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Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Rates are in USD and valid for US and Canadian residents only. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. Following the failure to renew Carnival Cruise Line’s deal with the South Carolina Ports Authority, cruise ships will no longer be allowed to start journeys from the city.
Ports of Call
Charleston, South Carolina, has been a prominent departure point for many of the world’s top cruise lines for years. 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. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports.Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. You will have plenty of options, with numerous restaurants showing off the city’s renowned culinary scene.
Types of Cruises
Whether you want to soak up the local culture or get your adrenaline pumping, there’s a shore excursion for you. Charleston is also a popular departure port for repositioning cruises, which take passengers from one region to another (such as from the Caribbean to New England) at the beginning or end of a season. These cruises can last anywhere from days and offer a unique way to explore multiple destinations in one trip. The Charleston Museum showcases and celebrates the city’s history and the American South as a whole. History buffs will enjoy learning about the city’s role in some of the nation’s most iconic wars and battles.
Charleston Cruise Port: Terminal, Overview and What to Do
Often cruise lines offer special rates that cannot be displayed to the general public. By registering with Cruise.com you will be able to view these special rates and offers. Carnival Cruise Line offers cruises from Charleston all year-round. These "Fun Ship" voyages are affordable vacations that the entire family can enjoy.
Carnival Cruise Ship Delayed and Next Embarkation Impacted - Cruise Hive
Carnival Cruise Ship Delayed and Next Embarkation Impacted.
Posted: Thu, 08 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
This series of colorful, historic houses are lined along Tradd Street. It’s a popular destination for carriage tours and is located less than 2 miles from the cruise port. Even those ships that are allowed to use the port will be limited to 104 cruise ship visits per year.
Things to Do Near the Charleston Port
Although there isn’t much to see within the immediate vicinity of the port, there are plenty of sightseeing opportunities and amenities within the city of Charleston itself. With a short taxi ride into the city or roughly a 20-minute walk, you can enjoy a full day of fun and exploration. Spring temperatures usually sit between 60° and 80°F, but rainfall can be an issue.
Furthermore, Cruise Critic makes no guarantees for availability of prices advertised on our site. Listed prices may have blackout dates, qualifications or restrictions. Most commonly, cruises from Charleston go to exciting destinations such as Bahamas, Caribbean - All, Dominican Republic, and USVI. When you find yourself between the Carnival Sunshine and some actual sunshine, fun at sea is guaranteed.
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The Port Lucaya Marketplace has plenty of shops and restaurants. Charleston cruises often range from 6-9 nights providing cruisers with a variety of different entertainment and dining options. Explore the charming downtown port city and extend your vacation with available activities. Choose from popular lines such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean for destinations like the Bahamas and Canada. Experience the adventure and relaxation of cruising from Charleston.
The most popular way to get around the city is to take taxis, which are available directly at the cruise terminal. If you are driving from the airport, take the I-26 E towards downtown Charleston. The cruise terminal is well-marked, so just make sure you are following the signs. You will eventually take the exit towards Morrison Drive, then turn right onto Washington Street, where you will find the main parking area and entrance to Union Pier Terminal.
Ships carrying over 3,500 passengers will also be prohibited from using the port. For those looking to spend more time in the city, three car rental services are located just a few blocks from the cruise terminal. Overnight parking costs $17 per day, but we recommend pre-booking your spot, as you can save money and guarantee you will have a parking space. The parking lot is patrolled overnight by port police, so it is a safe location to leave your vehicle. The Port of Charleston consists of six terminals scattered throughout the city, but only a single terminal, Union Pier Terminal, handles cruise ship operations. Those options range from the main dining room to the Lido buffet, Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina.
Even though Charleston gets plenty of springtime rain, showers are usually brief, so you can still enjoy exploring the city and everything it has to offer. 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.
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Those lucky enough to live within driving distance can also get some great last minute cruise deals when they cruise from Charleston. Nassau Paradise Island is the main cruise port and is known for warm beaches, duty free shopping and casinos. The island also has two golf courses and is one of the world's best sportsfishing spots. One of the best parts of a Charleston cruise is the chance to explore exciting destinations along the way. Most cruises offer a variety of shore excursions, from guided tours of historic sites to adventurous activities like zip-lining and snorkeling.
Drayton Hall and Magnolia Plantation both offer Southern heritage and Lowcountry scenery along the Ashley River. Head out on foot from the Battery’s seawall to Waterfront Park, then through the French Quarter and down buzzing King Street. Along the way you’ll stroll past centuries-old mansions, Dock Street Theatre, Gothic Revival churches, war relics, retail hubs and other southern treasures. Carnival Journeys is a limited series of special sailings that’s made to amaze, starting with great destinations and less-traveled routes to get you there. Board a Carnival Journeys cruise and you’re on course for enriching experiences aboard, amazing destinations ashore, classic cruising flair and more.
You will also find plenty of benches and vending machines that can be used to pass the time before boarding your ship. Unfortunately, there are no luggage storage lockers in the port due to security concerns. For cruise passengers arriving by air, Charleston International Airport is located roughly 12 miles from Union Pier Terminal, making it easy for passengers to arrive on the same day as their cruise. 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. Register with Cruise.com to get access to exclusive rates, discounts and special offers. This itinerary includes one port of call and days at sea, which are good for exploring the entertainment the ship has to offer.
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