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Are Carnival Cruises Out Of Charleston Sc Cancelled

Carnival Sunshine Embarkation Day, Cruise Food, Room Tour, Serenity, Port Charleston SC Cruise Vlog

CHARLESTON, S.C. The South Carolina Ports Authority has announced that by the end of 2024, cruise ships would no longer depart from Charleston to begin their trips. The authority made the decision not to extend a contract with Carnival Cruise Line that would have enabled ships to embark and disembark from the Union Pier Terminal in the heart of downtown Charleston.

Why South Carolina Is Not Renewing The Contract

In an effort to control tourism, the South Carolina Ports Authority is also limiting ships. Ships will not be able to visit more than 104 times per year with a 3,500 passenger limit.

Charleston is happy about this decision and its mayor says the city will be able to redevelop the Union Pier Terminal as well as have more opportunities for city growth.

Mayor John Tecklenburg says, Were grateful to the port for taking this critically important step, and we look forward to continuing the work with to make Union Pier a beautiful and vibrant part of the city of Charleston.

Key West also began limited cruise departures in 2020 to control tourism. The state of Florida has since reversed the decision to limit the number of cruise ships allowed to dock.

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New Terminal To Be Developed Cruises Continue For Now

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.

While exciting for the future of Charleston, the redevelopment of Union Pier Terminal will unfortunately mean Carnival will no longer homeport a ship in Charleston beyond 2024,Carnival Cruise Line said in a statement on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. In the meantime, it is business as usual and we look forward to seeing our guests aboard Carnival Sunshine through 2024.

Carnival Sunshine is currently the only cruise ship homeported in Charleston. 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 city is scheduled to host several cruise ships and river cruises on day visits throughout 2022, including Royal Caribbean Internationals Enchantment of the Seas, American Queen VoyagesOcean Voyager and Ocean Navigator, Celebrity CruisesCelebrity Summit, Princess CruisesCaribbean Princess, and more.

A total of 104 ship visits are currently scheduled for Charleston in 2022, including both homeports and day visits.

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Where Should I Go On A Cruise Out Of South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina Foodies and anyone who have an interest in American history might enjoy going on a cruise that departs from Charleston. When you set sail with Carnival from the picturesque port of Charleston, South Carolina, you can immerse yourself in the gracious atmosphere of the ancient South.

Cruise Ships In Charleston

Carnival Cruise From Charleston Sc Port / Cruisers disembark in ...

Over the years, the South Carolina State Ports Authority has increased cruise ship operations and applied for permits to build a new passenger terminal vastly larger than the current one. This has a direct impact on Charleston and because of this, the Conservation League is working for local and state regulations of cruise operations. This includes but is not limited to addressing high levels of harmful pollutants and reducing congestion associated with the growing number of cars and trucks that navigate towards the cruise terminal in the heart of historic downtown Charleston.

Charleston has an opportunity to adopt safeguards coupled with monitoring and enforcement, particularly because the cruise ship industry has a long record of non-compliance: oil slicks reported by passengers toxic chemical dumping deliberate falsification of discharge records and installation of equipment to bypass pollution controls.

Cruise ships generate significant pollutants, toxins, and carcinogens. They idle for ten hours during every port visit, emitting plumes of smoke with high levels of harmful air pollutants responsible for asthma, heart disease, and cancer.

Ships can lawfully discharge treated sewage within three miles of shore but the treatment technology is outdated. And get this: they can discharge untreated sewage and garbage ground to one-inch pieces when they are three miles from shore, which impacts our water quality.

Nuisance and Violation of Laws

Challenging the State Permit

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Charleston To End Departure Deal With Carnival In 2024

The South Carolina Ports Authority has decided to end its deal with Carnival Cruise Line in 2024, meaning CCL ships will no longer use Charleston, S.C. as a point of departure for a cruise.

The news was first reported by The Post and Courier of Charleston, via the Associated Press.

Carnival had used the port at Union Pier Terminal for cruise departures and arrivals after 2024, cruise ships can still dock there but only for a same-day port of call to the picturesque southern city.

And apparently, thats the way Charleston officials want it. The city was averaging about 70 cruises a year that left Union Pier Terminal for short trips to the Bahamas and other close Caribbean nations. But Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg said having fewer visitors taking cruises will improve the quality of life.

Were grateful to the port for taking this critically important step, and we look forward to continuing to work with to make Union Pier a beautiful and vibrant part of the city of Charleston, Tecklenburg said.

Carnival Cruise Line spokesman Matt Lupoli said the company will try to work with state and city officials to use Charleston as part of an itinerary.

