(SAN DIEGO) At this point we've all heard the horror stories aboard the Splendor, from backed-up toilets to rotting food.
There were also apparently some 'magical moments,' though, thanks to dozens of magicians who happened to be on board for a convention.
"In times of desperation, people are bored,' said amateur magician Joe White of Lafayette, Indiana, who was on board with 150 other magicians, family members and friends for their annual gathering.
The small army of illusionists who were sailing the Splendor when fire broke out, answered the call for entertainment.
"For magicians, it is in our nature to step up and entertain," added professional magician and actor Christopher Hart, who was also on board.
"Last night, we broke out and entertained "street fashion" on one of the promenades," White said.
It was an impromptu performance that captivated the captive, and in some cases, stir-crazy crowds.
"You never had a better audience, because they were starved for something to do," White conceded, sharing one of his magic tricks with News 8.
"The magicians I think affected the attitude on board," Hart added. "We were a presence there, keeping people's spirits up."
The real trick, according to Hart, was finding the silver lining on what many called a 'nightmare cruise'.
"At the end, I'm actually happy I went through this experience," he said. "You appreciate things in your life, like hot water and toilets and hot food. You take things for granted until they're taken away from you."
