As most seasoned cruisemates know, an art action is not really an auction at all. It is a sale of both original art and prints of same, the price for which is set and can be purchased without the free bubbly. We enquired after a piece and were given the prices for and option of purchasing the original or a print.
But to drum up enthusiasm for the process, an auction atmosphere is utilized. Once a price is “established� duplicates of the item are then offered for sale at the� winning� price. We have been told, and have seen for ourselves, that identical items can be purchased on line at a substantially lower price. But where’s the fun in that?
Unfortunately, there has been a sailing or two where the art auction became a highlight of the trip. Otherwise, their appreciative value is rendering the sun deck with more available lounge chairs…