| I've been cruising and collecting art for over 30 years. I | | | | The auctioneer will begin the bidding at that price. You |
| collect limited edition, signed and numbered prints, which | | | | bid in one of two ways. Some auctions require a credit |
| are far less costly than originals, but can still demand | | | | card and registration prior to the auction and you get a |
| high prices. I have some worth over $6000 and others | | | | paddle or number. Others just allow anyone to raise |
| valued at $300. Whatever your reason for collecting, | | | | their hand and bid. So you indicate that you want to |
| only buy pieces you enjoying seeing. I wouldn't buy the | | | | pay the price offered by a hand or paddle raised high. |
| ugliest Picasso just because it might be a bargain. | | | | And no, if you have to scratch your head at that very |
| Unless it's strictly for investment purposes and will | | | | moment, you have not automatically bought a |
| never leave the vault, buy art for beauty and style. | | | | Rembrandt. In fact, if unsure, the auctioneer will clarify |
| With that said, why would you buy art on a cruise | | | | the bid. |
| ship? | | | | Then, if no one bids on the piece at the minimum, it's |
| Let's start with the basics. It's a cruise, which is a | | | | put aside. If there is only one bid, that one person gets |
| terrific vacation all by itself. Now, assuming you have, | | | | it. If more than one bid occurs, it goes to the highest |
| or are considering, going on a cruise, most major lines | | | | bidder or, if there are several pieces available, each |
| have art auctions at sea. For instance, Princess Cruise | | | | gets that piece for the highest bid. That's the way it |
| Lines, whose parent company owns Carnival and | | | | goes. There is a selling premium or fee then added to |
| Cunard, has their own internal program. Royal | | | | the price to cover a variety of expenses, usually 10 to |
| Caribbean uses Park West Galleries and pays them a | | | | 15 percent. Add shipping or framing if needed and you |
| percentage. | | | | have your credit card total, charged to your ship's |
| It's more recently become a fashionable way to spend | | | | account. That's the process in a nutshell. |
| a few hours and can be enjoyable and rewarding for | | | | Now here are my words of wisdom. If you can't do |
| the patron and the art dealer. Even if you have no | | | | your homework before the trip, you are relying on the |
| knowledge of art, you can learn something at the | | | | dealer to present a fair price. Depending on the artist |
| auction. The presenter will spend a fair amount of time | | | | or piece, that could be good or bad. If you want an |
| describing various art print processes and mediums, | | | | expense piece badly, don't bid the first day. During a 7 |
| because the vast majority of art is in the form of | | | | day cruise, you'll have an average of three auctions. |
| limited edition signed prints, although they do have | | | | So pass on the opening day, but take note of the art |
| some original paintings and sculptures. They will also | | | | and artist of the pieces you like. Then, when you have |
| introduce the artist and offer plenty of background | | | | the time, head for the Internet Café (which all |
| information. Some prints come framed, others are sent | | | | newer ships have) and Google and research. See |
| in tubes. Either way, they are shipped to you at home, | | | | what's been sold and educate yourself. Then wait for |
| so you aren't required to take them after purchase. | | | | the next or final auction, armed with knowledge, which |
| The auction works in a simple manner. You can | | | | means power. |
| preview the art available before the auction and tag | | | | Finally, don't let any dealer talk you into any artwork as |
| anything you may want to see come up for sale. | | | | an investment piece. If it does go up in value in the |
| Those pieces are called "requests" and will be put | | | | future, then great. But that's not always the case. |
| along with those other items the auctioneer needs to | | | | Instead, buy it because you can afford it and you like it. |
| "push-to-sell." The way the pricing is set is as follows; | | | | There are both good and bad deals onboard. Lie in the |
| All the art has been previously appraised and has a | | | | casino, don't bet the farm. The main thing is to have |
| predetermined minimum or "reserve" price. This is what | | | | fun and come away with a positive experience. Bon |
| the dealer needs to get back for the piece. It can be | | | | voyage and happy bidding! |
| $50 or $50,000. | | | | |