea, a delicious surprise treated Johnson, leaving him awestruck.

Let’s dive into the world of extravagance and luxury of the Magical NBA icon.

An early birthday surprise for Magic Johnson

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Magic will turn 64 on August 14th. In the build-up to his big day, the Los Angeles Lakers legend shared his joy with a series of pictures capturing moments from an early birthday celebration. The Instagram post showcased the basketball legend next to a magnificent birthday cake.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 20: Former NBA player Magic Johnson attends the 29th Annual Achilles Gala at Cipriani South Street on November 20, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)

His birthday is just around the corner, but the staff didn’t waste any time and gave the legend an early bash, cutting to the front of the line. In his caption, Johnson expressed his heartfelt gratitude to “The Phoenix 2” staff for going above and beyond to make his day.

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

The surprise early birthday dinner and celebration left him deeply touched. Magic especially thanked Chef Hannah Rose, who crafted a stunning birthday cake.

The cake not only featured intricate designs but also paid homage to Johnson’s basketball legacy. It prominently featured the Washington Commanders and LA Lakers logos. It was an exquisite creation that reflected the essence of Johnson’s illustrious career as a player and businessman.

One of the clips in the post shows Johnson grooving as the staff sings “Happy Birthday” for their favorite seafarer.

Luxury Afloat: The World of The Phoenix 2

Beyond the birthday celebration, Magic Johnson’s life on “The Phoenix 2” is an exploration of the high seas. However, with a yacht worth a staggering $15 million, the voyage is nothing short of luxurious.

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For six weeks, he indulged in the amenities and panoramic views offered by the yacht. From spacious lounges to top-tier facilities, “The Phoenix 2” is a symbol of the finer things in life that Johnson relishes. Even Hollywood star Samuel L. Jackson was astonished by this larger-than-life yacht.

Magic’s Instagram post offered a glimpse of the lavish interiors of the yacht. It showed Johnson and his guests enjoying his celebration too. Furthermore, giving his followers a taste of the luxury that accompanies his voyages.

As he continues to inspire both on and off the court, his celebration shows that he is spending his well-earned time off in spectacular fashion.

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

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?

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Inside Magic Johnson’s $138million superyacht Aquila with nightclub and cinema room which you can hire for $1m-a-week

• Published : 4:15 ET, Sep 29 2022
• Updated : 6:25 ET, Sep 29 2022
• Published : Invalid Date,

MAGIC by name, magical by lifestyle.

Magic Johnson is partial to the high-life - swimming in the riches of a fortune estimated at $620million.

So, it's no surprise that when he takes a holiday he goes away on a $138m superyacht - that is available to hire for an eye-watering $1m-a-WEEK.

The LA Lakers legend spends his summers enjoying exotic coastlines on board the incredible Aquila.

Johnson, 63, took the vessel on his summer holidays in 2022, where he took in the sights of Greece.

Here's what he would've enjoyed.

Read More on The Sun

I was embarrassed when I found a lump down there - now I'm fighting for my life

Size matters.

The Aquila is huge.

At 281-feet long, it's the largest yacht to be built in America since the 1930s - and no expense was spared in turning it into a 'party boat'.

After all, the sun deck boasts a spacious jacuzzi, a day bar, as well as a massage room.

But there's also room for a DJ - with a booth, an AV system, smoke machine and light show ready to use - yes, it's a superyacht with its own nightclub.

Up to 12 guests can stay at one time - with the Aquila able to be manned by a 28-strong crew.

From a design aspect, the most surreal and aesthetically pleasing feature of the Aquila is a waterfall chandelier that drops down four levels from the sun deck down to the lower deck - that just adds to the yacht's opulence.

Another cool addition is the outstanding cinema room that features an enormous 85-inch screen.

The master cabin, or as it is known as the 'owner's deck', features his/hers ensuite and a study, as well as a salon.

There are a further six cabins that all offer space and comfort to the highest specification.

On top of that, guests can work out in the Aquila's fully-equipped gym.

FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES

In 2021, Magic was joined by a host of pals, including LL Cool J and Steve Harvey for a trip of a lifetime - a cruise around the Amalfi coast.

Before that, he's been seen visiting jet-set destinations as glam as Corsica, Cannes, Sorrento and Monaco.

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In August 2020, he and wife Cookie spent around a month in Croatia.

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He visited the gorgeous island of Dubrovnik and urged travellers who hadn't visited to make sure they do.

He wrote on Instagram: "@thecookiej and I just got back from Croatia and we highly recommend it to anyone! The food was fantastic and the country is just beautiful!"

Magic Johnson, 61, Treats Friends Samuel Jackson & LL Cool J To Vacation on $1.1 Million Yacht

Magic Johnson spared no expense when he brought his famous pals Samuel L. Jackson and LL Cool J on a luxurious yachting trip to Italy.

Earvin “Magic” Johnson , 61, and his wife  Cookie,  62, set sails for the the shores of Italy for a scenic vacation. The former NBA star leased the 281-foot yacht Aquila for the trip, which costs $1.1 million per week to rent, via TMZ . With such a big boat, Magic and Cookie made the trip a star-studded affair and invited famous friends to join with their wives, as well. The couple extended the invite to actor Samuel L. Jackson , 72, rapper  LL Cool J , 53, and former NFL star  Rodney Peete , 55, along with their significant others. It also appears the celebrities were joined by an anesthesiologist friend Anthony Calloway  and his wife.

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

Even without all the stars onboard, the vacation seems like it would be a blast. Not only are there scenic views of the gorgeous Italian coast, but the Aquila is decked out with any accommodations you can dream of. The boat won the 2017 World Superyacht Award and comes equipped with a cinema room, spa, massage rooms, beach club and elevator, according to the broker Burgess Yachts .

Magic and his famous friends looked like they had plenty of fun on their week-long trek. The stars posted many photos on their Instagram pages of the stunning views they took in on the trip. LL shared a ton of videos showing off both the sights they were seeing and the boat’s fabulous amenities . During the trip, it also looks like Anthony celebrated a birthday, as  Magic posted a video of the couples and the boat’s crew singing and dancing onboard with giant “Happy Birthday” balloons.

The stars took plenty of time to chronicle their vacation. Magic also shared tons of photos where he’s posing with his wife and friends. Besides the shot of him “hanging with my boys in Porto Cervo,” Magic also posted himself and Cookie alongside Samuel and his wife LaTanya Jackson in Sorrento. All the couples posed on deck with a beautiful mountain backdrop for a group shot. Magic wrote that they were “Having the best of times in Capri.”

Inside Magic Johnson’s Six-Week Yacht Voyage: Former NBA Champion Spent a Reported $7.5 Million for the Experience with Family and Friends

Former NBA player Magic Johnson works hard and plays hard. Just a few months before reaching billionaire status, Johnson spent six weeks on a yacht vacation with his wife, Cookie, hosting their friends and family along the way.  

While the voyage was in August, photos of the vacay recently resurfaced. Johnson and his guests stayed aboard the Phoenix 2. The luxury yacht’s charter prices were just under $1.25 million weekly, according to the company website. And for Johnson’s six week journey, it is estimated that he spent $7.5 million.  

Johnson, who has a reported net worth of $1.2 billion, traveled throughout the Mediterranean. Johnson and Cookie began their adventures in Antibes, France, before heading to Italy to visit towns such as Portoffino, Capriccioli, Capri, Positano, Nerano, and Sicily; the Corinth Canal, Mykonos, Oia, Kefalonia, Kalami and Santorini in Greece; and Montenegro before ending the journey in Dubrovnik, Croatia. In total, Johnson was able to visit five countries with 18 members of his inner circle. 

During the trip, Johnson participated in day excursions, staying in San Dominici Palace in Taormina and the Four Seasons hotel in Sicily. And while the nightly charge for these hotel stays were upwards of $1700, it is no comparison to the cost of renting a luxury yacht for six weeks. 

