Travel
A voyage to Iceland, Greenland, Denmark and beyond
Cruise of a lifetime to unforgettable ports of call
(Mark Segal is publisher of the Philadelphia Gay News. This story is courtesy of the National LGBTQ Media Association.)
LGBTQ people like to travel, and like many people they take cruises to see the world or just to relax. It used to be when taking something as personal as a cruise, where you’ll be with people in close quarters and where conversations can be easily overheard, you might have felt uncomfortable to be yourself. Today there are numerous LGBTQ cruises for almost every segment of the LGBTQ community where you can be your fabulous self and party until dawn or more. Among those companies are Atlantis adventures, primarily for men, and Olivia cruises for women. But those companies still comprise only a fraction of available cruise sailings. So, how welcoming are non-LGBTQ cruises?
My husband Jason and I have been on numerous cruises on many LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ cruise lines. For our current trip we booked a cruise on Oceania, a line known for its food (they claim the best food at sea), exceptional attention to detail, and out of the ordinary shore excursions. We chose Oceania once before, and it was above most of the other cruises we’ve done. Another advantage of Oceania is that they do exotic itineraries. Our July cruise started in Reykjavik, Iceland and then proceeded to Greenland, the Shetland Islands, Denmark, and Sweden before ending in Oslo, Norway after a whopping 15 days. We traveled with another gay couple, our friends Klay and Val, who are out and proud like us.
And that really is the heart of the question: How out and proud can LGBTQ people be on a traditional cruise?
On the first night of the cruise, the ship promoted an “LGBTQQIA+ Get Together” in their daily schedule printout. The 4 of us attended along with 3 other couples, though we weren’t the only LGBTQ people on board. Throughout the trip, we met many other LGBTQ people, mostly couples, who also had other cruise experiences. I asked many of them why they picked this cruise over an LGBTQ cruise, as well as how comfortable they felt being out on this cruise.
The overwhelming answer was that people on a cruise, like the general population, gravitate to like minded people, and since everyone’s on vacation it’s easier to get along. Most of them were comfortable being open about their sexuality. Jason and I felt comfortable enough to show our emotions at times and hold hands or put an arm around each other, just like non-LGBTQ couples. It made a larger point for me. Could we have done that a decade ago? The answer is: probably not. So in that regard, traditional cruises pass the comfort level for LGBTQ people. But what about the more nuanced reality of being an LGBTQ person on a cruise with 97% non-LGBTQ people?
Like any cruise, we found ourselves finding our own friends who turned out to be a fascinating lot. One of those was a couple who work at a small college and are developing new ways to be inclusive to LGBTQ students. Another was a retired couple from Seattle, another from Dallas. That’s the secret sauce in cruising, finding the people you get along with and having a nice time.
For all of us, the two factors that led us to this cruise were the itinerary and the reputation of Oceania. Let’s start with the cruise stops.
Reykjavik, Iceland
The departing port of the cruise, Reykjavik, deserves a few days to tour since it has some of the greatest landscapes and wonders on Earth, and if you’re lucky as we were, you will be met by an active volcano. We had arranged 3 days of touring with an LGBTQ tour company called Pink Iceland. There not only is a sizable LGBTQ population in Iceland, but it seems everywhere you go there are rainbows. The country even has had a lesbian Prime minister. It’s one of the most LGBTQ-friendly places on earth.
Our first day we traveled to the south shore and marveled at the raw natural landscape, which looks like something from the moon but is actually dried lava with moss growing atop. The volcanoes and glaciers are everywhere, and with an abundance of volcanoes, you’ll see steam coming up from the ground in certain places. This has translated to natural geothermal power that powers the country, as well as natural glacier water (which tastes better than any bottled water) in every home. Later that day we went to the black beach at Reynisfjara with its basalt rock formation from eruptions thousands of years ago. We also visited and walked behind several waterfalls, and the sunshine meant that rainbows were aplenty. It was wet, magical, and romantic.
Our second day began with an adventurous ATV ride on that moonscape with a stop at a dormant volcano’s top ridge. With me driving, Jason held on for dear life. Afterwards, we spent the afternoon in the world famous Blue Lagoon spa, where there are pools of volcanic minerals and silica that are a color of blue you’ll see no other place on earth. As you soak you can apply those minerals as a face mask. Even though it was around 50 degrees outside, by the time we finished, we were all pleasantly overheated.
