Fortuna Launches at Bellagio Lake as Carbone Riviera Prepares to Open

A 33-foot handcrafted Italian watercraft, Fortuna, was dramatically lowered by crane into the Lago di Como in front of the Bellagio casino-hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. This event marked Fortuna's maiden voyage and kicked off a publicity campaign for Carbone Riviera, a new restaurant opening this fall at Bellagio.

Fortuna is part of the exclusive Riva "Anniversario" collection-only 18 exist worldwide. Soon, select guests will have the chance to ride Fortuna across the Bellagio's lake, surrounded by the famous dancing fountains.

Carbone Riviera is set to take over the lakeside space previously occupied by Picasso, the renowned Julian Serrano fine-dining restaurant that operated since Bellagio's 1999 debut and closed in August.

The Fortuna debut arrives as the Strip faces months of disruptions due to preparations for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, happening November 20-22. Several southbound lanes of Las Vegas Boulevard are closed near Bellagio, and access to fountain viewing areas along the Strip will remain limited through at least December.