Magic Johnson and his wife Cookie have officially set sail on their annual summer tradition—a luxurious couples yacht vacation across Europe. And just like years past, the vibes are opulent, the food is first-class, and the itinerary reads like a bucket list for the rich and famous.
Kicking things off in true style, the couple’s first stop was Venice, Italy, where Magic shared glimpses of their adventures, including romantic gondola rides, chic shopping sprees, and golden-hour views from rooftops. “Cookie and I had a spectacular day on vacation in Venice,” the NBA legend captioned an Instagram post, adding that they dined with longtime friends Tony and Vanessa Calloway and Dave and Tonya Winfield at Restaurant Terrazza Danieli, which overlooks the iconic city.
But that was just the beginning.
Next on the itinerary? Croatia. From exploring the charming coastal town of Hvar to soaking up culture and seafood delights in Split, the couple kept the momentum going. Frank and Nina Cooper joined the crew during this leg of the journey. “We’ve been having an amazing time in Hvar and Split. The food, the views, the people—everything has been wonderful,” Magic wrote, sharing that the group lunched at the famed Laganini Beach Club and dined at Restaurant Adriatic.
The Johnsons have been turning this summer escape into an enviable annual affair since at least 2022, when their star-studded yacht made waves across Greece. This year, the country made a comeback on the itinerary, and with it came one of the most talked-about moments of the trip: a full-blown toga party. Decked out in all-white Roman-inspired attire, the couples threw it back—ancient style—right on the deck of their floating palace.
The journey also sailed to Taormina, Sicily, where more celebrity friends joined the fun. Rodney and Holly Peete, along with John and Vicki Palmer, linked up with the crew at the luxurious San Domenico Palace—yes, the one featured in HBO’s The White Lotus. “I recommend everyone to come and experience this hotel,” Magic gushed, adding that he and Cookie sported matching Dolce & Gabbana for the occasion. The designer-branded pool, panoramic views, and five-star cuisine sealed the deal.
And what’s a trip to Italy without a stop in Capri? There, the couples feasted on fresh lobster at Lemon Tree restaurant, continuing the trip’s theme of “eat well, travel better.”
Though most of us won’t be dining seaside in Sicily or hosting toga parties on a superyacht anytime soon, Magic and Cookie are giving us every reason to dream—and live a little more vicariously. At 65, the basketball Hall-of-Famer continues to show that his magic extends far beyond the court.
One thing’s for sure: if luxury, laughter, and lasting friendships are the standard, this trip is pure gold.
