Art Auctions?

[LMHSRN]

Are there any Art Auctions held on HAL Cruises?

 

Thanks

[peaches from georgia]

Does the sun rise in the east? :D

[DFD1]

Constantly! The stuff is displayed every where and notices are always appearing in your stateroom mailbox or under your door.

 

I must lead a sheltered life because I have been amazed at the success of these auctions and their proliferation throughout the cruise industry. Someone surely must be making a ton of money from these things.

[Pete Jackson]

Yep, there was an art auction on the Maasdam last October on our Canada-NE cruise.

 

But it was much worse when we cruised Princess - they were promoting the art auction on the PA system incessantly. At least HAL was content to just put it in the daily program, like any other activity.

 

And that's what it is - another entertainment activity. You get to sit and look at paintings and perhaps bid on them and perhaps get to buy one. But how anybody can believe their hype about what a great deal they're getting is beyond me. Think of the overheads shipping the paintings to a cruise ship, paying the cruise line their cut, paying for the dealers cruise and time, giving out the freebies, and shipping the paintings back to the winning bidders. They clearly look on cruises as a source of customers who are not familiar with distinguishing good from bad art, or knowing the real values of the paintings.

 

But the paintings can look nice in the corridors, and it might get people interested in decorating their homes with art. And back home people might not have time to visit art galleries, so the art comes to them on a cruise.

[lknick]

They clearly look on cruises as a source of customers who are not familiar with distinguishing good from bad art, or knowing the real values of the paintings.

Good art, like many other things, is a matter of personal taste. Don’t forget the Impressionists in Paris during the late 1800’s were roundly condemned by those who were “in the know.”

 

And what is "values of the paintings?" It's what some will buy it for. Van Gogh went for less than $3 at one time, but his latest auction garnered more than a million dollars for the same painting. N Currier plates sold for $1, and now go for $12,000.

 

Art auctions on a cruise line are nothing more than another source of amusement, similar to Casinos, hot tubs, wine tasting, etc. To expect more is to expect foolishly.

[1stMate]

Good art, like many other things, is a matter of personal taste. Don’t forget the Impressionists in Paris during the late 1800’s were roundly condemned by those who were “in the know.”

 

 

Like the impressionists, those who paint on black velvet, especially the Elvis genre, were roundly condemned by those who were “in the know”, too.

[m steve]

If the art auction is the highlight of the trip then the cafeteria food is gourmet cuisine. I personally feel that they are an intrusion and another way to get some additional cash from the cruisers. :mad:

[lknick]

If the art auction is the highlight of the trip then the cafeteria food is gourmet cuisine. I personally feel that they are an intrusion... :mad:

Following your line of thinking, I think the casinos, spas, bars, dance floors and hot tubs should also be closed.

...and another way to get some additional cash from the cruisers.[/Quote]Why is a commercial indeavor seen as something bad? Why does one person's preference have to be paramount?

 

Shish!

[ekerr19]

On our first cruise together (years ago) DH wanted to attend, so we went to one. It wasn't as large of a production as they are today.

 

We bought two beautiful watercolors - nothing fancy, but WE liked them, both for $150. The cost of the frames and the matting alone were worth more than that.

 

Onr of them is here in my office and I get to see it while working everyday and be reminded of a great cruise we had on the Veendam.

 

We've never been to one since and we've cruised at least 10 other times, but people seem to enjoy them.

 

What is important to some folks - may not becessarily be important to others...

[tomc]

lknick said:

Art auctions on a cruise line are nothing more than another source of amusement, similar to Casinos, hot tubs, wine tasting, etc. To expect more is to expect foolishly.

Ok, so I'm foolish. I'd like an art auction while I'm having a wine tasting in a hot tub.

[CDRMark]

....

[Odd Ball]

I like the art auctions. I have one picture that was purchased on the Volendam and many from some NCL cruise. I enjoy my pictures very much.

[OhioGirl]

Does anyone know if its still Park West Art Auctions on board the HAL ships??

[lknick]

Does anyone know if its still Park West Art Auctions on board the HAL ships??

As of last fall, yes.

[jazzsea]

The art auction is just another concession aboard ship. Just like the casino, the gift shops and the spa. 20% of what you pay goes to the cruise line.

 

Be sure to read the fine print before bidding as there is an additional fee added to the final bid.

 

Although I find the art auctions intrusive, I know that the onboard concessions fund the cruise line and that additional revenue helps the cruise line keep the prices down.

