VEGAS MYTHS RE-BUSTED: Cleopatra’s Barge Floated

EDITOR’S NOTE: “Vegas Myths Busted” publishes new entries every Monday, with a bonus Flashback Friday edition. Today’s entry in our ongoing series originally ran on March 17, 2025. 

Cleopatra’s Barge never floated on the water surrounding it. The attraction, which opened in 1970 as a “floating lounge” was actually a primitive motion simulator. It was built on a fixed platform anchored to the floor — a platform that subtly tilted to create the illusion of rocking on ocean waves.

The tilting was accomplished by a mechanical or hydraulic system. (Few know for sure because Caesars kept the magic behind the curtain.) It was subtle enough not to spill any Harvey Wallbangers, yet noticeable enough to sell the illusion.

At some point during one of the barge’s many renovations, the motion system was quietly either removed from the attraction or deactivated. Guests recall the boat rocking through the ’70s and ’80s, but debate lingers about when the motion stopped and for what reason.

Caesars never revealed when or why, because it never acknowledged the downgrade.

Barging In

A replica of the vessel aboard which Cleopatra is said to have bewitched Mark Antony, this cheesy slice of Las Vegas kitsch wasn’t part of the Caesars Palace opened by casino mogul Jay Sarno in 1966.

The 150-seat lounge opened with the Centurian Tower addition, now the Nobu Hotel, in September 1970, replacing the original Nero’s Nook show lounge.

The barge’s tiny deck served as a stage for Dionne Warwick, Blues Traveler, and CeeLo Green over the years, with Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra alleged to be occasional audience members in the ‘70s.

Final Bow

Wayne Newton — another Vegas icon rumored to be powered by hydraulics — was the barge’s final act. His “Up Close & Personal” residency opened on the faux boat in 2019, then relocated to the Flamingo before the pandemic shut down the Strip for 90 days and Cleopatra’s Barge for good in March 2020.

The lounge enjoyed one last moment in the spotlight in 2022 when Adele — on the eve of the debut of her long-delayed residency at the Colosseum — tweeted a photo of herself goofing around nervously on its abandoned deck.

Caspian’s Caviar & Cocktails, operated by Clique Hospitality, now fills its unfillable void.

It doesn’t float, either, but it will sway if you go heavier on the cocktails than the caviar.

Look for “Vegas Myths Busted” every Monday on Casino.org. Visit VegasMythsBusted.com to read previously busted Vegas myths. Got a suggestion for a Vegas myth that needs busting? Email corey@casino.org.