Bringing shells and sand back onto the ship

[Ravenne]

Does DCL allow guests to bring shells, including conch shells back onto the ship?

During our last cruise, we saw someone get a decent size conch shell (about the size of a hand) confiscated at the security scanner getting back on board the ship on Castaway Cay. I understand US Customs don't permit live animals to be brought back into the US, but according to CBP website, shells are permitted into the US for souvenir and crafting purposes. So now I'm wondering if the shell was confiscated because it was from Castaway Cay, and thus considered private property of Disney? Or Does DCL not permit shells, conch shells in particular, in general.

What is DCL's policy on shells in general, not necessarily from CC?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Does DCL allow guests to bring shells, including conch shells back onto the ship?

During our last cruise, we saw someone get a decent size conch shell (about the size of a hand) confiscated at the security scanner getting back on board the ship on Castaway Cay. I understand US Customs don't permit live animals to be brought back into the US, but according to CBP website, shells are permitted into the US for souvenir and crafting purposes. So now I'm wondering if the shell was confiscated because it was from Castaway Cay, and thus considered private property of Disney? Or Does DCL not permit shells, conch shells in particular, in general.

What is DCL's policy on shells in general, not necessarily from CC?

It's not DCL's policy, it's the Fish and Wildlife Service. Conch shells that have been "processed" (purchased) can be brought into the US. Ones that are just picked up on beaches, not so much.

And the Navigator on Castaway Cay day says:
Due to our commitment to the environment, we ask that seashells, coral and other natural treasures be left undisturbed at Disney's Castaway Cay for all to enjoy.

Here's a link to the USCBP with the "rules"
https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/de...ls,-sand,-pebbles,-driftwood-for-personal-use

 

[savage1117]

while i agree with shmoo, the guy behind us at CC walked in with a huge cup of sand and shells

 

[PrincessShmoo]

while i agree with shmoo, the guy behind us at CC walked in with a huge cup of sand and shells

That's because he's special. Rules don't apply to him.

 

[MelSpees]

Seriously, if you think about it--if a lot of people took shells, sand and whatever from CC, there soon wouldn't be much left (if any). It's the same as any park--leave it there for others to enjoy.

 

[Mazz519]

Not allowed, Had a guy in front of us with a bunch of shells taken away

 

[Ravenne]

It's not DCL's policy, it's the Fish and Wildlife Service. Conch shells that have been "processed" (purchased) can be brought into the US. Ones that are just picked up on beaches, not so much.

And the Navigator on Castaway Cay day says:
Due to our commitment to the environment, we ask that seashells, coral and other natural treasures be left undisturbed at Disney's Castaway Cay for all to enjoy.

Here's a link to the USCBP with the "rules"
https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/de...ls,-sand,-pebbles,-driftwood-for-personal-use

Does that only apply to Castaway Cay? (Which I can totally understand.) Would shells from other ports/locations/beaches be allowed onto the ship?

 

[Lizzards]

My daughter carried a cup full of shells back on the ship, but it was from St. Maarten not CC. It was not confiscated but largest size shell in the cup was no bigger than a half dollar.

 

[wendy welcher]

We purchased a large conch shell in Nassau for maybe 3$. They wrapped it up in newspaper and it went through the security scanner when we returned to the ship. They didn't have a problem with us having the shell but they did let it fall off the end of the conveyor belt and it broke :-(

 

[Mom323]

Does that only apply to Castaway Cay? (Which I can totally understand.) Would shells from other ports/locations/beaches be allowed onto the ship?

Here is info on conch shells.

https://www.fws.gov/international/pdf/factsheet-import-queen-conch-2013.pdf

 

[lucas]

We purchased a large conch shell in Nassau for maybe 3$. They wrapped it up in newspaper and it went through the security scanner when we returned to the ship. They didn't have a problem with us having the shell but they did let it fall off the end of the conveyor belt and it broke :-(

Sorry to hear it broke. $3.00 was a great deal! I paid $20.00 in Cozumel by the pier.

 

[ptcbass]

I knew about shells not being allowed to be brought back on the ship at CC but I wanted some sand and was scared they would take it from me. I got a few small zip lock bags and put sand in them and then put them in our pockets. That way they didn't catch that we had it. It wasn't much sand at all but I have these little glass bottles that I collect sand from different beaches. In the USVI it is illegal to take the shells. I did manage to get some sand from there too though.

We also warned a few families that had kids that had collected lots of shells at CC and was planning on taking them back to the ship. No one wants a melt down at security when they take the kids shells from them. We have found that if you let them pick a couple of their favorite small shells and then put them in your pocket it isn't a problem. Just try not to break them before you can get back to your room. CC has no shortage of shells so if they miss a few here and there it isn't going to be a problem. They take shells from my local beach all day, every day and yet there are still more the next day.

 

[Disneyholic]

Leave only footprints. Take only pictures & memories.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

I remember there being a post on here from a parent who got very upset that their child had a bucket of shells taken away when reboarding at CC and the child had spent all day picking out those shells and cried for days. Them's the rules though. The parent was irate. How DARE they market a beach for children and then not let the kids take shells.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

That's because he's special. Rules don't apply to him.

Sadly, I'm never that special. But if I find a bottle of rum in the wild I might be.

 

[Starwind]

Does DCL allow guests to bring shells, including conch shells back onto the ship?

During our last cruise, we saw someone get a decent size conch shell (about the size of a hand) confiscated at the security scanner getting back on board the ship on Castaway Cay. I understand US Customs don't permit live animals to be brought back into the US, but according to CBP website, shells are permitted into the US for souvenir and crafting purposes. So now I'm wondering if the shell was confiscated because it was from Castaway Cay, and thus considered private property of Disney? Or Does DCL not permit shells, conch shells in particular, in general.

What is DCL's policy on shells in general, not necessarily from CC?

Conch shells from a beach often have a live animal inside them, either the conch itself or another animal who has taken up residence in a previously empty shell.

SW

 

[hudson3709]

Often times the shells have a strong odor to them. Even if they are smuggled on board I have heard of stateroom hosts detecting them and having them removed. Not sure of the details and how this is done however.

 

[asunutgirl]

Leave only footprints. Take only pictures & memories.

I echo this poster. As an avid SCUBA diver and life long ocean lover, I'd ask that you leave the sand and the shells on the beach. This doesn't just apply to Castaway. Many islands in the Bahamas and the Caribbean request that you don't bring back anything other than photos and memories. The shells, coral and sand are all part of the ocean's eco-system. And many of the reefs in the islands are National Parks.