Park West Galleries Art Auction - Beware!

[disneypinman]

I just want to let those whom are sailing in the near future to beware these so called "Art Auctions" on board ship.

 

These are not auctions as it may look like an auction but they are really an "art sale" in sheeps clothing. No one really is bidding on these pieces of art although the auctioneer may make it look like someone is interested. They also offer "FREE" lithographs just for showing up but then try to sell framing at outragous prices. If you choose to not have your "FREE" art framed then they charge $35.00 per item to ship you art in a tube!

 

Also, they state that their policy is "NO RETURNS" so make sure that you really like what you purchase. Their prices are no great shakes so know what you are in for before you get involved!

 

Go for the free champagine and the trinkets that they give as door prizes but make sure that you weigh carefully any art you comitt to purchase. Also check carefully all framed art that they ship to you as these frames damage easily and having the issue corrected can be a real hassle!

 

IMHO

[iluvdoxies]

I never go to those things.

[DarkJedi]

I can't find anything I really like at the ones on the ships so I have never stayed for the actual auction.

[yearnin4cruisin]

It all depends on what you bid on and what you truly know about art. Framing is very expensive. Very, very expensive. I was fortunate enough to win a piece that was already framed and they wrapped it and fashioned a handle on it. I walked it off the ship and onto my plane. I think there are great deals to be had. Just my humble opinion.

[disneypinman]

It all depends on what you bid on and what you truly know about art. Framing is very expensive. Very, very expensive. I was fortunate enough to win a piece that was already framed and they wrapped it and fashioned a handle on it. I walked it off the ship and onto my plane. I think there are great deals to be had. Just my humble opinion.

 

Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder! LOL!

[Knights on the Beach]

I never go to those things.

Me neither, it seems like there's always something else going on at the same time that interests me more. BUT, just in case we decide to check it out on the Legend, do we each just get ONE glass of champagne? ;)

[kgk]

I was under the impression that Park West no longer does the auctions on Carnival. They are done by Carnival. I have purchased Art from them (Carnival) at some very good prices. Buyer Beware is certainly called for if you do not know what you are bidding on (or buying if you prefer not to call this an auction). It probably is similiar to the "inch of gold" Carnival sells. It is not real gold, but gold plated. A good deal but not a great deal....

[Barkingowl]

I've never had a problem with Park West at sea. What soured you on them?

 

[disneypinman]

I've never had a problem with Park West at sea. What soured you on them?

 

 

I had a print shipped to me more than once that had a damaged frame. They keep having me ship it back to them and they keep shipping me the same print with the same frame. Twice is enough! I will not allow a third!:(

[Barkingowl]

I had a print shipped to me more than once that had a damaged frame. They keep having me ship it back to them and they keep shipping me the same print with the same frame. Twice is enough! I will not allow a third!:(

 

That would make me very angry too. A friend of mine had bought a piece of art from them & didn't like the frame. They told her to have it reframed locally & then send them a copy of the receipt for the framing & they would reimburse her. Would they do that for you?

[disneypinman]

That would make me very angry too. A friend of mine had bought a piece of art from them & didn't like the frame. They told her to have it reframed locally & then send them a copy of the receipt for the framing & they would reimburse her. Would they do that for you?

 

Only up to $100 and the print I have is quite large and would easily surpass the $100 allowance!

[Barkingowl]

Only up to $100 and the print I have is quite large and would easily surpass the $100 allowance!

 

Let me get up with my friend and ask her what she did. I'll post her answer in the thread. Don't give up hope.

[sjcruiser]

While on the Imagination, I went to the art auction and the art gallery several times to look at the pieces being offered. I had no intention of buying them, but I wanted to know what all the hoopla was about. I couldnt believe they had several pieces that were listed "retail price" of between $17,000-$134,000. I thought, who in their right mind comes on a cruise to buy these pieces. I wrote down several of the artist name and pieces and looked them up on the net when I got home and couldn't find a listed for even one!

[DGP1111]

If I get started telling about my frustration w/ ParkWest on my September sailing, I'll just get my blood pressure up, so 'not going there'.

 

But. . . . will absolutely advise any future passengers who have an interest in certain spa treatments or packages, to DEFINITELY go to the first art auction. They seem to always have the spa manager there and do a mock auction for a spa package, which ends up being at a real bargain for the high bidder, and then they announce "OK, you can actually ALL have it at that price. Just sign up with <insert crew member name here> in the next five minutes". At my first auction I figured there would be a catch that it was only valid certain hours on a port day, but NO, it was for whenever you wanted to book. A real bargain, so give it some consideration. I sign up for a facial every cruise, because I never consider it any other time at home.;)

 

And to ParkWest, I thank them for that opportunity but pointing to the sky (with a special finger):eek:

[habby]

