Like most A-list celebrities, actor Samuel L. Jackson loves the good life, and that includes extended vacations to exotic locations, non-stop parties, and living the A-list lifestyle he’s worked so hard for. For years, he’s been going on said vacations with his longtime friend Magic Johnson and other friends, turning this summer charter cruise into a tradition.
This year is no different, down to the way in which Jackson casually “invites” his fans along for the ride via his social media posts. It’s also the best chance a regular fan has of learning which is the pleasure craft of choice for that year. For 2023, Jackson & Co. have opted for Phoenix 2, an older Lurssen custom superyacht currently on the market for a little over $125 million. This is the first time Jackson charters this particular vessel: in the past, he’s been seen onboard Solandge and Aquila, both in the same price range.
Phoenix 2 is a spectacular vessel, even by the standards Lurssen has accustomed us to and despite its age, but probably the 2019 refit had a part to play in that regard. Delivered as a fully custom project to Polish financier Jan Kulczyk, it’s styled as a modern tribute to the Art Deco era, so it’s all about glitz, geometric patterns, and glossy surfaces – an elegant example of decadence, masquerading as a family floating palace.
Luxury amenities abound: Phoenix 2 has two helipads and two jacuzzis, an outdoor cinema, a formal ballroom with a gorgeous Steinway piano as a centerpiece, a winter garden, a gorgeous bar, packed garages, and plenty of exterior lounge areas, including a generously-sized swim platform. Total length is 90 meters (295 feet), so there’s enough roof for a little something for everyone.
Jackson didn’t show much of the superyacht to his followers, but he did reveal that the spa area now offers acupuncture and cupping, besides the “standard” massage room, sauna, and fully-equipped gym. He also posted some photos of the snacks prepared by the onboard chef because, apparently, not even 74-year-old thespians are immune to snapping photos of their food every once in a while.
Jokes aside, Phoenix 2 is a gorgeous superyacht and, partly because of it, a very popular charter platform. Powered by a pair of MTU engines of 2,670 hp each, it offers an interior volume of 2,667 GT spread across four decks, with accommodation for 14 guests and 28 crew. Top speed is 18 knots (20.7 mph/33 kph), so Phoenix 2 is no slouch either.