Bring sea shells back?

[codygirl5150]

Has anyone brought sea shells back to the U.S. from cruise ports? Or sand? Does customs allow it? Will be cruising on the Dream in the Bahamas. TIA!

 

[hanscarlet]

We have brought them back from ports but just not castaway cay, it's not allowed per DCL's rules.

 

[hcox31]

Take nothing and leave only footprints...

 

[dcassetta]

Has anyone brought sea shells back to the U.S. from cruise ports? Or sand? Does customs allow it? Will be cruising on the Dream in the Bahamas. TIA!

CBP permits a small number of shells for personal use, as long as the shells do not come from endangered species. If you're sailing in the Caribbean, you need to be particularly careful of conchs, because some are protected. You're also permitted to bring a small amount of sand. Drift wood is not permitted as it may contain small living organisms. Sand and shells are supposed to be declared at customs so they can be inspected, The agent would be looking to make sure there's no living animal, and that The shell doesn't come from an endangered species.

There is the sign specifically at Castaway Cay where they ask you not to remove any materials from the island. I have observed the on-island team throwing shells back into the ocean next to the ship.

 

[codygirl5150]

Good to know, there’s plenty of other souvenirs. Thanks!

 

[MomOTwins]

I noticed OP also says sand, but the replies seem to be about shells. Does anyone know if it's prohibited to take sand? I had been considering a cute FE gift I found on ETSY which is a keychain with a mickey charm and a tiny bottle (about a thimbleful) that you can fill with sand to remind you of paradise. But is that going to get cruisers in trouble (or offend people who are concerned for the beach environment)? I frankly think I tracked more sand on board just from what fell into my diaper bag from putting away our things at the end of the day.

 

[owensamo]

I noticed OP also says sand, but the replies seem to be about shells. Does anyone know if it's prohibited to take sand? I had been considering a cute FE gift I found on ETSY which is a keychain with a mickey charm and a tiny bottle (about a thimbleful) that you can fill with sand to remind you of paradise. But is that going to get cruisers in trouble (or offend people who are concerned for the beach environment)? I frankly think I tracked more sand on board just from what fell into my diaper bag from putting away our things at the end of the day.

Here's the information from CBP:

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/clearing-cbp/bringing-agricultural-products-united-states

Soil, Sand and Minerals

Soil-borne organisms threaten both plants and animals. If you visited a farm or ranch in a foreign country, agricultural specialists may have to examine and disinfect your shoes or clothing. Vehicles must also be cleaned of any soil. No soil or earth of any kind is allowed into the United States without a permit issued in advance by USDA Plant Protection and Quarantine Permit Unit. Pure sand, such as a small container of decorative beach sand, is usually allowed. Always check with the permit unit in advance for details.
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[MomOTwins]

Goodness, sounds like the little sand bottle is maybe okay, but who wants that hassle? I will find another FE gift...

 

[lorenni]

Plenty of sand, but not on purpose. Sand from our eastern NYE cruise is now blended with sand from Aulani in a couple of our suitcases.

It’s like glitter and tattoos - forever.

 

[a1tinkfans]

This reminds me of people we met during our honeymoon. They decided to take the lovely piece of coral into their room ( wrong on so many levels, though it was in the 80s and perhaps not as much advertising about environmental concerns)
They had creatures n odors n Everyone heard about it the next day.
Always good to know the rules etc.

 

[asunutgirl]

Please only take photos and memories back with you from the beaches.

 

[mathgeek]

Plenty of sand, but not on purpose. Sand from our eastern NYE cruise is now blended with sand from Aulani in a couple of our suitcases.

It’s like glitter and tattoos - forever.

Your suitcases sound like mine! Tiny bits of sand, probably from the bottom of my flip flops and beach bag, from Hilton Head, Vero Beach, Aulani, and Castaway Cay all mixed together at the bottom of my suitcase. It's like a sampling of Disney beaches in there.

 

[NCConch]

Plenty of sand, but not on purpose. Sand from our eastern NYE cruise is now blended with sand from Aulani in a couple of our suitcases.

It’s like glitter and tattoos - forever.

We have always sailed around Christmas/New Years. When summer came around and I put my beach shoes on again there was that same coarse sand in them that I immediately was brought back to my favorite place.