A question for those of you who've just lost the $100 loyalty benefit.

[dog]

1 hour ago, CineGraphic said:

 

I'm not 100% sure on this, because the casino must be getting a great daily rate since they buy cabins on every single sailing.

We get the casino rate, and I believe my TA has to deal with the casino department instead of a regular rep when dealing with our bookings.

I have gotten the casino rate booking over the phone directly with Princess after receiving an email offer from Princess 

[nocl]

5 hours ago, dog said:

Another point regarding this topic- I met a couple who cruise frequently on Princess who were in a free suite, drinks , excursions paid for them. They attend the art auctions and buy on-board to resell pieces in their art gallery. 

Considering what is sold in the art gallery, the prices and the company involved I would guess that their gallery operates under the greater fool theory. No matter what you pay there is a greater fool willing to pay more.  The business practices and history of Park West is well documented.

[SSAtlantic]

18 hours ago, PescadoAmarillo said:

Awww, thanks!  I am definitely planning to blog on our Alaska cruise. I’m not sure about our Caribbean cruises. 

I know I am one of many hoping that you blog whenever you are cruising. The information you have shared over the years is priceless.  Plus I dream of being you some day ( although I think I am actually a year or two older). 

[dog]

8 hours ago, nocl said:

Considering what is sold in the art gallery, the prices and the company involved I would guess that their gallery operates under the greater fool theory. No matter what you pay there is a greater fool willing to pay more.  The business practices and history of Park West is well documented.

Your opinion. 

 

 

Edited July 13, 2021 by dog

[Steelers36]

1 hour ago, dog said:

Your opinion. 

 

 

I think it is more than an opinion.  Just Google a bit and doesn't take long to learn more.

[dog]

6 hours ago, Steelers36 said:

 

Edited July 13, 2021 by dog

[nocl]

10 hours ago, Steelers36 said:

I think it is more than an opinion.  Just Google a bit and doesn't take long to learn more.

Just reading the reviews on the BBB site gives a good indication

 

https://www.bbb.org/us/mi/southfield/profile/art-consultant/park-west-gallery-0332-7266/customer-reviews

 

But some people just love their printed giclee reproductions.

 

Park West is to art what Effy is to jewelry (just google "Effy rubies glass")

[capriccio]

15 minutes ago, nocl said:

Just reading the reviews on the BBB site gives a good indication

 

https://www.bbb.org/us/mi/southfield/profile/art-consultant/park-west-gallery-0332-7266/customer-reviews

 

Wow!  Those are damning in both their content and in the frequency of complaints!

[Ombud]

21 hours ago, nocl said:

Considering what is sold in the art gallery, the prices and the company involved I would guess that their gallery operates under the greater fool theory. No matter what you pay there is a greater fool willing to pay more.  The business practices and history of Park West is well documented.

I have 2 beautiful pieces from the art gallery. (1) A gorgeous ethnic print that was $50. Same price on land.  Framed it myself. (2) A ethnic vivid color enhanced serigraph bought as a TKO  for $140 -- had to fix frame and struggled to get it home. But IMHO I haven't seen anything that I'd value at more than room decor while I have seen enormous bid ups. My $140 piece went for 2k on my next cruise. PEOPLE there's a reason they let the (cheap) sparkling wine flow

 

But I digress 

 

 

Edited July 13, 2021 by Ombud

[007colocruz]

5 minutes ago, Ombud said:

I have 2 beautiful pieces from the art gallery. (1) A gorgeous ethnic print that was $50. Same price on land.  Framed it myself. (2) A ethnic vivid color enhanced serigraph bought as a TKO  for $140 -- had to fix frame and struggled to get it home. But IMHO I haven't seen anything that I'd value at more than room decor while I have seen enormous bid ups. My $140 piece went for 2k on my next cruise. PEOPLE there's a reason they let the (cheap) sparkling wine flow

 

But I digress 

 

 

Nice to hear from someone with personal experience. Thanks for sharing. 

[nocl]

20 minutes ago, Ombud said:

I have 2 beautiful pieces from the art gallery. (1) A gorgeous ethnic print that was $50. Same price on land.  Framed it myself. (2) A ethnic vivid color enhanced serigraph bought as a TKO  for $140 -- had to fix frame and struggled to get it home. But IMHO I haven't seen anything that I'd value at more than room decor while I have seen enormous bid ups. My $140 piece went for 2k on my next cruise. PEOPLE there's a reason they let the (cheap) sparkling wine flow

 

But I digress 

 

 

Oh the art auctions are fine for someone that likes the look of something as a decorative piece.

 

The issue is presentation of pieces as fine art that is worth their stated "appraised" value. 

[voljeep]

and 'bid ups' from marked shills ???

[Ombud]

9 minutes ago, nocl said:

Oh the art auctions are fine for someone that likes the look of something as a decorative piece.

 

The issue is presentation of pieces as fine art that is worth their stated "appraised" value. 

Yes. I'll look if I've got an open wall space & ask if it'll be a TKO if frame has issues. Then I'll ask that it be brought .... late. I am not interested in being targeted sucker (oops ... pre-auction buyer)

 

Back to topic .... loss of $100 obc (or in my case, $25). I budget my cruises and can't go if too expensive. I still contend if the loss of 1 wine flight + milkshake makes the cruise too expensive,  I can't afford to go. Recently I've been there while covering 3 (kids) mortgages. Fortunately the ship couldn't go either.