Beach glassing in Caribbean Islands

[Sandy50]

Are you permitted to bring on board beach glass you collected on the islands to the ship. It is only one person’s trash that was thrown out years ago and now the pieces are smooth from the waves.

[DeanneB]

I think it is fine as long as the things, or the beach glass you collected are not protected by local laws.  If it is illegal to collect things from the local beach, most likely the cruise line will not allow you to carry it onboard.  Which beach are you heading to?

[Sandy50]

Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao Panama Canal area

[Emrys]

I think it depends where the ship is heading as I've heard of some guests having it confiscated. It's best to check with your cruise line directly to double check.

[DeanneB]

It is not allowed to take sand, coral, and shells from the Aruban beaches, so technically sea glass is debris and not the natural fauna of the beach.  It would probably be okay to take home 2-3 pcs purely for souvenir purposes.  Then again I'd make sure to ask the local authority first, to be on the safe side.

[CruiseCaptain]

@Sandy50 Get them online instead! 😁

Edited November 20, 2022 by CruiseCaptain

[DeanneB]

Great idea!!  🤣 I think I found some nice glass accessories on Etsy.

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@CruiseCaptain That's a great idea!

@Sandy50 I also love collecting sea glass! Based on my experience, it's best to leave the nature where it belongs while cruising. Usually cruise ships prefer you leave those items on the beach.

[KristineF]

Imagine, that these glass are trash decades ago.  Those are broken glasses and debris from waste that are now considered treasures.  Mind blown!

[3Sisters]

@KristineF It is truly a natural phenomena, trash turned treasure for sure! How do you usually display the sea glass you collect?

[DeanneB]

@3Sisters I usually make it into casual jewelry the small shells and sea glass.  I drill a small hole and use colored strings or a simple stainless chain.  Just an idea, you can actually level it up by adding freshwater pearls or maybe synthetic pearls.  There are tons of ideas on Pinterest.  I usually get my jewelry design ideas there. Seaglass Jewelry

Edited December 18, 2022 by DeanneB

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@DeanneB Wow you sound like quite the jewelry artist! I usually put them in a vase and call it a day. I think it's time I level up and attempt crafting some into jewelry pieces! I never even thought to add pearls into the mix. Thanks for sharing your ideas. 

[3Sisters]

@DeanneB I'm going to check out your sea glass jewelry link, thanks!

@KristineF Yes, it is a beautiful phenomena for sure!

[FJB]

Sounds like I’m missing out on something during my cruise vacation...

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@FJB It's a fun beach hobby for sure!