Life on the Yacht 

The seven-cabin yacht includes the primary cabin, which is a split-level apartment. Panoramic views of the ocean coupled with a private terrace are connected by a private stairwell. The yacht’s other cabins are situated on three decks of the ship and are accessible by elevator. 

There’s also three swimming pools, several jacuzzis, a fitness room and wellness center, an indoor and outdoor movie theater, a bar and even a hair salon. 

The yacht also comes ready with a 29-member crew ready to support the needs of guests. 

Johnson’s Experience 

Johnson and Cookie began their journey with some of the former Laker’s celebrity friends. Voyagers included Michael Jordan, Judge Mathis and Samuel L. Jackson and their respective spouses. 

“Tonight we enjoyed an incredible dinner at the world-famous Da Paolino Ristorante aka the lemon tree restaurant in Capri, Italy!” Johnson shared on Instagram.  “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.”

Crew members made the journey memorable with food and entertainment related to the Mediterranean. 

On one evening, for instance, Johnson and his guests participated in a masquerade party. While in Greece, they experienced a “Greek God and Goddess Extravaganza.” 

Once Johnson’s friends left, his children and grandchildren joined the trip in Italy. 

”Cookie and I are excited to have our kids Andre, EJ, Elisa, our daughter-in-law Lisa and grandkids Gigi and Avery join us on the yacht!” Johnson posted on Instagram.

What people are saying

5 thoughts on “ inside magic johnson’s six-week yacht voyage: former nba champion spent a reported $7.5 million for the experience with family and friends ”.

People starving in this world losing everything they own and you spend $7 million and 6 weeks a million.25 a week on a boat a yacht oh my god it’s ridiculous man I’m sorry but that’s throwing money away That’s why all the countries hate us because people can spend money like this That’s ridiculous Where do you make all his money magic Johnson He didn’t make that much playing back then

It is his money!! You spend yours the way you want don’t you? Why do people always feel they have to dictate what others must do with their money? Mind your business.

3. You really are an uneducated and intelligent person. Magic Johnson gives more money to charity in one year than you’ll make your entire life. Apparently you can’t read because the article says he is a multi business investor. People like your shouldn’t breed. And billionaires from all over the world take vacations like this, not just Americans🙄

Magic Johnson and I met at Morgan State University at the Julius Serving Basketball. He is a great person who made an impact in my life He has worked hard to get where he is for himself and his family. Therefore, it is not in good taste to question the way he spends his money with his friends and family.

Magic and his beautiful wife deserve to vacation with their family and friends and that’s the bottom line. None of know the hard work it took for him to live this way. He’s an amazing philanthropist that empowers others to live their best lives. What he’s done after basketball is as amazing as what he did playing basketball

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Magic johnson and samuel l. jackson continue spectacular yacht vacation in sardinia, magic johnson, samuel l. jackson spectacular yacht vacay breezes on in sardinia.

Magic Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson are tight both by land and sea  ... they ventured off their mega-yacht to grab some authentic Italian grub -- authentic 'cause they're in Italy!

The basketball legend and his famous guest jumped off their yacht for Sardinia, lunching at the Cala di Volpe Hotel.

As we reported, Magic's annual summer trip has been goin' down for nearly a decade, and this year's yacht is truly spectacular -- "Phoenix2," a 296-foot ship that rents out for $1.2 mil a week!

The yacht has everything ... an outdoor theater, swimming pool, gym, and multiple jacuzzis.

SLJ shared some pics of him getting some R&R last week on the yacht -- going topside for acupuncture and cupping !

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LL Cool J Shows Off $1 Mil A Week Yacht, Thanks 'Big Bro' Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson Starts Annual Vacay W/ LL Cool J Aboard $1 Mil Week Yacht

Old news is old news be first.

A history of Magic Johnson's absurd summer yacht vacations

Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson is back on a superyacht on the high seas of Europe. Summer has officially started.

Michael Corvo

Magic Johnson is back on a super-yacht in Greece. Summer has officially started.