But. . . . will absolutely advise any future passengers who have an interest in certain spa treatments or packages, to DEFINITELY go to the first art auction. They seem to always have the spa manager there and do a mock auction for a spa package, which ends up being at a real bargain for the high bidder, and then they announce "OK, you can actually ALL have it at that price. Just sign up with <insert crew member name here> in the next five minutes". At my first auction I figured there would be a catch that it was only valid certain hours on a port day, but NO, it was for whenever you wanted to book. A real bargain, so give it some consideration. I sign up for a facial every cruise, because I never consider it any other time at home.;)

 

How cool would that be! You say they do this only at the very first auction of the cruise? If so, this will be filed in my "hush hush" things to do. Then when we get back, I'll blab all over about it.:)

[newkruzzer]

5 yrs ago I was on a RCCL cruise to Alaska and participated in their auction. I was interested in a Chuck Jones autographed Pepe Le Pew animated print. One, because I love Pepe Le Pew and Two, because the fact that it was autographed by the creator I figured it would be a great investment. Prior to the auction you can look at the pictures you are interested in. The one I saw had a hand written signature on it from Chuck Jones. After I purchased it and it was delivered weeks later there wasn't a signature on it but rather a stamped seal with a pre-stamped signature. I called them & asked why the one sent to me had the seal rather than the signature I saw and they denied it came with an actual signature. I had no way to prove otherwise so I was left with the stamped signature. I still love the picture but will never buy from their at sea auctions again & would also advise buyer beware. If you can, take a picture of the item before you bid on it so that what they send you is what they display on the ship.

[Barkingowl]

Only up to $100 and the print I have is quite large and would easily surpass the $100 allowance!

 

I guess I don't have good news for you. My friend said that her quote came in at $98. :(

[silentbob007]

I think the key to buying things at these auctionsi not trying to get a "great deal" but instead to buy something you like. Newkruzzer also makes a good point ... most of the pieces being auctioned are not the pieces you will receive. Park West will ship you a copy that they have stored in a wharehouse somewhere, while that piece on the ship will stay there until it is clearanced out. This can mean that you will get a print slightly different than the one you bid on (though hopefully still signed if that is the case).

[NorseFarmer]

Well Duh!!

[WeLuvVacation]

Park West very, very carefully explains everything to you BEFORE the auction starts.

 

We have bought many pieces of art with no problems.

 

And I would ask of the poster who stated that they went right onto the internet to check artists and art work names and came up empty who these artists were?????

 

Cause either you spelled them wrong or something else cause I have heard of any artist that has commanded the big ticket prices at all the PW auctions we have been to.

[berkley123]

Sorry to hear that you had a problem with park west. We too have quit buying only because we have run out of wall space. In 10 plus cruises we have bought art on almost all with no problems.

[caribbean dreams]

Park West very, very carefully explains everything to you BEFORE the auction starts.

 

We have bought many pieces of art with no problems.

 

And I would ask of the poster who stated that they went right onto the internet to check artists and art work names and came up empty who these artists were?????

 

Cause either you spelled them wrong or something else cause I have heard of any artist that has commanded the big ticket prices at all the PW auctions we have been to.

 

I was just going to say the same thing. everything is explained at the beginning, if it art is sold unframed you are told before the auction for that piece begins.

[bthorn1108]

I have never been to any of the art auctions, however, on my recent Miracle cruise, I did win the "Grand Prize" in a drawing, which was a picture from the Park West Collection. When my ticket was drawn, I was told by the PW rep to come to the gallery on Friday, anytime after 7:00 pm to pick my picture. Got there and waited 20 minutes, only to be told that they were totally booked with appts and to come back after 10:00. Went back at 10:15 and waited another 30 minutes to speak with someone. Finally, my turn. Told the rep which picture I had choosen, at which point he asked me for a credit card to pay the $35 shipping fee. HOWEVER, if I wished to purchase up to 4 more pictures, they could all be shipped for the same $35. Now I ask you, what kind of grand prize is that?

[SmooCruise]

I won the same "grand prize". I was so excited because there was a painting I really liked. But when I finally met up with a rep I was told that I could only choose between a certain 6 paintings. All of which I didn't like. I finally picked one and then was hit with the $35 shipping fee. I went ahead and paid it with the idea of I'll just sell it when I get home! They told me it was worth $600. Now I'm smart enough to know that it's probably not worth $600....but from what I can see it's not even worth $100!!! :( Oh well.

 

If anyone out there is a Tarkay fan and would like "Morning Social" make me an offer! :D

[mrdood]

These are not auctions as it may look like an auction but they are really an "art sale" in sheeps clothing. No one really is bidding on these pieces of art although the auctioneer may make it look like someone is interested.

 

...that is pretty much the description of all art auctions, what is the problem? Next you will be warning us off the casinos because you lost at the craps table...