Does anyone really buy the artwork??

[mistyinca]

Ok so just getting off my 9th cruise and here's the big question I generated on this one:

Does anyone really buy the Park West art?

 

They put out so many flyers on it and frankly it is the one thing on a cruise that I have absolute 0 interest in and can't fathom anyone being excited to buy the art on a cruise.

 

Anyone?

[AngAndBoys]

Yes. My mother has. Me, I'm with you. No interest whatsoever.

[Cruznjuly]

Yeah I've seen many people buy it. We did 15 years ago on our first cruise... Not a bad deal then, but couldn't find a good deal today. The champagne also used to be free flowing and now it's one half glass. (Hmm maybe that's why I thought I was getting a good deal! [emoji16])

We even won the "free grand prize" in December by guessing the correct price of a Peter Max painting... Two "free" prints for the mere low shipping cost of $45 each.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Edited May 9, 2015 by Cruznjuly

[ladylyn915]

I have yet to go to an Auction on a Carnival Cruise, but years ago on Princess and Celebrity cruises, I bought many pieces. They were at auction and dirt cheap. I don't even remember how much the shipping was. It was fun to bid. I framed them myself and have them hanging on the walls. I know they are not worth anything but every time I look at them I remember my cruises and they make me smile.

 

I also bought a Tweety and Sylvester "Bon Voyage" signed cell for $115. I can't imagine anyone spending $12K.

Edited May 9, 2015 by ladylyn915
left out a word

[cruzeluver]

Considering how long Park West has been in business, they must be moving product.

 

I don't see why anyone goes to port talks, wastes port time "shopping" at the stores that give Carnival kick-backs, drinks to the point of becoming ill, likes "private islands" etc.

 

To each his own.

[amyh13]

I agree. Not sure how much the cost/revenue is but seems to me they could find a better use of space/time/money.

[Kamloops50]

Some cruise lines have got rid of Park and West . They were found to have deceptive sales practices and out right fraud . They paid a multi million dollar settlement ( court ordered) for switching pictures after purchase and shipping picture not bought. Some lines now have there own art sales department on board.

[M&T ReadyToCruiseAgain]

I recall John Heald asking opinions on the art auctions on his social media page many months ago. My response was waste of space and time.

[IPlayWithString]

I wonder the same thing myself because I know on our last couple of cruises, the artwork displayed for sale in the corridors and public areas, etc was UUUUUGLY.

 

Like seriously ugly. Like, painted by a drunk college student ugly.

[Out to sea!]

Ok so just getting off my 9th cruise and here's the big question I generated on this one:

Does anyone really buy the Park West art?

 

They put out so many flyers on it and frankly it is the one thing on a cruise that I have absolute 0 interest in and can't fathom anyone being excited to buy the art on a cruise.

 

Anyone?

 

I have 3 pieces of Thomas Kinkade in my home that were purchased on board. :)

[KenMo]

The only thing I know about art is what I remember from my Art History class in college.

 

I do know I saw a Degas hanging in the hallway that was to be bid on. I do know enough to know that it was a copy. No way was there an original Degas being auctioned off on a cruise ship.

 

So no...I've never been to one. If I want art, I want the real thing and I can't afford it.

[JohnSpo]

The artwork and art auctions are about the right expectations.

 

If you think you are buying originals/masterpieces at an excellent price for a great investment then you may not be realistic and will be disappointed.

 

If you are expecting to pick up some art that you like at a great price for the art work and the framing and shipping then you won't be disappointed. I have purchased a few pieces over the years and I have been very happy with them.

 

There is something to do for everyone on a cruise from pools/lounging around, drinking, bingo, trivia, gym, port excursions & shopping, casino, etc. and yes even the art auctions. The auctions are fun and you do learn a lot about the artwork and the artists. You should give it a try. No purchase is necessary and you may have fun and learn something.:cool:

Edited May 9, 2015 by JohnSpo

[Surfwench]

We stroll through the gallery and use to stop by for the champagne.... but, no, never actually purchased a piece. BUT I see others spending $$$ on them, so they remain. Personally, I never make a large purchase such as art, or jewelry while on a cruise or in a port shop.... too easy to be taken advantage of unless you know your stuff... which I don't. :rolleyes:

[Isa65]

I wonder the same thing myself because I know on our last couple of cruises, the artwork displayed for sale in the corridors and public areas, etc was UUUUUGLY.

 

Like seriously ugly. Like, painted by a drunk college student ugly.

 

I KNOW!!!! It's a matter of personal taste, but I keep thinking - WHO likes this stuff??