On Thursday, the Los Angeles Lakers legend posted a characteristically goofy yet luxurious video showing the 61-year old lifting weights while on a nifty-looking boat in the Greek Islands:

Johnson, as per annual tradition, has kept his followers extremely up to speed with his travels through the Ionian Sea since arriving, including a swing by the Old Fortress of Corfu (a solid fortress).

In honor of Magic's glorious return to his favorite habitat — the High Seas of Europe — let's look back on his hallowed tradition.

The five-time NBA champion and hyper-successful business mogul has dropped serious dimes on his summer excursions, dating back to 2008 , at least. A few notable tidbits:

In 2011, Johnson and his best buddy and frequent travel partner, Samuel L. Jackson — along with their wives, Cookie and LaTanya Richardson Jackson — stopped by Portofino, where Johnson discovered that Italians like basketball, too.

‘I didn't realize Italians love basketball just as much as we do in the US,” he wrote on Facebook. “Almost everyone in Capri lined up to take a picture with me!'

In 2015, Johnson dropped a mere $500,000 per week to sail around the Mediterranean with his son E.J., and Jackson. According to Boat International , Johnson rented the 230-foot motor yacht, Amadeus , owned by French billionaire Bernard Arnault. Amadeus includes a movie theater and driving range and had been previously used by former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and Bono. It was on this trip that Magic began posting above-deck workout videos .

According to TMZ , Johnson rented the yacht for six weeks, totaling $3 million. Must be nice!

The next summer, Magic bought Cookie a 25-carat diamond ring for their 25th anniversary, which they celebrated in style in Monaco after beginning their summertime journey in Venice.

In 2017, Magic elevated his game, chartering 241-foot SIREN at $700,000 per week for a trip through the Mediterranean. (SIREN hilariously lists “download and print daily newspapers” as one of its special features, alongside two movie theaters and a beach club.)

Even more comically, Magic said he pushed back the '17 trip until August in order to go to Lakers Summer League (and not because his birthday and wedding anniversary are in August).

That August, the Johnsons and Jacksons cruised by Sorrento, Italy, and the Isle of Capri — a popular dock for summer super-yachters. While there, the Johnsons dined with Miami Heat owner (and Carnival Cruise chairman) Micky Arison.

From there, the Johnsons hit Ponte Cervo, another hoppin' destination for summer yacht parties. They also checked out Port of Bonifacio and returned to Portofino, which Magic dubbed his “favorite place in the world,” despite being confused on social media as “ lazy migrants ” by some deeply uninformed Italians (disclaimer: I am Italian).

The Johnsons then swooped through the French Riviera to visit some pals in Cannes, Antibes, and Monte Carlo, including Lionel Ritchie, Prince Albert of Monaco, and seven-time Formula 1 champ, Lewis Hamilton . At the end of the trip, he gifted the Amadeus crew with custom Lakers jerseys.

In 2018, Magic was back at it, enjoying the South of France and the Amalfi Coast with the Jacksons. Unlike the former pro athlete, Jackson was having no part of the gym on deck, though he was appropriately amped about Magic's birthday biscuit spread.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmYRHyRnAHh/

In July 2019, a month after Johnson abruptly stepped down as Lakers president, the Hall of Famer made the Leap: dropping $1 million per week to charter Aquila ,  a $150 million 281-foot mega-yacht, for a swing through the Amalfi Coast .  Aquila features a gym, nightclub, and movie theater, and jet skis, which Johnson enjoyed as Rob Pelinka rebuilt the Lakers.

Here he is on Aquila, hosting LL Cool J, ex-NFL QB Rodney Peete, and other friends for a lavish dinner. They also met up with Naomi Campbell , whose yacht was nearby (how fun!).

During one stop on his travels, Magic ran into the one human being in the world with a tattoo of a quote from his self-help book, 32 Ways to Be a Champion in Business : “Some people want it to happen. Some wish it would happen. Others make it happen.” Write that down.

Aquila stopped in Croatia before heading to St. Tropez for Johnson's star-studded 60th birthday bash on Pampelonne Beach. Among the guests: Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez (RIP), Anthony Anderson, Spike Lee, and Pat Riley.

