If your idea of a great vacation includes a touch of mystery, belly laughs, and unexpected moments that leave you saying, “How did he DO that?!” — you need to experience a Virgin Voyages sailing with magician Ben Price.
In this episode of the Virgin Voyages Tips Podcast, I sat down with one of my absolute favorite people on the planet (yes, I said it!) while onboard Valiant Lady to pull back the curtain on the magic, the man, and the cruise line we both love.
Meet Ben Price — Canada’s Best Magician (according to his mom… and now an award, too!)
Ben is a Canadian magician who’s taken the Virgin Voyages world by storm.
With over 50 Virgin Voyages sailings under his belt, he’s no stranger to dazzling Sailors night after night. His shows? Equal parts hilarious and mind-blowing — and maybe just a little bit mean (in the best way).
“On stage, I’m not very nice — which really throws people off. But I think that’s part of what makes it work. You can say things on an adults-only cruise you can’t say anywhere else.”
Ben’s style is unexpected, just like Virgin Voyages itself. His sarcasm, dry humor, and interactive magic shows create a kind of onboard experience that sticks with you long after you’ve disembarked.
How It All Started: From Magic Kit to Cruise Ship Stardom
Like many magicians, Ben’s story starts with a childhood Christmas gift — a magic kit. What began as playful trickery with his parents turned into a full-blown passion. Over time, he got better books, better props, and a sharper sense of showmanship.
“I was horrible at it at first… but I loved learning the steps and trying to fool my parents. It just blossomed.”
Ben has now been performing professionally for over 12 years, and has spent the last 3 years working cruise ships around the world. But once he discovered Virgin Voyages, it was game over:
“I fell in love with it. It’s just my kind of lifestyle. The audiences are such a fun mix — from 90 to 18 years old.”
Why Virgin Voyages? Why Here?
Ben has worked on several cruise lines, but he keeps coming back to Virgin — and the reasons are clear. The adults-only vibe, the unique audience, and the freedom to truly be himself on stage create a one-of-a-kind performer experience.
“Other cruise lines are great, but the average audience age is… well, let’s say it’s not quite as lively.”
On Virgin Voyages, entertainers like Ben are embraced not just by the crowd, but by the crew and Happenings Cast too. His relationships onboard — like his shoutout to fellow magician Chris the Charmer — show the mutual love and respect among Virgin performers.
Sailor Tip: Want to See Ben Onboard?
Ben performs on multiple Virgin ships, often spending 1–1.5 months at a time onboard. His schedule can change last minute, but he does post updates on his social media and newsletter:
- Follow Ben on social media
- Sign up for his once-a-month newsletter for schedule updates and behind-the-scenes vlog content
Pro tip: If you’re sailing soon and see Ben on the entertainment schedule — do NOT miss his show. Sit in the front. Get involved. It’s worth it.
The Most Unexpected Fact About Ben
Ben closed our interview with an incredibly vulnerable share: he has Tourette Syndrome and OCD, which are managed with Botox injections every 4 months — over 30 injections in his face and neck.
“Most people are surprised when I say I have Tourette’s. It mostly shows up in my face, and I’ve found ways to manage it. But yeah… this face is Botox-powered!”
A true reminder that everyone’s carrying something you might not see — and that vulnerability can be just as magical as sleight of hand.
Catch the ENTIRE episode in the video below!
