One of the largest associations of magicians in the world, The IMS (International Magicians Society), has over 37,000 members worldwide. A selected jury of illusionists, directors and builders illusions, every year collect information, emails, comment form and video of the candidates to the Merlin Award and after careful consideration assess the best performer attributing the prestigious Merlin Award for each category. 

The Merlin Award is as the Oscar for film, Emmy for music and Tony for the theater. 

In the past the most famous recipients was David Copperfield, Siegfried and Roy, Penn and Teller, Criss Angel Etc.

The Merlin Award for "Magician of the Year" will be delivered to the Best Magician for 2015 to Cripton Magic by the President of IMS, Mr. Tony Hassini with an official ceremony on board the Norwegian Spirit during the 15-day cruisethat will begin from Barcelona on July 6th and will end in Venice on July 20th. 

Cripton Magic has already received the Merlin Award in 2012 as "Best Illusionist" and is one of the few illusionists that receive the prestigious Merlin Award for the second time, on board a cruise ship.

Still an important trophy for an Italian illusionist who performs continuously, since 2003, on board the cruise ships around the world and already won the first prize of Magic and Conjuring (Italian Magic Club 1998), Grand Prix of Magic (Italian Magic Club 1998), Magic Hands (Germany. 1999), Best European Magician (Las Vegas 1999 ).

On board the Norwegian Spirit, Cripton Magic and Renata Malvezzi (winner in 2012 of the Merlin Award as Best Magician's assistant) performs in four different shows that collect the maximum ovation of the audience.