Johnson's trips — which he, E.J., Cookie, and Sam and seemingly every guest thoroughly document on social media — have become a prized invite amongst the elite, including Jimmy Kimmel. In 2018, Jackson joked about not inviting Kimmel due to their “no kid” policy on the boat.

That same year, Magic explained his attachment to his Eurotrips, telling Kimmel that “he loves Italian food and he loves to eat,” — a classic hot take from Magic.

“I want to date my wife for a month,” he added, adorably.

In 2019, Oscar-winning actress Brie Larson told Kimmel that she unsuccessfully lobbied Jackson, her “Captial Marvel” co-star, to invite her onto Johnson's boat, to which Kimmel could relate.

“I've been trying to get myself on that trip for like five years now, and I've never been invited,” Larson revealed. “Me too,” Kimmel said. “I've asked Magic 10 times, I've asked Sam 5 times. They always laugh and there's no follow up.”

That same year, Kimmel implored Johnson for an invite, once again, and, after being denied, began sharing photoshopped images of him and his wife alongside the Johnsons.

In the summer of 2020, the Johnsons wouldn't let a little global pandemic halt their Euro getaway. Instead, the Johnsons hopped back aboard Aquila to set sail around Croatia, docking in Split for a few weeks to visit world-class restaurants and national parks. The locals noticed.

Moral of the story: it's nice to be Magic Johnson. But you already knew that.

Now fix the Lakers again , Rob Pelinka.

Michael Corvo is ClutchPoints' lead golf writer. He covered the Lakers from 2021-24.

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Magic Johnson Says Wife Cookie ‘Looks So Good’ as They Celebrate Her 65th Birthday in Turks and Caicos

The couple marked the milestone with fireworks, food and dancing amid the picturesque and tropical backdrop

Earvin "Magic" Johnson/Instagram

• Magic and Cookie Johnson celebrated a big birthday while in Turks and Caicos
• Married for 32 years, the couple danced, indulged in oceanfront dining and watched fireworks to celebrate the day
• The trip comes a few months after the Johnsons enjoyed their annual exclusive European getaway onboard a super yacht

Magic Johnson celebrated his wife Cookie’s birthday in a sweet way!

The NBA Hall of Famer, 64, shared his appreciation of his partner of 32 years in a post on Instagram Saturday for Cookie ’s 65th birthday.

The couple marked the milestone with a trip to the Caribbean, Johnson wrote, posting a carousel of images from the tropical trip.

“My wife Cookie looks so good in her birthday attire! 😍🔥” the basketball icon wrote. “We’ve had an amazing time celebrating her today in Turks and Caicos with live music, dancing, food, great company, and a live firework show finale.”

Cookie wore a green silk slip dress while Magic sported a plaid suit and white sneakers for the occasion, where they enjoyed a meal beachside, danced and shared a sweet kiss to Bobby Caldwell’s 1978 hit “What You Won’t Do for Love” while they took in a fireworks show.

For the Johnsons, the celebration comes just a few months after they enjoyed another “spectacular” trip.

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Over the summer, the family shared glimpses of their exclusive annual summer vacation, which featured special cameos by Michael Jordan , Samuel L. Jackson and Judge Greg Mathis , all on board the Phoenix II super yacht as it cruised the Mediterranean. 

In  addition to the celebrities, the Johnsons also made time to celebrate with their extended family.

”Cookie and I are excited to have our kids Andre, EJ, Elisa, our daughter-in-law Lisa and grandkids Gigi and Avery join us on the yacht!” Magic wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of the happy group, posed on the deck, in front of a dramatic backdrop of seaside cliffs.

Over the weekend, the retired athlete savored the moments from his and Cookie's Turks and Caicos trip, which was tinged with a mixture of gratitude and a touch of retail therapy.

“And of course, I bought her some of her favorite purses for her birthday gifts!” he wrote about his presents to Cookie. “I always love seeing her beautiful smile, especially on her special day.”

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