Imagine you’re stepping off the gangway and onboard a cruise ship, feeling the ocean breeze and hearing the distant call of island beats. You thought your first stop would be the pool bar—cocktail in hand, basking under dreamy tropical skies. But then your attention drifts. Ahead, soft gallery lights beckon, revealing walls filled with vibrant canvases, sculptures and the hum of an auctioneer keeping rhythm with expectant guests.
Before your bags even make it to the cabin, you’re immersed in an art-filled discovery at sea.
Related: Park West Gallery’s Mystery Program at sea
This isn’t your typical onboard experience, and that’s precisely what can make it so thrilling. Soon, you’ll discover why Park West Gallery has become a must-see attraction aboard cruise ships worldwide—and what it means now that this celebrated art experience is docking at Margaritaville at Sea.
The brand-new partnership between Park West Gallery and Margaritaville at Sea brings a whole new layer of culture to cruising under the palms.
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Art lovers raise their bid cards at a Park West live auction on Icon of the Seas
The new art experience on Margaritaville at Sea
Travelers aboard Margaritaville at Sea can now experience the renowned Park West Gallery art program — bringing onboard curated galleries, engaging art auctions, and a chance to collect artwork while sailing through the Bahamas and Caribbean.
Margaritaville at Sea, formerly Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, operates two themed ships, Margaritaville Paradise and Margaritaville Islander, offering tropical escapes with a laid-back, Jimmy Buffett–inspired vibe.
Related: What Park West galleries bring to cruise ships
Margaritaville at Sea has plans to debut its third ship: Beachcomber in late 2026 that will be the largest of the fleet and include all the fan favorites like it’s 5 O’clock Somewhere pool bar and the Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurant.
Park West’s debut aboard these ships adds a new dimension: the thrill of live auctions and access to a world-class art collection while at sea.
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Park West’s legacy on the high seas
Since launching cruise ship auctions in 1995, Park West Gallery has become the leading provider of on-board art galleries and auctions, hosting thousands of live events each year on over 100 cruise ships—including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity, Norwegian, Princess Cruises and Holland America and now Margaritaville at Sea.
Over 1.5 million passengers have been introduced to fine art through its cruise programs. These galleries offer a wide spectrum, from classical masters like Picasso and Dali to contemporary top names such as Romero Britto, and Michael Godard.
Related: The hidden value Park West Gallery includes with your art
The experience is designed to be fun, accessible, and educational, with art experts guiding patrons through the selection process.
What Park West Gallery brings to the Margaritaville at Sea experience
Art programs aboard Park West Gallery’s partner cruise ships turn gallery visits into theatrical events. Guests can enjoy “Meet and Greet” sessions at embarkation, daytime exhibitions and seminars and elevated live auction events complete with champagne service and engaging commentary.
The environment caters to both novice and seasoned buyers allowing visitors to wander the artwork, sip bubbly, and explore bidding with guidance from knowledgeable onboard art teams. The diverse catalog and approachable atmosphere often inspire budding collectors and seasoned patrons alike.
Adding Park West Gallery enriches Margaritaville at Sea’s relaxed, island‑themed cruises with sophisticated cultural flair. Guests can now mix beachside cocktails with artful exploration—finding unique decor, original pieces, or limited editions to bring Caribbean memories home.
Related: The golden gavel: Life as a Park West auctioneer
The gallery’s animated staff make the process welcoming, ensuring that guests “don’t have to be art lovers” to feel inspired and confident in their choices. And with opportunities to learn about artists and collecting, the experience becomes more than a retail moment—it becomes a vacation highlight.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me’s Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
This story was originally reported by TravelHost on Sep 17, 2025, where it first appeared in the Come Cruise With Me section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.