David Sandy's
MAGIC CRUISE 2009
By Roger Miller

Producing shows, events and conventions seems to come naturally for David Sandy.  He produced his first magic convention in 1983 at the age of 19. Sheila and I attended and were more than impressed. This farm kid from Missouri hired an unbelievable line-up of talent for this stellar event (a partial listing of performers included Charlie Miller, Dai Vernon, Slydini, Michael Ammar, John Cornelius, Fantasio, Mark Wilson, Shimada, Norm Nielsen, Petrick & Mia, Ross Bertram, Jay Marshall, Roger Klause, Paul Harris, Marvyn & Carol Roy, and the list goes on).  (read more)

Twenty-five years later, he's still producing magic gatherings, shows and other fun stuff.  His latest announcement is a revival of his popular Magic Cruise which debuted in 2002 to a completely sold-out gathering of over 200 magicians and magic lovers.  We enjoyed that cruise as we have any magic endeavor David has produced that has included trips to New York, Los Angeles and, of course, Branson, Missouri.  Magic Cruise 2009, an eight-day, seven-night Western Caribbean cruise, is scheduled to depart Miami on May 3, 2009 on the Carnival Valor, one of the newest and most luxurious in the Carnival fleet.

"I'm doing another magic cruise mainly because so many people have asked me to do it," explained David.  "I'd hear it all the time... ‘when are you doing another magic cruise?'... so I figured that now's a great time to put it all together."

As always, David puts together a line-up of first-class talent, and this event is no exception.  Joining David on Magic Cruise 2009 will be Mike Caveney, John Carney, John Shryock & Mari Lynn, Jon Armstrong, Kerry Pollock, Dave Kaplan, Les Arnold & Dazzle, Jeff McBride, Tina Lenert, ... and, as usual, David will pull some surprise bonus performers out of his hat when bon voyage time arrives.   You'll also enjoy very special magic-themed events, receptions, stage, cabaret and close-up shows, lectures/workshops, and much more!  Of course, in addition to the magic, all of the normal cruise ship amenities will provide additional doses of fun including.exciting games and activities, fabulous dining, lavish Vegas-style entertainment, friendly casinos, spa programs, and all the pampering service you can stand!  This particular cruise itinerary includes four beautiful ports of call including Grand Cayman, Belize, Isla Roatan and Cozumel.

"I want folks to get one of the best magic fixes of their lives... plus enjoy a beautiful week-long cruise and some of the most beautiful ports of call in the Caribbean," commented David.

As an added bonus to those who travel to Miami on Saturday, May 2, David has added a Pre-Cruise Party at the newly-renovated Miami Mart Airport Hotel (soon to become a Doubletree Hotel in November of this year).  Special luxury room accommodations and free airport transfers have been arranged at the same hotel.

"I've really tried to give folks one of the very best values possible," added David.  It's a magic gathering and a fabulous vacation all rolled into one!  These days, people are looking for ways to save money... so this is one way to get the best magic convention experience plus vacation experience all at the same time!"

Only 200 spots were available when David first announced this event a few weeks ago.  Already, magicians are causing these to disappear at an unanticipated rate.  Pricing starts at $699 per person (plus port charges, fuel surcharge and taxes).  More information and updates may be found by clicking this link or you may call 816-233-4177.

[Author Note: Roger Miller is a Past International President and Treasurer of the I.B.M. and recently Co-Chairman of the IBM/SAM Combined Convention.  For more information on him please click here for his bio.]