Cleopatra’s Barge, a staple at Caesars Palace since 1970, is set to make its final bow this spring, as it will be replaced by a new upscale bar targeting Millennials. The floating lounge, a replica of Cleopatra’s mythological vessel, has been a quirky and iconic fixture on the world-famous Las Vegas Strip for over 50 years. Over time, it has hosted legendary performers such as Wayne Newton, Dionne Warwick, and Matt Goss.
Despite not being an original part of Caesars Palace, the lounge gained a reputation as a last iconic piece of old Vegas architecture still in active use. Not only was it a popular performance venue for artists, but it was also frequented by entertainment icons like Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra.
The final spotlight came as Adele, on the eve of her long-awaited residency debut at the Colosseum, shared a photo of herself on the barge’s deck. In its heyday, the lounge was featured in a guidebook distributed at Caesars Palace. The guidebook described the lounge as a place where guests could “sink into the silken cushions and imagine that they are on this mystery woman’s ‘ship of sin’ as it keeps its date with destiny.”
The lounge’s significance extended beyond its entertainment value. It was also a popular spot for gamblers to rub for good luck while visiting Caesars Palace. The news of its closing has left a void, but Caspian’s Caviar & Cocktails, operated by Clique Hospitality, is set to take its place this spring. The new upscale bar will be operated by the same group behind popular Las Vegas hotspots such as the Barbershop speakeasy at the Cosmopolitan and Easy’s Cocktail Lounge at Aria.
As Cleopatra’s Barge prepares to set sail into history, the memories and stories of its iconic performances and unique charm will remain embedded in the fabric of Las Vegas entertainment history.