Our third day we toured the capital city, which is easily walkable and features a giant rainbow street, and then attended a get-together organized by Eva and Birna, the owners of Pink Iceland, with some local LGBTQ community members, including a member of parliament and a playwright who was the first to come out in his village in western Iceland. The audience was among the most engaged I’ve ever spoken to, and they asked insightful questions and were delightful to engage with. Iceland is a country built on stories (called the Sagas), so the people are keen to learn the stories of others.
After our three days in Reykjavik, we went onto our ship, the Oceania Riviera.
The ship had recently come out of dry dock with a total renovation. The cabin was the most beautiful we’ve ever seen at sea and had ample closet space and a bathroom with a rainfall shower. Our home away from home would be comfy.
Our friends Klay and Val opted for a larger room with butler service. The room had more closet space than some New York apartments, and the amenities were above average. But their butler, as they learned, seemed to have had no understanding of his role and often overcomplicated things.
Isafjordur, Iceland
Iceland is still developing its infrastructure for tourism. Our ship had provided 10 shore excursions, but all were completely sold before we even boarded the ship, including the one we wanted most, whale watching. The fact that shore excursions sell out months before the trip was not fully communicated to us. When we attempted to book 6 weeks before the trip, many ports had no available excursions. Nevertheless, in this small fishing village, left to our own devices we discovered one of the treasures of Iceland, The Tjoruhusid Restaurant. Known to be the most traditional Icelandic food in the country, you still needed a reservation since locals and tourists come from all over for its cuisine. But in true Icelandic hospitality, the staff found room and were kind enough to seat us, and I must admit that while I’m not a seafood eater it was amazing. The buffet meal included a fish soup, five types of fish entrees, including fish throat, which I didn’t know existed, various vegetable combinations, and coffee, biscuits, and chocolate.
After the meal, we took a stroll through the village and discovered that among the fishing boats, fjords, and homes, the town square had a giant rainbow painted down the center. That’s two for two cities in Iceland with rainbow streets.
Paamiut, Greenland
Our second stop was a small village of about 1300 whose complete economy was fishing and seal hunting. Very few cruise ships have ever stopped there, and for good reason. While there are very few facilities and the infrastructure is sparse, the main problem was that as we approached, the seas were somewhat choppy and we found ourselves in a sea of Icebergs. Before I could suggest to everyone that we all break out into a chorus of “My Heart Will Go On,” the captain stated the obvious: he canceled the adventure in Paamiut. It was not safe to take the tender boats to shore (there was nowhere to dock in a port that small). However, a consolation prize was being treated to a sea of majestic icebergs as we sailed away.
That evening the entertainment and information system in all the staterooms went down. No television, no stateroom information, no map. Not only was the television system down, but the ship’s entire network went down as well. The casinos were out of service, and bartenders and shop staff had to write down stateroom numbers on paper receipts. Getting information about the problem was met with what would become a common complaint on this trip: a lack of communications skills from the staff.
But we moved on to the next port of call, which turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip.
Nuuk, Greenland
The capital of Greenland, Nuuk, held its Pride celebration the week before we arrived. Discovering small cities with Pride events astonishes me even to this day. We had tried to find a Nuuk Pride T-shirt but since the city is so small (17,000 people) the organizers told me they didn’t have the funds to create merch.
For our excursion for the day, we chose the Fjord Boat Tour, which was majestic. Our boat driver dodged icebergs like a taxi weaving in and out of traffic. When we stopped for a few minutes, the calmness and solitude, being surrounded by ice and mountains, was otherworldly.
Sadly, our driver said that ten years ago, none of the ice in the water was there, and that it has been a result of climate change and melting ice. I shudder to think what the area will be like in another ten years. There might be so much ice that boats can’t get anywhere.
Qaqortoq, Greenland
In Qaqortoq, a 1,500-person city south of Nuuk, the excursion we chose was the “Kaffemik,” basically enjoying coffee and traditional Greenland cakes in a private house. We walked up the hills and passed by colorful homes to get to the residence of our host, an 80 year old widow with Swedish ancestry who was charming and explained Greenlandic culture. One of her children was there to help translate, while her other children live in Denmark, which Greenland is a territory of. During the pandemic, Greenland received ample funds from Denmark to make up for the loss of income in industry.