[travler27]

Somebody brought a Park West Picasso lithograph into the shop on Pawn Stars once. They had their expert come and appraise it. He said it was technically not a fake but was a copy made form some plates that Park West had acquired and pressed out thousands of copies. It appraised for something like $50. The Pawn Shop wouldn't buy it.

 

If you buy cruise ship art you had better know what you're doing. There's a million ways for them to press the envelope on the definition of "original".

[chipmaster]

A few cruises ago we decided to just go see what it was all about. The prices were ridiculous! Do Carnival cruisers really pay $12000 for an unframed painting?

 

For better or worse my wife enjoy's the auction as a little down time on the cruise in the afternoon. Some like absorbing rays that age the skin and sucking overpriced drinks.

 

I've been on a cruise where I did actually see stuff that was valuable and seen people spend serious bucks. I guess some like their suites and others like their art.

 

Somebody brought a Park West Picasso lithograph into the shop on Pawn Stars once. They had their expert come and appraise it. He said it was technically not a fake but was a copy made form some plates that Park West had acquired and pressed out thousands of copies. It appraised for something like $50. The Pawn Shop wouldn't buy it.

 

If you buy cruise ship art you had better know what you're doing. There's a million ways for them to press the envelope on the definition of "original".

 

And you trust a "pawn" shop versus an art dealer, makes for great ratings :D

 

I KNOW!!!! It's a matter of personal taste, but I keep thinking - WHO likes this stuff??

 

Could never figure out why people pay for nasty tasting alcohol too sometimes... Different strokes for different folks :D:rolleyes:

Edited May 9, 2015 by chipmaster

[lahlah57]

So the moral of the story is do not drink as you go to the art auction as well as assume you are not getting original art peices. I would not pay those ridiculous prices for a printed copy.....REALLY!? :rolleyes:

On a cruise ship go for what's included and realize that what you pay for is known to be inflated. They are about making $$$ not doing you any favors;)

[swscruiser]

We have, but we liked the piece and it was at a price we were comfortable paying. Would never buy on board as an investment.

[elainmir]

I wouldn't buy art or jewelry while on a cruise...I do adore Thomas Kinkade and have two huge prints in my home but I wouldn't buy them on a ship. And if I even liked jewelry I'd commission my own. I have wondered myself if they make any money at all on the art. But hey it's your cruise..make it what you want.

[travler27]

And you trust a "pawn" shop versus an art dealer, makes for great ratings :D

:D:rolleyes:

 

Absolutely, I would trust an appraiser on Pawn Stars over a high pressure sales tactic from an "art dealer". I think it's comical to refer to Park West sales folks as "art dealers". I suppose you would call the folks in the jewelry shop professional jewelers too?

 

A little reading http://www.travel-golf.org/t_cruise_art_auctions_scam_fraud.htm.

Edited May 9, 2015 by travler27

[sanmarcosman]

There's a sucker born every minute. I wish the French Champagne Council would sic their legal attack dogs on Park West for referring to that rot gut sparkling wine they schlep as being "champagne." It is a violation of international law to advertise or promote any sparkling wine other than that grown from grapes originating in Champagne, France, as champagne. As for the "art" that's more likely to be the name of the chap fobbing off that junk on an unsuspecting and gullible public. Google is you friend folks, the Park West lawsuit history is long and storied.

Edited May 9, 2015 by sanmarcosman

[ETinCA]

We have some we've bought at good prices and really like them. Recently the auctions have been more like used car lots unfortunately.

[kybluecruiser]

I was going to buy a Thomas Kincaid piece but the price was marked up more then what i could get it for at our local art store. I think it is wasted apace for what seems a small group of cruises. IMHO

[Gardeneroflove]

Ok so just getting off my 9th cruise and here's the big question I generated on this one:

Does anyone really buy the Park West art?

 

They put out so many flyers on it and frankly it is the one thing on a cruise that I have absolute 0 interest in and can't fathom anyone being excited to buy the art on a cruise.

 

Anyone?

 

Hi, on our second Disney Cruise we had $$ obc, it was more than we thought. Rather than buying 'stuff' we didn't really need, we bought two 'nice' pieces of art. they are still not put on the walls, but nothing ever gets put up around here. I do like TinkerBell and Snow White painting better than other stuff, I guess it was a good use of our money.

 

I do know, at least on that cruise, they actually DID sell lots of art. A few pieces we wanted were already sold out. (we didn't find out the total of the OBC till the last night, we had already paid tips, and such.)

[MissyMac13]

Misty, my DH loves the art auctions and usually buys at least one piece of art every cruise. I am not a fan. I don't understand the excitement, but he and DD usually go to the auctions.