Table Of Content
- Need First-Time Cruise Tips?
- Cruise Lines Operating or Calling at Charleston Cruise Port
- New Terminal to Be Developed, Cruises Continue for Now
- DEPARTURE PORTS
- Visit the South Carolina Aquarium
- Eastern Canada & Quebec
- Cruises from Charleston to the Caribbean
- Second Icon-Class Ship Will Have a Furry Family Member

This is a gracious city of antebellum 18th- and 19th-century houses and sprawling plantations, easy to appreciate from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage. The city’s unique Lowcountry cuisine and dozens of delicious restaurants make it a popular southern foodie destination. Enjoy warm southern hospitality and a breezy waterfront as you prepare to depart on your cruise from Charleston.
Need First-Time Cruise Tips?
Although it is relatively dry, you might want to pack light layers, as it can get cooler in the evenings. If you are driving to the city and its port, rather than flying into Charleston, there are plenty of simple ways to get there by bus or car. Carnival Magic currently sails from Norfolk, while Carnival Elation offers cruises from Jacksonville. Charleston offers a great deal for visitors to explore, from rich history in its museums and plantation homes to amazing beauty in botanical gardens to art galleries, harbor tours, delicious dining, and much more.
Cruise Lines Operating or Calling at Charleston Cruise Port
Whether you’re heading to Charleston for a cruise or for the weekend this summer, be sure to check out our list of top beaches near Charleston, plus 12 charming vacation rentals. Carnival Sunshine, formerly Carnival Destiny until her massive renovation in 2013, is a 102,853-gross-ton vessel, originally built in 1996 – making her the oldest ship in the Carnival fleet. She can welcome 3,002 guests aboard at each sailing, and is also home to 1,150 international crew members. Carnival Cruise line has reached out to booked guests for Carnival Sunshine‘s December 18, 2023 sailing date to alert them to an embarkation delay. Sign up for Caribbean Journal's free newsletter for a daily dose of beaches, hotels, rum and the best Caribbean travel information on the net. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices.
New Terminal to Be Developed, Cruises Continue for Now
At the entrance your passengers will need to have their cruise documents and identification with them. After entering, you’ll be directed to the luggage drop-off area to check any bags that passengers will be taking on the ship. Charleston Cruise Port, a section of the Port of Charleston, is located in the city’s historic downtown area. Not only does the location make it convenient and easily accessible for passengers arriving by air or car, but it also allows passengers to explore one of the oldest and most historic cities in the United States.
Permanent highway signs are posted along the travel route to help direct passengers to Union Pier and the cruise ship facilities. Some signs are the standard green highway signs posted along major routes and exit ramps. Others are smaller sized brown and white signs with the international cruise ship symbol and arrows showing the direction to travel in the downtown area to the cruise terminal. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines.
The 102,853-gross ton ship resumed service from the port on January 13, 2022, offering 4-5 night itineraries to The Bahamas, calling on Bimini, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay, depending on the sailing date and cruise length. The end of Carnival cruising from Charleston is due to continued development of the Union Pier Terminal, projects that will keep cruises from operating from the homeport for the time being. Carnival Cruise Line’s new port development in Freeport, Bahamas, has been making steady progress, and the latest overhead images obtained by Cruise Hive offer a glimpse of what’s to come. First announced in 2019, the port’s construction was delayed and finally started last year. The South Carolina Ports Authority is ending its deal with Carnival, preventing the cruise line from departing from Charleston. Carnival ships are currently using the Union Pier Terminal for departures and arrivals.
Vacationers return from cruise to find cars flooded at South Carolina Ports Authority - ABC NEWS 4
Vacationers return from cruise to find cars flooded at South Carolina Ports Authority.
Posted: Wed, 20 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The parking lot is patrolled overnight by port police, so it is a safe location to leave your vehicle. Taxis take about 20 minutes, but it is a good idea to set off early, as traffic can be an issue if you arrive on weekdays and get stuck in commuter traffic. Most taxis will charge a $35 flat rate from the airport to the cruise port, but it is a good idea to ask before departing, as the meter rate can be higher. Not only will we cover practical details, like the port’s location and proximity to the airport, but we’ll also explain some of the most exciting things to do in the city and the surrounding area. “There will be significant opportunities for business development and entrepreneurship by Bahamians.

Cruises from Charleston to the Caribbean
The Port of Charleston consists of six terminals scattered throughout the city, but only a single terminal, Union Pier Terminal, handles cruise ship operations. The project has been designed with the local community in mind, with local vendors and shore excursion operators playing a vital role in the port’s offerings. The $100 million project is expected to create jobs for up to 1,000 residents through the construction phase and ongoing operation of the port, making it a significant investment in the area’s future.
South Carolina Ports announces end of Carnival Cruise contract - Live 5 News WCSC
South Carolina Ports announces end of Carnival Cruise contract.
Posted: Wed, 25 May 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]
This gate is located at the intersections of Laurens and Concord streets. If you are using GPS, use the address 280 Concord Street to take you to the correct location. To help you navigate your port, we’ve provided all the details and pictures to help you get to the cruise ship and let your passengers get started on their trip.
Nestled along the picturesque harbor, Charleston's cruise terminal captures the city's unique Southern charm. Experience the rich history, architectural beauty, and vibrant culture of Charleston before embarking on a cruise to explore the wonders of the Caribbean or the East Coast. If you parking, then you will want to go to Gate #2 of the Union Pier Cruise Terminal (this includes Uber/Lyft drivers).

The images show preparations underway for the large pier that will be able to accommodate at least two of the carnival’s largest cruise ships, Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. A complimentary shuttle bus is provided between the vehicle parkingareas and the Passenger Terminal on both departure and return dates of the cruise. The shuttles provide a comfortable way to arrive at the check-in location and return to the vehicle parkingareas at the end of the cruise. Cruises out of Charleston are a great idea for foodies and anyone who loves American history. Give in to the genteel feel of the old South on Carnival cruises from the beautiful port of Charleston, South Carolina.
It played an important role in the American Revolution and the War of 1812. Ridesharing services, particularly Uber and Lyft cars, are also becoming a popular and affordable alternative. Although there are limited shuttle services, the city has plenty of public buses operating in its downtown core, which can help you save a bit of money while you explore. Charleston Cruise Port offers relatively basic terminal facilities, as there has not been any concerted effort to renovate and update the main terminal. With that said, you will still find clean and serviceable bathroom facilities to the right of the main entrance and within the main terminal building. In addition to Carnival Sunshine and Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Ecstasy has also offered cruises from Charleston at times.
They even offer porter agents to help direct and assist those with wheelchairs and other mobility needs. As a bonus, the port even offers complimentary parking and shuttles from the parking lots to those with vehicles displaying a valid handicap placard or identification card. There are some cruise lines that do make calls at the port, including Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line. As mentioned, Carnival Cruise Line is the only cruise line that uses Charleston as a homeport; however, others make temporary use of the port by featuring it as an occasional departure point and port of call. This does not necessarily mean the end of cruising from this charming southern port, however, as future development may once again support embarkations and debarkations. After 10 years of sailing from Charleston, South Carolina, Carnival Cruise Line has announced that its homeport agreement with the South Carolina Ports Authority will not be extended beyond 2024.
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