| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 21/08/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 76 |
| Copyright: Other |
Wirral agents threaten NCL with art claim
APAIR of Wirral travel agents are threatening to sue Norwegian Cruise Line over the value of paintings purchased at its ship-board art auctions.Partners Philip Clutton and David Hoyle, who own RNS Travel, Blue Skies Travel and Overseas Leisure, are demanding a total of $30,000 plus three free cruises in compensation.
They claim that its Fine Art Sales firm inflated the potential re-sale value of a painting bought for $7,500 on Norwegian Sky and one bought for $1,380 on Norway last autumn. The paintings were later valued at around $250 and $70 respectively. A separate dispute involves a $540 painting that was never delivered.
Clutton has rejected the offer of a partial refund.
NCL’s UK executive director Bill Ellerington said it had offered Clutton and Hoyle refunds of $8,000 and one replacement picture, plus shipping costs. He added that NCL would defend any legal action.