Frequently Asked Questions


How long is the trip? 

On non-WaterFire days and evenings, all trips are 40 minutes long. During full WaterFire events, the trips are 30 minutes long. 

 

Where is your dock located? 

Our boats launch from our Gondola Landing at One Citizens Plaza, Providence RI 02903. You can find a map and detailed driving directions on our Contact page

 

How much should I tip my gondolier/musician? 

Our staff appreciate any gratuity that you choose to offer. However. most of our guests choose to tip around 20% of the cost of their reservation, similar to how they would tip in a fine restaurant. If you don't have cash for your gratuity and would like to tip your gondolier, we can add the tip to your credit card at the dock. 

 

What should I bring? 

Your own beverage: Please feel free to bring your own bottle(s) of wine, prosecco, beer, juice, or anything else you like to drink. We provide ice bucket, glasses, and openers for you to use on your trip. Our Romanza and Dolce Vita trip packages include our signature (non-alcoholic) Bellini Beverage. 

Weather-appropriate clothing: After dark, it can get chilly on the river, especially early and late in our rowing season. Please dress for the weather. La Gondola also provides blankets and umbrellas for your use. If you take a trip during the day, you may also want to wear sunblock.

 

What is your cancellation policy? 

We understand that circumstances can't always be predicted. If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call us as soon as possible at 401.421.8877 to reschedule. Please note that all online reservations are non-refundable unless La Gondola cancels due to either strong wind or rain at the time of your departure. Cancellations made within seven days of a reservation's date may be subject to a cancellation fee the cost of our Sogni (standard) trip package for 2 passengers if La Gondola cannot fill the time slot with another reserving party.

Parties who do not show up for their reservation, or who cancel on the day of their scheduled trip, will be assessed a cancellation fee equal to the cost of their trip package for 2 passengers.

WaterFire reservations are non-refundable unless the WaterFire itself is canceled. Parties who do not show up for their WaterFire reservations will be responsible for the full cost of their WaterFire trip package. 

 

Will inclement weather cancel my trip? 

Non-WaterFire trips: Heavy or sustained rain or high winds will necessitate trip cancellations. If La Gondola is forced to cancel your trip due to inclement weather, we will be happy to reschedule your reservation or refund you the purchase price of your trip. If it's sprinkling, misting, or raining intermittently, it is up to you to decide whether you would still like to take your trip. You are not required to take your trip if it is precipitating at your time of departure. We do ask, however, that you give us as much advance notice as possible if you choose to cancel. No-show reservations, regardless of weather, will be charged a cancellation fee of the cost of our Sogni (standard) trip package for 2 passengers.

WaterFire trips: Heavy or sustained rain or high winds will cancel WaterFire. If this happens, WaterFire will usually let us know by noon of the event day, and we will contact you to reschedule your reservation. However, if it is misting, drizzling, or raining intermittently, WaterFire will still commence, and you will still be responsible for your reservation. No-show reservations, regardless of weather, will be charged the full price of their trip.