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If you are parking at the cruise terminal, you will need to enter the car queue for a parking permit and offload any luggage and passengers before proceeding to the parking area. Parking is in a covered building a short distance from the terminal (follow the signs or the traffic). Charleston is closing its port to overnight cruise ships in an attempt to revitalize the waterfront that is currently being occupied by cruise ship facilities. It will continue to function as a port of call, and a new terminal will probably be constructed in the future. Charleston first hosted Carnival Cruise ships as a homeport when the now-defunct Carnival Fantasy first sailed from the port on May 18, 2010. This began a great era of cruising from the southern city, with cruises sailing to The Bahamas, Bermuda, the U.S.
Port of Charleston Information: Cruise Line by Cruise Line
Continue on Washington Street, then turn left on Charlotte Street and right onto Concord Street. Carnival WaterWorks is the aqua-park that is active fun for the whole family. The SportsSquare has a SkyCourse rope course overhead, jogging track, basketball, and ping-pong. You’ll need more time to visit the fort, but it can be accessed via dedicated ferries from the Fort Sumter Visitor Center. Located half a mile from the Cruise Port, this departure point is the closest to the Charleston Cruise Port. If you stick to the waterfront and walk 12 to 15 minutes north, you can find the South Carolina Aquarium.
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Since Charleston once served as a major tea exporter thanks to the many tea plantations surrounding the city, it continues to be a tea drinker’s ideal city. You’ll find one-of-a-kind items that will always remind you of your time in this historic town. Located a 30-minute drive opposite Folly Beach, you can find the picture-perfect Isle of Palms Beach. Its white sand and sand bar make you feel like you’re in a tropical beach town rather than just being a short drive from the state’s most populous city. A historical landmark that once served as a defensive seawall and promenade.
Ports of Call
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. Despite its popularity, Charleston Cruise Port is a relatively small part of the main seaport, with only one cruise ship pier capable of handling full-sized cruise ships. Given its limited capabilities, it is only used as a homeport for a single cruise line – Carnival Cruise Line.
Located about a 30-minute drive from downtown Charleston, this beach is popular with surfers and those looking to take in stunning sunsets. The beach is also surrounded by independently owned-restaurants and snack bars. 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.
Despite the port’s popularity as a departure point, the South Carolina Ports Authority recently announced that cruise ships will no longer start their journeys from Charleston as of the end of 2024. With that said, plenty of the 2024 cruise season is left, and cruise ships are still expected to visit Charleston’s Union Pier Terminal as a port of call. At times, residents of Charleston have protested too many ship visits and development projects that threatened the integrity of the city’s historic downtown. Charleston cruise port terminal is located at the Union Pier, in the historic district of the city's downtown. It is easily accessible via Highway 17-North, Highway 17-South, and also Interstate 26.
No More Carnival Cruises From Charleston After 2024
It played an important role in the American Revolution and the War of 1812. It’s just one mile from the cruise port and worth visiting. Located just a five-minute walk from the aquarium is the International African American Museum. Built on the site where Gadsden’s Wharf once sat, this is where at least 40% of all enslaved Africans arrived in the United States. The newly constructed museum now stands as a testament to the history and contributions of black Americans.
Dining in Charleston
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. No future plans have yet been announced for where Carnival Sunshine will homeport after 2024, but the ship can be easily redeployed to another city to bring cruises to even more guests. Norfolk, Virginia and Jacksonville, Florida are the closest homeports to Charleston. A total of 104 ship visits are currently scheduled for Charleston in 2022, including both homeports and day visits.
There is little seating available at Charleston's cruise port. Porters are available to assist with luggage during embarkation and disembarkation at the Charleston cruise terminal. Wheelchair service is available at Charleston Cruise Port once you enter the terminal after parking. Inform a Welcome Agent of your need, and they will have a porter assist and direct you to the proper security line. The Charleston City Market is the perfect place to find these items. Other unique items that are widely available are handwoven sweetgrass baskets.
After anchoring here, they will tender their passengers to Fort Sumter, from where is approx 30-min bus travel to downtown Charleston. Port Charleston is located in South Carolina (SC), on the Atlantic coast of the USA. This major port city (population around 120,000) is located on the state's central coast, and on the estuaries where Cooper River meets Ashley River.
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. The nearest Amtrak station to the Charleston cruise port is in North Charleston close to the airport. Getting to the cruise terminal from the Amtrak station by public transport requires two buses and a 10-minute walk. Arranging for a taxi or rideshare would be more convenient, as it’s about a 20-minute drive from the train station.
The Ports Authority (SPA) will sell 0,15 km2 (0,06 ml2) Union Pier property for private development right after the completion of the new terminal. This premium waterfront area will be developed as a new neighborhood and will be of no maritime use. It will feature new streets, public parks, shops, residential homes and businesses, thus increasing the access to the waterfront. Port Charleston SC cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Charleston SC, South Carolina.
They speculate that there will be future opportunities for a more developed cruise port capable of welcoming visitors to the city. In the meantime, cruise ships will continue to use the port as usual. The plan for development of the Charleston cruise ship terminal includes construction of a new building. The old (southern end) part of the building will be redeveloped.
Take the first exit on the right (Morrison Drive/East Bay Street) and then turn left onto East Bay Street. For the complete calendar of departures, please see our Carnival Cruises from Charleston page. FIG (Food is Good) is another favorite among locals and visitors.
With locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and an ever-evolving menu, this trendy bistro is always worth checking out. With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money. We'll send you the latest cruise updates daily to your inbox. Most commonly, cruises from Charleston go to exciting destinations such as Bahamas, Caribbean - All, Dominican Republic, and USVI.
