HtownHolly Posted August 22, 2021 Report Share Posted August 22, 2021 Someone elsewhere online was griping that a conch they found while in Cozumel was taken away from them by RC, apparently after Mexican "officials" said it was OK. No details about who inspected it, and when asked this person said they rinsed it off with the saltwater (adding "it's the same ocean that touches the US") so it was "clean enough" to make it legal. Anyone know where to find RC's policy on disallowing found seashells to be brought onboard? This person sounded ready to go to war, so I'm trying to see what info is out there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pattycruise Posted August 23, 2021 Report Share Posted August 23, 2021 I thought when disembarking it says you cannot bring anything like that back. I know I was in Aruba (land stay) and they HEAVILY PENALIZE anyone who is caught going through customs if they have shells. PPPJJ-GCVAB 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HtownHolly Posted August 23, 2021 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2021 Yeah I cited what I remembered about Aruba as an example, and was told to present laws and facts, not my “opinion.” I did not disembark at Cozumel this time around so don’t remember what signage may have been there. Honestly this person sounds like a real pushy type, but I can’t find sources yet, to definitively say “not allowed” (sources being laws, regulations, or even anything on RC’s website, and since ai didn’t get off the ship there, I can’t say there was a sign). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielB Posted August 23, 2021 Report Share Posted August 23, 2021 This falls under USDA which at the cruise terminals says no fruits, shells, blah blah blah...however this is what I found on their website https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/Can-I-bring-sea-shells-from-another-country-into-the-United-States#:~:text=USDA does not require a permit to bring,not contain any dirt%2C which can carry microorganisms. This article says you can, but I do know the signage on the gangway and guidance from the ships says no. Sorry I don't have a better answer for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HtownHolly Posted August 23, 2021 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2021 2 hours ago, DanielB said: This falls under USDA which at the cruise terminals says no fruits, shells, blah blah blah...however this is what I found on their website https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/Can-I-bring-sea-shells-from-another-country-into-the-United-States#:~:text=USDA does not require a permit to bring,not contain any dirt%2C which can carry microorganisms. This article says you can, but I do know the signage on the gangway and guidance from the ships says no. Sorry I don't have a better answer for you. Thanks! I’ve given up on this person who has gotten aggressive towards any response that isn’t cited, and has now declared this her worst cruising experience ever and will never use or recommend RC again. She added “Carnival was much better!” I think she’s be better off sticking with them, if having a conch shell confiscated has ruined her honeymoon. Vancity Cruiser, Neesa and Scooter6251 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianB Posted August 23, 2021 Report Share Posted August 23, 2021 15 minutes ago, HtownHolly said: Thanks! I’ve given up on this person who has gotten aggressive towards any response that isn’t cited, and has now declared this her worst cruising experience ever and will never use or recommend RC again. She added “Carnival was much better!” I think she’s be better off sticking with them, if having a conch shell confiscated has ruined her honeymoon. I have learned that there are some people who are not happy unless they’re unhappy. Quite the conundrum. WAAAYTOOO, Scooter6251, Vancity Cruiser and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Psycho and Barb Posted August 23, 2021 Report Share Posted August 23, 2021 Royal has stopped bringing shells back onboard for a long time. Years ago, we had some shells, pieces of dead corral and a couple of rocks in our backpack going through security at labadee to get back on the ship...We wanted them for our home aquarium. The items were picked up on x-ray and confiscated. So if you really wanted to keep your find, you had to carry it back on ship in your pockets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HtownHolly Posted August 23, 2021 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2021 That was my understanding as well (plus… how about not just helping yourself to the native organic materials anyhow?) but this person was adamant that it’s not illegal, and that RC “stole” the shell from her, and is demanding proof (from fellow passengers) because RC folks on the ship were “lying” to her. I think it’s commmon sense, personally… especially with a conch shell which can hide who-knows-what in it. But I guess once something is “special” snd “sentimental”, common sense flies out the window. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoppy2cruise Posted August 23, 2021 Report Share Posted August 23, 2021 I believe she can find proof by reading her Cruise Compass for the day she visited Cozumel. Do you have your copies? Maybe you could scan yours to show her proof. I doubt that would stop her entitled rant, however. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teddy Posted August 23, 2021 Report Share Posted August 23, 2021 I’d just forget about the person having a tantrum. WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teddy Posted August 23, 2021 Report Share Posted August 23, 2021 28 minutes ago, teddy said: I’d just forget about the person having a tantrum. To be honest , depending on my mood and the site the forum was on, I could see myself winding her up even more. USCG Teacher, Baked Alaska and Vancity Cruiser 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ampurp85 Posted August 23, 2021 Report Share Posted August 23, 2021 People are so entitled now and days. She wants to badmouth RCG over a decision she made, knowing it is a possibility that something like this might not be allowed. Baked Alaska 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steverk Posted August 23, 2021 Report Share Posted August 23, 2021 2 hours ago, HtownHolly said: Thanks! I’ve given up on this person who has gotten aggressive towards any response that isn’t cited, and has now declared this her worst cruising experience ever and will never use or recommend RC again. She added “Carnival was much better!” I think she’s be better off sticking with them, if having a conch shell confiscated has ruined her honeymoon. You could always give her a copy of my favorite calendar WAAAYTOOO, teddy and HtownHolly 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Royal Blue Posted August 23, 2021 Report Share Posted August 23, 2021 One of the more exciting discoveries in LAB, spotting a giant conch shell in the water close to shore. Immediate thought.... what a souvenir. Turn my back and it was gone, buried into the sand. I've since learned about the conch food industry, especially in the Bahamas. Had no idea. And no surprise it is tough shape due to over harvesting. Yes a much more sentimental souvenir to find vs paying $20 on the street. That is the only way to get a shell back on a ship. Best shell collecting - Baja MEX. Mountains(wheel barrow mountains) of them just waiting to be taken home, and feet don't need to even get wet! WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HtownHolly Posted August 23, 2021 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2021 57 minutes ago, teddy said: To be honest , depending on my mood and the site the forum was on, I could see myself winding her up even more. I’m just about there WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HtownHolly Posted August 23, 2021 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2021 And yeah. I was just called “rude, hateful and just as ridiculous as the RC crew” after saying I bet that the truth is it’s not allowed on, but enforcement of that is inconsistent, and added that I hope she can put this seashell thing behind her mentally so that the rest of her honeymoon isn’t ruined. Sounds like an extended Bridezilla experience. Pattycruise 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HtownHolly Posted August 23, 2021 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2021 1 hour ago, Hoppy2cruise said: I believe she can find proof by reading her Cruise Compass for the day she visited Cozumel. Do you have your copies? Maybe you could scan yours to show her proof. I doubt that would stop her entitled rant, however. I didn’t save them, but they were all uploaded to the group. I don’t see anything in that day’s compass that mentions bringing things back onboard, one way or another. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teddy Posted August 23, 2021 Report Share Posted August 23, 2021 1 hour ago, HtownHolly said: And yeah. I was just called “rude, hateful and just as ridiculous as the RC crew” after saying I bet that the truth is it’s not allowed on, but enforcement of that is inconsistent, and added that I hope she can put this seashell thing behind her mentally so that the rest of her honeymoon isn’t ruined. Sounds like an extended Bridezilla experience. Don’t let her get you down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melmar02 Posted August 23, 2021 Report Share Posted August 23, 2021 Here is a link to the US Customs Border Protection form https://www.cbp.gov/travel/clearing-cbp/traveler-entry-form The second column states that you cannot bring back agricultural or wildlife. If you search the CBP website for shells, it will pull up several press releases showing where they have confiscated shells (sea shells, turtle shells, giant snail shells, etc.). Here is one. https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-highlights-arrests-and-seizures-week-23?_ga=2.177561568.431818366.1629745920-729546911.1629745920 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HtownHolly Posted August 23, 2021 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2021 29 minutes ago, melmar02 said: Here is a link to the US Customs Border Protection form https://www.cbp.gov/travel/clearing-cbp/traveler-entry-form The second column states that you cannot bring back agricultural or wildlife. If you search the CBP website for shells, it will pull up several press releases showing where they have confiscated shells (sea shells, turtle shells, giant snail shells, etc.). Here is one. https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-highlights-arrests-and-seizures-week-23?_ga=2.177561568.431818366.1629745920-729546911.1629745920 Interesting. There seems to be an explanation gap between “restricted” and declaring. Like, if you have a seashell and declare it, can it be allowed, or would it automatically be confiscated because it’s a “restricted” “animal product”? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeachGal Posted August 23, 2021 Report Share Posted August 23, 2021 Apparently this person never watched The Brady Bunch, Hawaiian vacation episode... bad things happen when you take what doesn't belong to you. All kidding aside, if this person's entire vacation was spoiled by one thing being confiscated, then there are bigger issues involved than a simple conch shell. cdixon22, Pattycruise, SpeedNoodles and 1 other 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpeedNoodles Posted August 23, 2021 Report Share Posted August 23, 2021 Yeah, Mexico doesn't care, the US does, lol. It's definitely restricted. If you declare it, they'll take it away. If you don't declare it, I'd imagine they reclassify that as "smuggling"? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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