[Pincus]

Are there any Art Auctions held on HAL Cruises?

 

Thanks

 

Way too many...not quite as pesky as Bingo, but like Bingo are a great money-maker for the cruise lines.

 

Pincus

[FoxyTerrier]

While on the 3/26 sailing of the Zuiderdam I attended the art auction on the last day. Just went on a whim and while looking at all the items I found 3 pieces that I was interested in for my new office. I tagged them and bid on them when they came up. All three were Beatles Yellow Submarine animation art. All three came framed and I can't wait for them to arrive. I have no problem with this part of the auction. If you like something buy it...

 

Right after this I went to Bingo and won a raffle for $500 of art. I met the dealer and was told I could not apply the $500 to my Beatles purchases and I had to select 2 pieces from 6 that he had on display. During the auction he made a big deal that all the art came framed as you saw it. I didn't like any of the free ones, but picked two and figured I could use the frames for something else. You also had to pay $35 shipping and he also charged me for appraisals for all 5 pieces.

 

When my free art arrived at home they came rolled in a mailing tube unframed.

He knew I was only taking the art because of the frames and I'm sure he knew they would arrived unframed in a tube.

 

It's not the end of the world but I do feel taken advantage of. Sure hope my Beatles items come framed or I will be disputing the charge with HAL.

 

Joni

[DFD1]

I'll be pleasantly surprised for you if they come framed. This framing matter is one of the often misunderstood parts of the onboard auction presentation. Not all, but many, have the impression that items come to you just as you see them when, in fact, most come without the frames.

 

I've bought two items several years ago on board the Norway, but was careful not to bid on anything that I could not carry off the ship "as is" including the frames.

 

I don't go to the auctions anymore for a variety of reasons, but Park West still sends me glossy full color brochure/invitations avout 4 tmes a year to regional auctions held in various cities around the country.

 

I'd love to see the P and L for this outfit.

[ekerr19]

Mine were both framed - and very nicely... I think it sounds like we got a great deal!

[Spender Nui]

Unfortunately you can't avoid them anymore. Just another revenue enhancer. Although I know some enjoy it I personally resent the loss of space on the ship. When I want to buy art I can do it much more conveniently (and cheaper) when I'm at home. Just my opinion.

[Oceanwench]

Like the impressionists, those who paint on black velvet, especially the Elvis genre, were roundly condemned by those who were “in the know”, too.

 

 

LMAO!!! :D :D :D

[gizmo]

I'll be pleasantly surprised for you if they come framed. This framing matter is one of the often misunderstood parts of the onboard auction presentation. Not all, but many, have the impression that items come to you just as you see them when, in fact, most come without the frames.

 

I've bought two items several years ago on board the Norway, but was careful not to bid on anything that I could not carry off the ship "as is" including the frames.

 

I don't go to the auctions anymore for a variety of reasons, but Park West still sends me glossy full color brochure/invitations avout 4 tmes a year to regional auctions held in various cities around the country.

 

I'd love to see the P and L for this outfit.

 

We also bought several on the Norway during different cruises. All but one came framed. It was made perfectly clear up front if the frame was included, but there are always some people that do not pay attention . The majority came framed at the auctions I attended.

 

There was one picture that I wasn't crazy about the frame. When we got home I called Park West and they exchanged the frame for me. All of mine were shipped and arrived in perfect condition.

 

I don't attend much anymore. I found there were too many sports and cartoon type memorbilia being auctioned off.

 

DFD1,

 

By any chance was it John and Abbey doing the auctions when you were on the Norway?

[lknick]

I'd love to see the P and L for this outfit.

Park West is a publicly traded company, so look it up.

 

Seems you thing PROFIT is a four letter word. It is not, but LOSS is.

[xpcdoojk]

Following your line of thinking, I think the casinos, spas, bars, dance floors and hot tubs should also be closed.

Why is a commercial indeavor seen as something bad? Why does one person's preference have to be paramount?

 

Shish!

Iknick, great reply.

 

jc:D

[DFD1]

Thanks, Iknick. I'll look it up. Without commenting on why you might have made the comment about profit, let it suffice to say that I've spent the last 40 years in the somewhat successful quest for profit. I know how many letters it has in it.

 

I just happen to think that Park West sometimes - no, often times - makes untrue claims and uses what I believe to be wildly excessive hype in the way they do business.

 

I completley understand and respect the fact that many will not agree with me about this..