In the meantime, it is business as usual, and we look forward to seeing our guests aboard Carnival Sunshine through 2024, Lupoli said.

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More Tips For Charleston Cruise Port

There are several hotels within easy walking distance of Charleston Cruise Port: HarbourView Inn, The Vendue, The Spectator and a DoubleTree by Hilton are all adjacent. More hotels, some with cruise-and-stay packages , are a short ride from the ship.

As of spring 2017, permits for a new cruise terminal are under discussion with the city council. Proponents are optimistic that the permits will be approved and Charleston will have a modern cruise facility within the next couple of years.

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Port Of Charleston Union Pier Terminal

196 Concord Street

Long-term vehicle storage is available on Port property for cruise passengers vehicles. Reservations are not required.

Vehicle storage is in controlled-access areas available only to cruise passengers not the general public. The sites are secured and patrolled by Port Police during the cruise.

A complimentary shuttle bus is provided between the vehicle storage areas 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 storage areas at the end of the cruise.

Report: Carnival To Cease Charleston Homeporting In 2024

Reviewing the Carnival Cruise Port of Charleston, South Carolina

Carnival Cruise Line will no longer homeport a cruise ship in Charleston beyond 2024, according to a report from Live 5 News.

As South Carolina Ports Authority decides not to extend its homeport cruising contract, Carnival is ending a 14-year partnership with the port.

The decision will provide more space for the redevelopment of Union Pier Terminal and unlock a transformational opportunity for the city, the report said.

While port-of-calls will continue to be welcomed in Charleston, SC Ports will continue to evaluate the market and looks forward to continued partnerships and opportunities, the port authority told the local news.

In a statement published by the report, Carnival said to be proud to be part of the continued growth of Charlestons tourism economy.

The cruise line also confirmed it will no longer homeport a ship in the city after 2024, adding that it will work with the Ports Authority to explore future opportunities in Charleston.

In the meantime, the Carnival Sunshine continues to operate its previously announced year-round schedule from the port.

The 3,000-guest vessel , offering mainly four- and five-day cruises to the Bahamas.

Longer cruises to the Eastern Caribbean are also part of the program and include visits to St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Grand Turk, St. Kitts and more.

Sunshines last currently scheduled cruise from Charleston departs on April 27, 2024. A five-day itinerary, it features stops in Nassau and Half Moon Cay.

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Carnival Cruise From Charleston

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This was our first cruise from the Port of Charleston. The embarkation process was incredibly smooth. Finding the parking entrance was easy with directions available on Carnival ‘s website. Without them we would have had a hard time. Getting from entrance to ship was a bit of a maze but each step of the way was manned by helpful staff. We made our way to a parking space and awaited a shuttle bus with a wheelchair lift. Wasn’t too long before a bus arrived and took us straight to the check-in area. My Mom’s disability and need for a wheelchair probably helped smooth our way. Everyone was very helpful. Once through with the check-in process we moved to the boarding ramp and straight to our room. The return was just as smooth!

What Cruise Lines Leave Out Of Charleston South Carolina

As of this year, residents of Charleston, South Carolina will be in for a great treat as Carnival Cruise Line will be offering sailings from Charleston throughout the whole year. The Carnival Ecstasy and Fantasy offer a wide variety of fantastic itineraries, including cruises to the Bahamas that last either 4 or 5 nights and cruises to the Caribbean that last either 6 or 7 nights.

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Where Do I Park For A Carnival Cruise From Charleston Sc

The parking lot at the Charleston cruise port is the most convenient choice available because it is located directly at the port and only requires a brief ride on a shuttle or a short walk to reach the ship.The vast majority of passengers choose to park their cars here before setting sail.You will need to enter the port by Gate #2, which is found at the crossroads of Laurens and Concord Streets in order to get to the parking lot.

Onsite Parking At The Charleston Cruise Port

Carnival Fantasy cruise ship at port waiting on departure.â¦

Note: Parking prices are subject to change without notice. Contact the cruise terminal for the most current pricing.

Passenger Vehicles $21/day

Over-sized Vehicles $50/day

  • Accessible Parking free with valid permit
  • Payment upon arrival by debit card, credit card, money order, or travelers check or personal check NOTE: Cash is no longer accepted.
  • Claim ticket received after payment. Large portion to be kept in vehicle. Small portion to be kept with passenger.
  • Luggage must be dropped off prior to parking at the Union Pier luggage collection site.
  • Secure parking patrolled by Port Police.