After we wrapped up our sightseeing, that evening, while walking around the ship, we came across a portrait of a woman who is the godmother of the ship, Cat Cora, the famous Iron Chef. She and her wife and children were also among the guests on board with us. We went to see her give a talk the following evening. We figured since there was no working casino or state room entertainment, that meeting an Iron Chef would be entertainment worth seeing. During her presentation she introduced her family, and afterwards we got a chance to chat. When I asked her about how it felt introducing her wife, she said “that’s what we need as a community, we need to be more visible.” That was music to our ears.
Torshavn (Faroe Islands), Denmark
This charming capital of the Faroe Islands is a wonder of old architecture and homes with grass roofs. The town’s Library had several LGBTQ books on display in the window due to the previous week’s Pride celebration. This trip, after learning about Pride in Nuuk, Greenland and also the Faroe Islands, proved to me what I’ve always believed, that Pride is one of the best exports America has ever given to the world. I thought of my friend Ellen Broidy who helped write the resolution that created Pride, and all of us who marched in that first Pride in 1970 in New York.
Lerwick (Shetlands Islands), Scotland
Believe it or not, it was actually stated in the ship’s excursion brochure “encounters with Shetland ponies is not guaranteed” which gave me a chuckle. The tour we were on in Lerwick included going to the town’s museum to learn about the Shetland Bus, where people ferried people and supplies back and forth between Norway during WWII, as well as, thankfully, a stop at a Shetland Pony farm. Seeing the ponies and the beautiful green hills full of sheep was the highlight of this stop. One surprise was that while the Shetlands are part of Scotland, the citizens feel culturally closer to Norway, and there are lots of Viking motifs.
Haugesund, Norway
While there were excursions available to see the Norwegian fjords, by this point in the trip we needed a little bit of a break, so we simply walked around the town’s main square, bought a magnet as a souvenir, and enjoyed the warm sunshine, the first day above 50 degrees we’d had in two weeks. One of the LGBTQ couples did go on a fjord tour, and they said it was beautiful despite spending three hours in a bus to get to them.
Skagen, Denmark
Skagen is the picture-perfect Danish seaside town. I’d recommend not doing any guided tours and just walking around the city’s downtown area on your own. There are museums, art galleries, shopping, and plenty of outdoor cafes and bistros. There are also top notch garden shops and plenty of greenery for those who have a green thumb.
Gothenburg, Sweden
Sweden’s second largest city has a population of 579,000 and is a model of a beautiful European city with second empire buildings and a very large central shopping area. We stumbled upon some fun shops, including one dedicated to Pippi Longstocking, as well as the largest cinnamon rolls and cookies we’ve ever seen. We took some time to sit in a city park and enjoy the surroundings.
On the final night of the cruise, we enjoyed a performance by Tiano, the tenor and piano duo of Shimi Goodman and Chris Hamilton. They dedicated one of the love songs to Val and Klay, who were celebrating their 25th anniversary. The duo will soon embark on a North American tour, and we’re looking forward to seeing them again. They’re also a couple, and they mentioned that they were glad to meet other LGBTQ people on the ship.
Oslo, Norway
The cruise ended in Oslo, Norway, and many passengers planned a couple day layover before heading home. But others, like Jason and I, decided to head to the airport the morning of disembarkation, and we purchased tickets from the ship that would transfer us and our luggage to the airport. The luggage was put in a truck, and we were ushered into buses. The process was confusing, and there was no ship representative at the airport to direct us where our luggage was. Ultimately, the truck with the luggage arrived about 15 minutes after we did, and everyone was reunited with their bags.
Compared to the other Oceania cruise we did, this one failed to meet expectations. While it had what seemed like the best cabin at sea and a wonderful itinerary, the staff, while helpful, seemed to be learning on the job. The other major disappointment was the food. Oceania no longer has the best food at sea. Other than the specialty restaurants, the food was similar to any other cruise at best, and at times some of the food was severely disappointing. Also disappointing were the ships lack of available shore excursions, and lack of communications skills. The lack of information, especially from the cruise director and excursion staff, was subpar compared to many other cruises we’ve been on. And while the cruise did go to ports that have little infrastructure, there are ways to mitigate that which the cruise staff did not do.
While the cruise did not meet Oceania’s reputation, it still afforded us the delight in the people we met and the destinations we saw along the way. That’s what we’ll remember most. A private party with some of the LGBTQ guests we met; Tiano on that final night; the maitre’d in the dining room who seemed to know the name of every passenger on the ship. Each evening we had the delight of sharing our experience with our friends over dinner.
