Published on: January 24, 2026, 08:05h.

Updated on: January 24, 2026, 08:05h.

• Steve Wynn alleges he and Michael Jackson clandestinely took a ride on the Treasure Island pirate ship along the Strip at 3 AM in 1993
• Authorities guided the flatbed-mounted vessel from a warehouse past Caesars and the Mirage volcano
• Jackson was reluctant to leave, wanting to remain onboard even as cranes prepared to hoist it

One of the most bizarre events in Las Vegas history unfolded in front of a handful of construction workers, law enforcement, and Steve Wynn, who recently shared the tale of how he and the late Michael Jackson rode the Treasure Island pirate ship down Las Vegas Boulevard in 1993.

The pirate ship, created by a design studio, was constructed in a rented warehouse located three miles west of the Strip, awaiting relocation to its final destination.

“Michael Jackson happened to be at the hotel, and I told him that after New Year’s, on a Monday night, when the streets were clear, we would transport it on a large truck and close the Strip,” Wynn recalled on social media.

The hotel mentioned was The Mirage, where Jackson often stayed in luxurious villas—one of which Jermaine Jackson claimed was messed up in November 2003 after news broke of a raid on Neverland.

Since last year, Wynn has been sharing memorable anecdotes from his illustrious career on Instagram, and this incident is certainly one of the most peculiar.

Pirate Adventures

After indicating this plan to Jackson, Wynn reminisces how he was met with the question, “Oh Steve, can I join?” (Wynn’s impression of Jackson’s voice is something you’ll have to hear firsthand).

“I replied, Michael, it will be around 3 or 4 AM, it’s quite chilly in January, but if you’re up for it…”

Jackson ensured he was prepared. Wynn picked him up, and donning a parka, they drove to the warehouse. They climbed aboard the truck and settled into the ship’s bridge, escorted by police along Flamingo Road.

As they turned onto the Strip by Caesars Palace, Wynn turned to Jackson and asked, “Can you believe we’re actually doing this?”

Unexpected Revelations

Once they reached Treasure Island, a new adventure began as Jackson refused to exit the ship. He was not only keen on riding but also wanted to stay aboard as cranes prepared to lift it into its designated space.

Wynn recounted being informed by a construction supervisor: “Mr. Wynn, we can’t hoist this… with Mr. Jackson on board.” So Wynn called up to the King of Pop.

“Oh Steve, I’ll be alright,” Jackson responded.

After several nerve-racking moments, Wynn managed to convince the globe’s most famous entertainer to come off the faux pirate vessel.

The greater mystery remains how none of the construction crew or police present, who found the scenario hilarious, ever leaked the story. They probably assumed it would sound too unbelievable.