How The Gondola Company turned simple upgrades into serious gains
By offering thoughtful add-ons to enhance their guests’ experience, this company effortlessly grew their bottom line while providing a more magical ride.
“Offer things that make sense, things that people might forget to bring. If you rent jet skis for example, sunscreen makes sense but beer and wine really doesn’t.”
Sean Jamieson
Owner
The Gondola Company has always prioritized guest experience — but with the right tools in place, they found a way to enhance it even further. By offering thoughtful add-ons like wine and chocolates, this Southern California operator created a low-effort, high-impact revenue stream that guests love. With FareHarbor, they’ve seamlessly integrated upsells into their booking process while keeping their service as smooth and romantic as ever.
The Gondola Company
Nestled into the scenic Coronado Cays of Southern California, The Gondola Company brings a slice of Venetian romance to the United States’ West Coast. From golden-hour views to peaceful night rides, they offer many types of magical, unforgettable cruises — perfect for everything from birthday celebrations to surprise proposals.
We had the opportunity to chat with owner Sean Jamieson to learn more about how adding enticing upgrades to their offerings boosted customer satisfaction and overall revenue.
Recognizing the opportunity
Their cruises were already a hit, but guests were craving more: a glass of wine to sip, a box of chocolates to share, or a live musician to enhance the ambiance. Sean saw the potential to enhance the experience without overwhelming the team or complicating the booking process.
“I want to make the guests’ experience as easy for them as possible,” says Sean. “The easier it is, the higher the probability they recommend us or return.”
FareHarbor makes upselling easy
With FareHarbor, Sean and his team were able to build thoughtful add-ons right into their booking flow. Guests could now select from simple, in-the-moment upgrades like:
- Wine and non-alcoholic beverages
- Chocolates
- Corkage fees for BYO drinks
For more personalized extras — like a red rose bouquet, a live mandolin player, or a singing gondolier — guests can follow up post-booking to confirm availability. It’s a blend of automation and personal service that works perfectly.
The strategy behind the add-ons
Rather than overwhelming guests with upsells, The Gondola Company takes a subtle, guest-first approach:
- Add-ons are framed as optional enhancements, not requirements
- Pricing is modest and fair — no sticker shock or hidden fees
- Packages, like the Mother’s Day Cruise, bundle popular options for a seamless experience
As Sean puts it: “We make money on the gondola cruise. It’s nice to make a bit more on a bottle of wine, but no one thinks they’ve been ripped off.”
Results that speak for themselves
In 2024, guests selected food and beverage add-ons 2,352 times! And, they opted for corkage fees 638 times — showing that customers regularly bring their own bottles and are happy to pay for the convenience. These numbers reflect more than just increased revenue: they show that guests are eager to personalize their experience when it’s easy, accessible, and aligned with the vibe.
Operationally, it’s a win, too. Pre-paid corkage and gratuity options reduce day-of stress and free up the team to focus on hospitality, not logistics.
Tips for other operators
Sean’s advice to other operators is simple:
- Offer add-ons that make sense for your unique experience
- Avoid aggressive upselling to limit buyers remorse (and improve customer satisfaction)
- Keep the purchasing process flexible and guest-friendly
“If it’s easy and they make a purchase, great. If it’s difficult, or they have to consult with someone, and they feel like the decision has to be made immediately, it may blow the whole booking.”
A seamless way to grow
With FareHarbor, The Gondola Company turned a strong offering into an exceptional one. By blending convenience with customization, they’ve not only grown their revenue — they’ve deepened guest satisfaction and built in long-term loyalty.
Now that’s what we call cruisin’ into success!
Get inspired for add-ons you can add to your business or request a free demo to learn about FareHarbor’s other customization features.