To sum up the reason for this trip, as an LGBTQ couple, we felt comfortable being ourselves on a non-LGBTQ cruise, and the other LGBTQ people we spoke with didn’t seem to have any issues either. As for whether we’d take Oceania again, we sadly would not unless the itinerary was completely unique. Oceania seemed to have lost the sparkle that made it one of the best cruise companies around.
But despite the ship’s faults, seeing Iceland, Greenland, and so many other places was an experience of a lifetime. We can’t wait to go back to Reykjavik someday and see more of the country and meet more of the people, and we’re forever grateful to have seen Greenland, a place of unparalleled beauty and where few others have ever been. It’s a reminder that the planet has existed long before humans, and that we are but a small part of the wide wonder of nature
Travel
Traveling with Brand g: A unique, intimate LGBTQ vacation experience
Heart, community, and a celebration of queer culture
(This article originally appeared in News is Out.)
“I feel like I’m in that scene from ‘Under the Tuscan Sun,’” my wife whispered to me as we boarded the Brand g Vacations bus in Bordeaux, France.
She’s not wrong. It does hearken to the scene where Frances Mayes (Diane Lane) takes her best lesbian friend’s place on a queer European adventure. We are seated among a sea of gay men (and two very dedicated lesbian Brand g regulars) on our way from the Intercontinental Hotel Bordeaux to have lunch at the famous Château Smith Haut Lafitte. One of our many excellent guides that week tells us that King Charles III recently paid a visit to the winery. The visit sets the tone for the rest of our Loire Valley River trip – sometimes decadent, often boisterous, but always fun.
Founded in 2011 as “the next generation in gay travel” Brand g Vacations offers an alternative to queer vacation companies that host large cruises and resort trips. If 1,000-person, party-centric cruises aren’t your cup of tea, Brand g offers a more intimate, excursion-heavy option. This proves popular with Brand g’s clientele, many of whom have traveled with the company multiple times.
Brand g’s Director of Marketing Eric Poole tells me that the company’s success lies in four key elements – service, quality, inclusivity, and destinations.
“Our commitment to high-touch service is unparalleled in the industry,” said Poole. “The surveys we receive from guests after each trip routinely point out the extremely high level of personal service and their appreciation of the fact that all they have to do is show up. We will take care of everything else.”
Mark W. from Fort Lauderdale was one of our trip’s 80 or so guests. It’s precisely the service level that Poole mentions that has resulted in Mark booking 17 trips with Brand g. Mark tells me that it’s the door-to-door service and like-minded LGBTQ guests that keep him coming back.
Couple Steve M. and David P. also commend the service they experience with Brand g. Originally on a stateside cruise that was canceled (by the charter company), the couple pivoted and booked a spot on the Loire Valley trip. This was their third Brand G adventure.
For our particular trip, we arrived in Bordeaux and spent the next six days experiencing delightful Loire Valley towns like Nantes, La Rochelle and Clisson. On our visit to Clisson, we stumbled upon the 13th-century town’s Italian-inspired festival, with masked revelers, music and many fellow tourists.
Our trip was led by our host and cruise director Johnathon Gallagher. Hailing from Scotland, Gallagher is a fixture on many Brand g trips. Bawdy and friendly, you can see why Gallagher is such a popular touchpoint for guests. Steve M. and David P. tell me that one of the reasons they booked again was because of Gallagher and how much he had added to their previous trip.
While Gallagher is very entertaining, he wasn’t the only top-notch talent on board. Guests were treated to musical performances by West End star Emma Lindars, accompanied by musical director/composer Tom Knowles. Lindars and Knowles performed everything from disco hits to Broadway ballads, captivating the guests each time. The duo was even kind enough to allow some guests (myself included) to sing a little ourselves.
Also performing to cheering crowds was dynamic Wales-based performer Lee Gilbert. Gilbert, who was previously a guest on a Brand g trip, is now a host and performer after impressing the team with his serious chops.
I asked Poole what Brand g looks for when booking talent for these cruises.
“The ability to blow our guests away; the ability to perform several shows over the course of a cruise and keep an audience engaged with new material at each show; and someone who is a lovely human being.”
Something special about this trip for me, was the opportunity to get to know many of the guests. I tried to sit with different guests for meals and excursions, getting to know groups of people from places like Palm Springs, Fort Lauderdale, and even Melbourne, Australia.
