We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Saverio a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Saverio, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

My journey into this unique business started with a love for the water. Growing up in Long Beach, California, I spent much of my childhood surfing, sailing, paddling, and rowing. There’s something about being on the water that has a calming effect and it’s hard not to smile when you’re surrounded by the peace and beauty of nature.

My introduction to gondolas came through a group of friends who rowed Venetian boats and lifeguard dories. They invited me to join them on a trip to Venice for the Vogalonga, a 30km rowing course that celebrates Venetian culture. After a dozen trips filled with rowing, learning about the culture, eating pasta, and drinking wine, I fell in love with the beauty of the gondolas and the comradery of the gondolier community. I knew I wanted to bring that experience back to the States.

That passion led me to learn the craft of building replica gondolas. I worked closely with a skilled wooden boat builder in Seal Beach, and eventually, I built my very own gondola. It was a labor of love, and once it was finished, I found the perfect location to start my business: the canals of Coronado Cays. In 1999, I opened The Gondola Company at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort, offering a romantic and serene experience cruising through the picturesque canals.

Saverio, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Sean Jamieson, the owner of The Gondola Company in Coronado, California. For over 25 years, I’ve been offering romantic gondola rides through the picturesque canals of the Coronado Cays. My journey began with a passion for rowing and a fascination with Venetian culture. I’ve personally traveled to Venice multiple times where I’ve not only rowed gondolas in the storied Venetian canals, I’ve apprenticed in Venetian squeros (the workshops where gondolas are built in Venice) alongside master craftsmen.

At The Gondola Company, we provide a truly unforgettable experience. Our gondolas, imported directly from Venice, offer a romantic and intimate setting for couples. We specialize in creating unique and memorable moments, particularly for proposals. In fact, over the years, we’ve witnessed countless succesful engagements during our rides.

What sets us apart?

Authenticity: Our gondolas are genuine Venetian vessels, and our gondoliers strive to provide an authentic Italian experience, complete with traditional music and, occasionally live singing or a live mandolin player on board.

Personalized Service: We understand that each ride is special. Our gondoliers are trained to be attentive and discreet, creating a romantic and intimate atmosphere for couples.

Unforgettable Experiences: Whether it’s a romantic evening for two or a unique proposal, we strive to create memories that will last a lifetime.

I’m most proud of the countless happy couples we’ve helped celebrate their love. Witnessing their special moments – proposals, anniversaries, or just a quiet, relaxing date night – is incredibly rewarding.
For potential clients, it’s important to know that we prioritize creating a truly memorable experience. We are passionate about our work and dedicated to providing exceptional service.

What I hope people take away from The Gondola Company is that it’s more than just a business—it’s a chance to slow down, enjoy life, and connect with someone special in a truly magical setting. We’re here to create moments that last a lifetime.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think what’s really helped build The Gondola Company’s reputation over the years is our unwavering commitment to providing a unique, high-quality experience. When I founded the company in 1999, I wanted to offer something different—something that wasn’t just another tourist attraction, but an escape.

Our success really stems from the personalized service and the magical atmosphere we’ve created. Whether it’s a Proposal Cruise or a leisurely family outing on the Pasaporto Cruise, we’ve tailored each experience to ensure that it’s special and memorable for our guests. We’ve also built a reputation by offering different options like our Caorlina Cruise and Fleet Cruises, that appeal to various needs and occasions.

Of course, the setting helps too. The picturesque canals of Coronado Cays provide a tranquil backdrop that’s just perfect for those looking to escape the bustle of daily life. People leave feeling like they’ve experienced something rare, and they come back to share that with friends and family. Word-of-mouth has been huge for us.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

First and foremost, we always aim to offer exceptional service during their gondola ride so that guests leave with a strong sense of satisfaction. When people feel truly valued and well taken care of, they’re more likely to return and recommend us to others.

Beyond that, we keep in touch with our customers through several channels. For one, we’ve made sure our website is not just a place to book cruises, but a way for clients to stay engaged with us. We regularly update it with special offers, and blog posts about the unique experiences people can have with us. This keeps our brand top-of-mind and encourages people to think of us when they’re planning their next outing or special occasion.

We also maintain an active social media presence where we share photos, stories, and posts that our guests share! We encourage people to tag us in their posts, and we engage with them directly by commenting, liking, or resharing their content. This kind of interaction helps build a sense of community around the brand.

We also have a newsletter that we use to send them exclusive offers, updates about new cruise packages, and more. The newsletter is a great way for us to stay on their radar without being too pushy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gondolacompany.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegondolacompany
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegondolacompany
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-gondola-company-coronado
• Other: Trip Advisor:
  https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g32250-d1775683-Reviews-The_Gondola_Company-Coronado_California.html

  San Diego Tourism Authority:
  https://www.sandiego.org/members/tours-sightseeing/the-gondola-company.aspx

Image Credits

The Gondola Company