My antiques appraisal events take place in various venues — from a place right in your backyard to an exotic location spanning the globe. Recently, I presented my antiques appraisals on board the beautiful new Celebrity Equinox cruise ship on an 11-night voyage to the Caribbean and ports of call in Panama and Colombia.

The ship's fine art collection included original works by Roy Lichtenstein, Damien Hirst, Karli Sears, Julie Heffernan, Red Grooms, Joan Mitchell and others. I discussed the interior design and the art on exhibit during walking tours of the ship, which made Equinox a perfect site for my brand of shows.

In addition to sharing my expertise about shopping for souvenirs, evaluating international antiques and providing tips on buying jewelry, my shows are an experience where cruise guests bring family heirlooms or newly acquired collectibles for appraisal. Are you thinking, who actually brings antiques on a cruise ship? Lots of people do. And some guests brought pictures of their items, too. Of course, a photo of Grandma's dining room table is much easier to fit into your carry-on!

During my appraisal events, I reviewed various items from cruisers who live all over the world. There were Victorian clocks from California; religious statuary from Leon, Mexico; teapots from Bermuda; Japanese woodblock prints from Massachusetts; costume jewelry from Arizona; and Native American carvings from Nova Scotia, Canada.

For instance, New Jersey retirees Carole and Howie were thrilled when I evaluated a family heirloom diamond brooch for $15,000. After my appraisal, Howie brought the brooch from the Equinox theater right back to the ship's safe. Carole must have retrieved it from the safe because she was wearing her brooch during a dance party later in the cruise.

I think that newlywed Robin, who hailed from New York City with her groom, Lee, got the biggest surprise. She had been swimming in one of the ship's pools when she decided to check out my appraisal event. She hadn't expected to actually get an appraisal but, on the spot, Robin asked me to review the 18 karat yellow gold locket that her grandmother had given Robin when she was in her teens. She explained that she never takes the necklace off and even had gone snorkeling that morning with the necklace hanging around her neck. She was shocked when I told her that it was a mourning (memorial) locket dating back to the late 19th century detailed with precious gems. The piece was worth $1,500. Her honeymoon cruise was not only memorable, but now she had information about a cherished keepsake too.

I appreciated the jokes from the cruise guests, too. A seasoned traveler named Joe from Syracuse, age 85, told me that he was like the antique version of King Midas … anything he touched turned to "old," because he was a self-proclaimed antique! I told him that he was actually vintage (less than 100 years old) and priceless. Just like learning about your keepsakes, traveling can change your point of view and open your mind to new experiences.

A Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, award-winning TV personality and TV talk show host, Dr. Lori presents antiques appraisal events. For information about upcoming appraisal cruises and other events, visit www.DrLoriV.com or call 888-431-1010.