Writing about my experience without noting some important demographics would be impossible. My wife and I were two of four women travelers on my particular trip. We were also some of the youngest travelers on the ship. Brand g was transparent about this when I asked about marketing toward queer women.
“Because we do skew heavily male, we try to attract women travelers who have lots of gay male friends or who enjoy traveling with a mixed group as opposed to an all-female experience like Olivia. No disrespect to Olivia – there’s a place for all kinds of LGBT+ travel experiences,” said Poole.
“This tends to occur by referral more than through marketing, since we’re seeking a subset of lesbians.”
Poole points out that there are typically more women on Brand g trips, sometimes 15-20 out of a 80-120 person trip.
The guests on Brand g trips also tend to be over 55. On our trip, the average age was about 62.
“By virtue of the fact that our trips are luxury, all-inclusive packages, they will tend to appeal to an older, more affluent demographic, but we are always working to broaden our offerings in order to bring in more guests in their 30s and 40s,” said Poole. “And each trip has a somewhat different makeup based on the destination, length, and cost. Our exotic trips that require more extensive travel to get to the destination, or that feature more physical activity – for example, our trips to Africa, Nepal and Bhutan and Peru – attract a younger clientele. As do our trips that offer luxury at a lower price point, like India, Thailand and Vietnam and Cambodia.”
Sometimes, you can’t control things, like the rising of the Loire River, which kept us docked in Nantes longer than expected and altered some of our plans. However, Brand g did its best to pivot and still offer guests adventures, even if it did mean a lot more bus time than expected.
Our experience with Brand g Vacations was memorable, and personally, the highlight was the dear friends. I now have found family in Palm Springs and Melbourne that I plan to visit. At the core of it all, Brand g offers what most non-LGBTQ-focused vacations can’t—heart, community, and a celebration of LGBTQ+ culture.
Brand g offers a more intimate and immersive alternative to larger, party-focused cruises, making it an excellent choice for LGBTQ+ travelers who value adventure and connection.
Brand g has 24 trips planned for 2025, including adventures in Japan, Australia and Scotland. Check out the full list of trips here.
Sponsored
LGBTQ Trip from Washington to Auckland
Organising a dream LGBTQ trip to New Zealand has never been as easy as it is now
The popularity of LGBTQ is booming in Washington: its representatives tend to form communities and speak widely about themselves. New Zealand is another destination where minorities can feel freedom and a lack of prejudice. LGBTQ traveling is the latest trend in 2024.
More and more countries globally are increasing minorities’ acceptance, giving them the possibility of exploring varied places where they can openly express themselves without the fear of discrimination. New Zealand welcomes everyone and is tolerant of all worldviews.
Auckland is the largest city in the country, so it’s not surprising that it’s the first to attract tourists. What do LGBTQ representatives must explore when visiting it?
LGBTQ Landmarks and Tours
Are you in the mood to explore the Kiwis’ history and culture? Auckland is the top location in this case! The city is LGBTQ-friendly, boasting a massive community of like-minded people. Special tours are available to travellers so that they can discover the beauty of this famous New Zealand destination with maximum fun and pleasure.
Those desiring to discover the cultural significance of this city should consider local museums and art galleries. It’s possible to book a special LGBTQ guided tour in advance or explore sights independently – but make sure you have a detailed plan. Sky Tower is the most recognizable place in Auckland, so don’t forget to visit it once you arrive in this amazing city.
The observation space of the 51st floor impresses guests as they can see every little detail from the bird’s-eye view. Of course, Kiwis won’t allow you to stay hungry: a high-class roof restaurant with the best service is perfect for a romantic dinner or a quick lunch with your LGBTQ friends.
Hobbiton movie set is another place LGBTQ visitors should miss when visiting the largest NZ city. Fans of Lord of the Rings already know this location that tops the must-visit list in Auckland. The entertaining experience of appearing inside one of the best films in world history will diversify the trip and bring tons of fun.
Gambling Venues, Nightlife Entertainment and Online Casinos
LGBTQ communities are known for their passion for nightlife and entertainment – and here, Auckland will also not disappoint them. Gay-friendly bars are a common option in the city, so visitors can find plenty of places to enjoy a tasty drink with like-minded individuals.
Don’t pass by amazing The Eagle Bar or Caluzzi Bar and Cabaret for tons of unforgettable emotions. Parties never end in this New Zealand city: visitors can attend dozens of nightclubs friendly to LGBTQ representatives.
