If you’re trying to impress a date, a romantic cruise on a yacht definitely rates the edge over skee-ball at Chuck E. Cheese. But it’s tough to find a yacht in Vegas, what with the city being in a desert.

Thankfully, Lake Las Vegas has got you covered. The good ships La Contessa and Lady of the Lake are available for private parties or corporate events. One or both sail nightly across the beautiful 320-acre lake at this upscale resort and residential community, which is home to Celine Dion, golfer Natalie Gulbis and other local dignitaries.

Various packages are available either by the hour or by the day, depending on the number of passengers and the type of event. Now that powerboats and jet skis are no longer allowed on the lake, there will be nothing to interrupt the serenity of your seafaring event. You certainly can’t beat the beauty of the surroundings, especially at sunset.

The La Contessa has also become a popular place for proposals. If that’s your plan, ask about the ‘Message in a Bottle’ service. During the cruise, a bottle will be fished from the lake containing any special message requested. If he or she says yes, the yachts are also available for weddings.

For all the opulence of the surroundings, however, Lake Las Vegas has seen more than its share of financial uncertainty, with area resorts opening and closing and changing owners on an almost yearly basis. For this reason, it’s best to call first to make sure the yacht and the package you prefer is available, and to check what’s open for business in case you wish to linger in the community after returning to shore.

Hours: 8AM-7PM daily
30 Strada di Villaggio
Henderson, NV
702-564-2865 or 702-568-8965

La Contessa at Montelago Village