Family Speaks Out After Cruise Art Auction Leaves Them Feeling Scammed

What began as an exciting event onboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas quickly escalated into disappointment and controversy when a family’s winning art auction bid unexpectedly quadrupled in price.

The incident unfolded during a Park West Gallery auction aboard the popular 4,515-passenger cruise ship. The family, initially thrilled, placed a successful bid of $650 on a piece of art, with the auctioneer confirming the purchase by striking the gavel.

However, their celebration turned sour when gallery representatives later informed them privately that due to a “pricing error,” the actual cost of the artwork was $2,700—more than four times their winning bid.

“My wife and I, along with our two kids, were very excited about the artwork,” said the father, recalling their initial joy. “The staff encouraged us throughout, assuring us we were getting the best price. Our kids even started planning where we’d hang it at home.”

Yet the family’s excitement turned to shock and frustration when told the unexpected news. Feeling misled and upset, the father took to Reddit to voice his displeasure: “It felt like a scam—announcing one price publicly and backing out privately.”

Royal Caribbean Distances Itself from the Incident

After reporting the incident to Royal Caribbean’s Guest Services, the family was informed the cruise line was not responsible, as Park West Gallery operates independently onboard.

This response provided little consolation to the family, prompting the father to argue publicly, “Royal Caribbean should honour the auction price announced in front of everyone, especially since the gallery operates on their ship under their brand.”

Park West Gallery Faces Mounting Criticism

Park West Gallery is no stranger to controversy, operating across nearly 100 ships under various cruise brands, including Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises. The gallery currently holds an alarmingly low TrustPilot rating of 1.7 out of 5 stars, with countless complaints about their sales practices and ethics.

Other cruise passengers quickly rallied online in support of the family, sharing their experiences and offering practical advice. “Everyone knows about Park West—there are tons of complaints,” one commenter noted.

Another passenger suggested turning disappointment into an opportunity: “Use the $650 you saved and book an awesome excursion instead. I promise your kids would enjoy that far more than a picture hanging on the wall.”

Many cruisers highlighted the issue of inflated pricing, advising potential buyers to shop online instead. “Nine times out of ten, you can find the same artwork online for half the price or less,” one passenger cautioned, while another bluntly stated, “Pretty common knowledge that the art auction is a scam.”

A Cautionary Tale for Cruise Passengers

While cruise lines lease onboard retail spaces and galleries without assuming direct liability, this incident underscores the importance of caution and vigilance when engaging in onboard transactions.

For passengers looking to make significant purchases at sea, thorough research and a healthy dose of scepticism can ensure memories remain positive and wallets remain intact. This family’s experience serves as a stark reminder: not every onboard deal is as good as it seems.

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