Cruise Art Auctions - Park West Fraud

[784caroline]

If you have ever been on a cruise, you may have been exposed to Art Auctions that are run by Park West Galleries. You should be aware that there are a number of law suits against Park West for Fraud and unethical business practices in selling over priced items. You can google park west art auctions and read all about.

Has anyone been caught up in this, and can you share with us what action if any you have taken with either Park West of the Cruise Line ?? it also looks like cruise lines are slowly "not renewing" contracts for Park West and its Art auctions.

[MelZ]

If you have ever been on a cruise, you may have been exposed to Art Auctions that are run by Park West Galleries. You should be aware that there are a number of law suits against Park West for Fraud and unethical business practices in selling over priced items. You can google park west art auctions and read all about.

Has anyone been caught up in this, and can you share with us what action if any you have taken with either Park West of the Cruise Line ?? it also looks like cruise lines are slowly "not renewing" contracts for Park West and its Art auctions.

I have to say we have bought framed prints from Park West and considering the cost of framing found them quite reasonable. Having said that I would never buy investment art on a ship. I have seen people to wacky stuff at the art auctions.

Most of the legal actions involve people who bought "investment art" and later found out they overpaid. If you limit yourself to decorative art you can get some nice buys.

[KayakerNC]

"Treat art auctions the same way you would treat casino gaming...
...a source of excitement and pleasure with a chance of gain, but assign yourself a maximum amount you would be willing to part with, and don't let emotion make you budge from that limit."

http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=302

http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=361

[14thMed]

The "free" sparkling wine was good ! Al

[sandybill2]

We go---look----drink their champagne. Some are rather unique but have never seen one that I just had to have.

[cats12470]

We have purchased a lot of art work from Park West.... but this is like a swimming pool.... you only put a pool in your yard because you will enjoy... but not for resale .... we love our art and purchased because we liked it... have given several away to friends.. we love Tarkay... it also brings back memories of our cruises.... we are cruise "nuts"... have been on over 30..... hope to go on 30 more...sounds like Park West should watch their step.... we are done buying art work.... have plenty.... have really enjoyed what we purchased.....