Gambling is another nationwide entertainment in the country, and Auckland offers everything casino lovers need to have fun. First, risk seekers have round-the-clock access to leading New Zealand casino brands with thousands of thrilling gaming solutions and exclusive promotions.
Online gambling is popular and accessible for both locals and tourists. LGBTQ travellers can easily spin the reel during the sightseeing tour or wine testing somewhere in the middle of a national park.
In addition, Auckland offers players over 20 to visit authentic brick-and-mortar casinos with luxury interiors and fantastic game choices. Gambling resorts are the trend now, so don’t hesitate to include them in your must-visit list when exploring New Zealand.
Wineries and Picturesque Excursions
The country is renowned for its picturesque nature – you won’t find anything similar in the world. Majestic national parks not touched by the human hand is the top thing every visitor must see. Abel Tasman National Park, Huka Falls, Lake Tekapo, and Pancake Rocks are only some locations near Auckland that LGBTQ visitors mustn’t miss.
While some people can endlessly admire picturesque landscapes, others are quickly bored with this activity. However, not discovering the beauty of NZ nature will be a real crime, so LGBTQ communities often prefer to diversify their pastimes by visiting wineries. The latter are common in Auckland, so finding a suitable tour won’t be challenging.
Wine tastings are among the main attractions Kiwis are really proud of; local drinks are of exceptional quality and are sold worldwide. LGBTQ travellers shouldn’t miss the chance to try the best options in their homeland. Luckily, no special actions are necessary since tourists just need to find a suitable tour to explore the hidden tastes of New Zealand and enjoy the pastime uniting with the picturesque nature.
Final Thoughts
Organising a dream LGBTQ trip to New Zealand has never been as easy as it is now – the broad acceptance of minorities in the country and lots of attractions, even for the pickiest travellers are a perfect combo. Tourists shouldn’t pass by the amazing nature that Kiwis are really proud of and visit majestic waterfalls, national parks with unique flora and fauna representatives, and lakes with crystal water.
Complement the excursion with a wine tasting, and you will definitely capture the most unforgettable moments. Many LGBTQ communities are inspired to combine sightseeing with vibrant nightlife, and the choice of bars and clubs won’t leave anyone indifferent.
Casinos are the guilty pleasure for many people – and Auckland offers multiple gambling opportunities for adrenaline hunters. For those seeking relaxation, Auckland offers top beach hotels and resorts providing the perfect seaside escape. Book your flight from Washington and enjoy a trip full of adventure and excitement.
Las Vegas, known for its vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, embraces LGBTQ culture with open arms, making it a thriving hub for the community. Iconic events like the annual Las Vegas Pride Parade and Festival bring together people from all walks of life to celebrate diversity and unity. The 2024 Las Vegas Pride festival is scheduled for Oct. 12, so start planning now.
The city’s commitment to inclusivity is reflected in the diverse range of LGBTQ-friendly accommodations, ensuring that visitors feel welcome and respected. Beyond the nightlife, Las Vegas hosts a variety of LGBTQ-focused community organizations, support groups, and cultural events that contribute to the rich tapestry of the city’s inclusive ethos. Whether exploring the famous entertainment offerings or participating in community-driven initiatives, LGBTQ individuals and allies alike find a warm and accepting home in the vibrant tapestry of LGBTQ culture in Las Vegas.
Ever since I was young, I have always wanted to stay at Bellagio. Its iconic foundations have fascinated me for decades. The hotel stands as an epitome of luxury and sophistication, offering an unparalleled experience that seamlessly blends opulence, entertainment, and fine dining. From the moment you step into the grand lobby, it’s evident that Bellagio is committed to providing a world-class stay, especially when you glance at the ceiling adorned with Chihuly glass sculptures.
I stayed in a recently renovated room in the Spa Tower with an unobstructed view of the Vegas Strip and the fountains. The attention to detail is evident in the tasteful decor, plush furnishings, and modern amenities. Beginning at 3 p.m. on weekdays and noon on weekends, the choreographed water show set against the backdrop of the Las Vegas Strip is a mesmerizing display of artistry, combining music, light, and water in perfect harmony. It sets the tone for the exquisite experiences that await within Bellagio.
Bellagio is also home to the famous Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, a lush oasis that undergoes seasonal transformations, displaying stunning floral displays and thematic installations. This botanical escape provides a serene contrast to the lively atmosphere of the casino and the bustling Strip. During our stay, the staff were completing the new springtime exhibition, which gave us Alice in Wonderland vibes.
