your expereince is really going to depend on the gondolier that you get. we were lucky that we came about 11:30 or so and there was zero wait to get on! by the time we hopped off though the line had already built up! our group of 6 split up into groups of 3 instead. they allow you to do that and still pay the per person price of $20. but a private tour for 2 would have been $80-90! .. the ride was cheesy, short, but cute. our gondolier was awesome, named berto! he sang to us in italian as it was my sister's birthday and he did make fun comments along the way. we were taking selfies and he jumped in on it! haha.. overall a good experience but again this totally depends on your gondolier!