Magic Johnson, Samuel L. Jackson and Friends Kick Off Summer Vacation Onboard Phoenix 2

For over a decade now, Magic Johnson and his wife Cookie have spent anywhere between three and six weeks each summer sailing in the Mediterranean in the company of close friends. They drop off some of these friends along the way and pick up others, and as of a couple of years ago, they share some of their adventures with fans and followers on social media. Magic might be 64, but he's not your regular 60-year-old!

Since he's so versed in generating content for social media (or someone on his team is), his summer vacation has become the stuff of aspirational dreams and a viral story in its own right. So, when he announced earlier this week that he had officially gone on vacation, interest in his choice for a superyacht peaked.

Last summer, Magic & Co. rented the Phoenix 2 superyacht through Burgess, arguably the largest charter platform for clients like himself. The vacation lasted an incredible six weeks, and Magic wrapped it up with a very surprising post thanking the crew for making it so special.

That wasn't a sponcon and, as it turns out, it wasn't insincere either. Proof of that is in the fact that Johnson is back on Phoenix 2 for the second year in a row. What better confirmation can you have of a good thing than the customer coming back for seconds, right?

This summer, the Johnsons are accompanied by actor Samuel L. Jackson and comedian Cedric the Entertainer, together with their significant others and a small group of other friends. Last year, Jackson remained with the Johnsons for the entire duration of the cruise, so this year will probably be no different. Jimmy Kimmel is not there, he's just trolling.

The Phoenix 2 superyacht has just completed a refit at the Lurssen-Wreft shipyard in Germany and is in top shape. It's also for sale (still), just in case you have €125 million ($135.2 million at the current exchange rate), give or take a few cents, to spare on a floating palace. The superyacht has been on the market for the past couple of years.

Phoenix 2, an Art Deco wonder with no direct rival

Phoenix 2 is a fully-custom build by German luxury shipyard Lurssen. It was delivered to the owner in 2010 and was the follow-up to a smaller and less pretentious starter yacht that went by Phoenix (now Aurora). Designed on commission for Polish financier Jan Kulczyk, Phoenix 2 has remained in the family after Kulczyk's death in 2015.

The inspiration for this 90-meter (295-foot) superyacht came from the New York skyline and Art Deco styling, but just putting it like that in words doesn't do it justice. The interiors by Winch Design are like a jazzy, exuberant, and vibrant trip down memory lane in an alternate universe, but they're also modern and luxurious at the same time.

Think geometric patterns, glossy surfaces, lots of chrome and gold touches, monochromatic areas that immediately stand out, and plush fabrics that offer a soothing counterpoint to the visual stimulation provided by everything else.

The interiors of Phoenix 2 have been compared to standalone collections of art, and the description is still accurate post-refit. Every detail, from the door handles to the wall art, including the jazz orchestra in bas-relief that watches over the formal dining table, has been done by hand and perfectly curated to fit the theme. Nothing is left to chance.

Amenities are as outrageous as you'd expect from a superyacht described as "you can almost see Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan foxtrotting" in the great ballroom. Of course the Phoenix 2 has a great ballroom! Of course it's designed around a gold-and-black Steinway grand piano.

They include accommodation for as many as 14 guests across seven staterooms, two helipads, and two private cinemas – one of which has its own popcorn-making machine because you should never have to wait for freshly popped popcorn to be brought in from the kitchens. There's a large swimming pool and a jacuzzi for the guests, and another jacuzzi on the owner's private deck. There's also a state-of-the-art gym and a wellness area that boasts a spa and hammam, as well as massage specialists and a personal trainer.

Phoenix 2 also boasts a climate-control winter garden, several bars, including a statement one, and garages packed with toys and gear that enhance its multi-generational appeal. The beach club is on the larger side and features a 4-meter (13.1-foot)-deep swim platform with hydraulic bathing steps.

Power comes from twin 2,670 hp MTU engines, taking Phoenix 2 to a top speed of 18 knots (20.7 mph/33 kph). At cruising speed, range is an impressive 6,000 nautical miles (6,905 miles/1,1112 km).

Phoenix 2 "defies the limits on what is possible," according to the listing. At €124,950,000 ($135.2 million), which is the asking price, you'd expect nothing less.