For those seeking entertainment, Bellagio offers the spectacular “O” by Cirque du Soleil, a water-themed extravaganza that complements the hotel’s overall theme. Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is another cultural gem within the hotel, featuring rotating exhibitions that display masterpieces from around the world.
Although it is possible to never leave the hotel, we wanted to experience other MGM Resorts properties, so we headed to LPM at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for dinner. LPM offers an exquisite dining experience that effortlessly marries Mediterranean charm with the vibrant energy of the Strip. From the moment you step through the entrance, you are greeted by an ambiance that strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and conviviality.
LPM’s interior is a visual feast, adorned with chic decor, warm lighting, and an intimate atmosphere. The combination of contemporary design elements and classic French accents creates a welcoming space that feels both elegant and comfortable. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or seeking a romantic dinner, LPM’s ambiance sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
LPM’s menu is a culinary triumph, highlighting the rich and diverse flavors of the French Riviera. The emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients is evident in every dish. We began our meal with a variety of appetizers, including the Yellowtail Carpaccio, Escargots, and their signature Burrata prepared with heritage tomatoes and basil and topped with white truffles. For our main courses, we decided to focus on seafood entrees, so we tried the Lobster Risotto and grilled Chilean Bass. Both were prepared to perfection and paired very well together if you are looking to share entrees.
Of course, one of the biggest attractions of Las Vegas is the Strip itself. Spend a few hours meandering through each hotel and taking in the Vegas vibe. There is no other place in the world quite like it.
If you are in the mood for a little adventure, head to Area15, located about 10 minutes from the strip. Area15 is an immersive entertainment complex that blends art, technology, and entertainment in a unique and captivating way. Boasting an otherworldly exterior and a dynamic interior, Area15 is home to a variety of innovative experiences, including interactive art installations and virtual reality adventures. Its anchor tenant, the Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, is a surreal supermarket-like environment filled with mind-bending art and hidden mysteries. The venue also hosts concerts and live events including Beyond Brunch, a variety show hosted by drag queen extraordinaire Andrew Ryan. The two-hour spectacle includes a wonderful buffet and performances by talented acts ranging from hoop dancers to Cirque-style entertainers. The show is well worth the price of admission; it is not your typical drag brunch.
Spend the afternoon touring Area15 or head to The Sphere, Las Vegas’s newest concert venue. Rock icons U2 opened the venue with a 40-night run, but guests can purchase tickets to Darren Aronofsky’s multi-sensory film “Postcard from Earth.”
For a trip down memory lane, especially if you are in you were born in the ‘70s or ‘80s, check out Retro by Voltaggio at Mandalay Bay. The restaurant owned by Top Chef stars, Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, takes diners on a nostalgic journey through time, blending modern culinary techniques with comforting flavors reminiscent of classic American dishes set in a retro-chic environment. The space is adorned with quirky memorabilia, neon accents, and a colorful palette that captures a sense of nostalgia without feeling overly kitschy, creating a welcoming environment for diners to unwind and enjoy the culinary adventure.
Retro by Voltaggio’s menu is a playful exploration of classic American favorites. We started our dinner with the deviled eggs with smoked trout roe along with the beet steak tartare, which was incredible. Next came the bluefin tuna ceviche served over coconut crushed ice. For our entrees we tried the trout meuniere, which was served in a lemon and caper sauce, as well as the lobster thermidor with lobster waffles — yes, you read that correctly. It was as delicious as it sounds.
Save room for the dessert cart, which contains innovative creations that satisfy the sweet tooth. Whether you’re a fan of nostalgic flavors or simply seeking a unique and enjoyable meal, Retro by Voltaggio is worth the visit.
After dinner, catch a performance of Michael Jackson “ONE” by Cirque du Soleil also at Mandalay Bay. The show is a captivating tribute to the King of Pop that seamlessly blends the magic of Cirque du Soleil with the timeless music and iconic choreography of Michael Jackson. From the moment the lights dim to the final bow, the show is a high-energy, emotionally charged celebration of the legendary entertainer’s life and legacy. This isn’t your typical Cirque du Soleil show and is more like a concert featuring all of Michael’s greatest hits, memorable dance moves, and state-of-the-art production. I felt like “ONE” is the type of concert Michael would have wanted to perform if he were still with us.
The thing I like most about Vegas is it is always evolving. Every time you visit, there is something new to see or do. Viva Las Vegas!
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