Photo Flash: The Venetian Las Vegas Reveals Secrets Behind Gondolier University

On Friday, April 3, The Venetian Las Vegas began the annual process of selecting gondoliers to be a part of the resort's celebrated Grand Canal Gondola guest experience. Out of 100 applications, 12 made the cut to advance to the certification Jump Test at the Outdoor Grand Canal, testing their ability to swim. Candidates had to jump into the canal waters, swim back to the gondola, and regain control of the boat in specific amount of time. Scroll down for photos!

Candidates whom successfully completed the initial test will continue into a three-week training period entitled Gondolier University that involves learning how to effectively maneuver the gondola through the canals, creating a unique gondolier persona, performing authentic Italian ballads and becoming a master of all facts regarding The Venetian Las Vegas. The gondoliers train in bright red shirts, and do not "earn their stripes," in reference to the gondoliers signature striped shirts, until they have completed vocal evaluations, spent a minimum of 40 hours navigating the gondola through the canals and mastering the safety test. Final evaluations are conducted during a ride along with a senior member of the team, after which the candidate becomes a graduate of Gondolier University.

The gondola ride at The Venetian provides guests with a romantic and relaxing experience, transporting them from the hustle and bustle of the casinos to the ambiance of Venice, the most romantic city in the world. Guests can take in the beautiful Venetian architecture and enjoy a true one-of-a-kind experience in Vegas floating down the Venetian's Grand Canal in an Italian gondola. The indoor quarter-mile-long Canal winding through the Grand Canal Shoppes also features a separate outdoor, open-air ride that offers breathtaking views of the Las Vegas Strip.

For additional information, visit venetian.com, follow on Twitter @venetianvegas and interact on Facebook at facebook.com/venetianlasvegas.