Cruise Art Auctions?

Question

What are these art auctions I keep hearing about? Do they last for hours and do they really give out prizes? I can't really afford high end art is it expensive?

Answer 1

I usually try to go when one is offered onboard, just to see what they have. I've seen a few things I like, but agree nothing really that I really, really, wanted.

There are really two different types. The general auction is going to be what you are used to, with several items being offered and the product going to the higest bidder. As the other answers say, they usually offer free drinks. As far as prices, it really depends what it is, but I've never really seen anything go for less than $100, usually quite a bit higher. For the most part, I would say what is being sold is worth the price being paid.

The other kind you may see is a silent auction. This is when they will display whatever is being auctioned, usually before the show each night. They then have a box or something where you can place your bid. No one knows what you bid because it is  "silent" and so you have no idea what the other bids are or have the ability to raise your bid as the other bids get higher. At the end of the cruise, the product will be offered to the higest bidder, if they pay, it is theirs, otherwise it goes to the next higest and so on. In my experience, the silent auctions tend to go much higher than regular auctions. I think it is the element of the unknown that drives the prices up. Someone that really, really, wants whatever is being offered will put in a high bid that they don't think anyone else will go above, so they can get pretty high.

If you are wanting to find a deal, you may be able to find something. But, if you are a big art collector, you probably won't find much that interests you at these auctions.

Answer 2

I have been to several art auctions on cruises.  Mainly, it is a way to spend an hour with a few free champagnes or Bloody Marys while listening to the humor of the auctioneer.  They are fun to go to but the art is not really worth the prices, in general.

Park West Gallery is the main art auctioneer and they do just about 100% of their sales on cruises.  Listen to them and they will tell you that you will save up to 80% of the prices in galleries.  I really doubt that.  Their art is not all that high quality but you can find some things at times that you will want.  I bought a very nice seriograph one time and enjoy it in my living room every day.

The prizes are usually a cheap print or a bottle of champagne.  Go to the auction for enjoyment for an hour or so.

Answer 3

I agree with Maba...  I've attended a number of fine art auctions on cruises, and I've never seen anything that I just had to have.  You'll find some "name" artists like Peter Max, some cartoon cels, and some sports memorabilia, but for the most part the auction consists of artists who deal exclusively with the gallery.  The auction can be fun, though, and the champagne is free.

Answer 4

I have seen the auctions many times and I get the impression that they are just trying to sell painting by calling it an auction.  Most times only one or two people will bid on stuf and most of the stuff is mundane.

Answer 5

Most if not all lines have art auctions onboard.  Typically they are an hour or so a day.  Most also offer free champagne during the auction (the theory being the more you drink the more you'll buy).

Prices will range from $80 up to $5,000+

Some auction houses (the lines contract these out) have some free gift of some sort or raffle that they put on as well in conjunction with their auctions.

Not sure if you'll get a deal, I know lots of people who have bought stuff at onboard auctions, but I've never seen anything that I've thought I just had to have...