NOTE: you will need to walk from the parking lot to Building 324 to check in for your cruise. If a passenger has mobility issues, it is advisable to drop them off at Building 324 prior to parking. Once you have checked in to your cruise, a shuttle will transport you from Building 324 to the ship.

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Charleston To End Cruise Homeport In 2024

PublishedMay 26, 2022 4:18 PM by The Maritime Executive

The South Carolina Ports Authority and the port of Charleston announced a new redevelopment effort for a part of the citys waterfront that however means Charleston will no longer be serving as a homeport for Carnival Cruise Lines. Residents, fans of the cruises, and local businesses expressed their disappointment but port officials said that with the redevelopment they had determined that there was no longer the place to provide a homeport once their current contract ends with Carnival in 2024.

Since 2010, Carnival has been a great business partner and worked alongside our maritime community to benefit our overall maritime commerce mission, said Kelsi Brewer, a spokeswoman for the SC Ports. As we look to the future, SC Ports will continue to evaluate the market and looks forward to continued partnerships and opportunities.

Charleston had played an important role for the cruise line for the past 12 years. It provided a homeport as part of the deployment strategy in which the line positions ships near large U.S. population bases along the East and West Coasts and the Gulf of Mexico. By positioning cruise ships around the United States, Carnival Cruise Line reported that roughly half the U.S. population was within a days drive from one of its homeports.

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What Cruise Ships Leave Out Of Charleston South Carolina

The American Star and the Independence are the two vessels owned by American Cruise Lines that are used for sailings that depart from Charleston. On the American Tour Lines cruise through the Historic South and Golden Isles, you will travel on both ships. During this excursion, you will travel around the Intracoastal Waterways and explore the Islands that are located in the region.

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Sc Ports Will Not Extend Its Homeport Cruising Contract With Carnival Past 2024

May 25, 2022 / 10:08 AM EDT

May 25, 2022 / 10:08 AM EDT

CHARLESTON, S.C. The South Carolina Ports Authority and Carnival Cruise Line will not extend a homeport cruising contract in Charleston past 2024.

Leaders with the SC Ports told News 2 on Wednesday the move will provide more space for the redevelopment of Union Pier Terminal and would unlock a transformational opportunity within the city of Charleston.

Since 2010, Carnival has been a great business partner and worked alongside our maritime community to benefit our overall maritime commerce mission, said Kelsi Brewer, a spokeswoman for the SC Ports. As we look to the future, SC Ports will continue to evaluate the market and looks forward to continued partnerships and opportunities.

While a spokesman for Carnival Cruise Lines said the move means they will no longer have a homeport in Charleston beyond 2024, they will work with SC Ports to explore future opportunities in the Holy City.

It is amazing to see the continued growth of Charlestons tourism economy, and Carnival is proud to have been a part it of since 2010, said Matt Lupoli, Senior Manager of Public Relations with Carnival Cruise Line. In the meantime, it is business as usual and we look forward to seeing our guests aboard Carnival Sunshine through 2024.

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Cruises Ships To No Longer Depart From Charleston After 2024

Carnival Sunshine | Charleston Debarkation

CHARLESTON, S.C. Cruise ships will no longer start their journeys from Charleston by the end of 2024, the South Carolina Ports Authority said.

The authority decided to not renew a deal with Carnival Cruise Line that allowed cruises to begin and end from the Union Pier Terminal in downtown Charleston.

Cruise ships can continue to dock at Charleston, but only for brief, same-day port of call stops, The Post and Courier of Charleston reported.

The decision should cut the number of cruise passengers in Charleston down by 80%, officials said.

The State Ports Authority said it will no longer work on plans to redevelop a warehouse at the Union Pier into a cruise terminal. Permits to start the project have been tied up for years by lawsuits from conservation and historical preservation groups.

Instead, the authority said it will look into selling the land it owns to a private developer.

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg said the decision by the authority will improve the quality of life in his city.

Were grateful to the port for taking this critically important step, and we look forward to continuing to work with to make Union Pier a beautiful and vibrant part of the city of Charleston, Tecklenburg said.


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  • Currently, about 70 cruises a year leave Charleston for the Bahamas and other Eastern Caribbean destinations.

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    More On Cruising From Charleston

    Getting to the Port of Charleston Transportation options from airports and the Charleston area to the cruise port. Everything you need to know to get to the port and start your vacation.

    Dropping Off at the Port Dropping off passengers? Not sure where to go once you get to the port? We have turn-by-turn directions to find your cruise terminal.

    Charleston Cruise Hotels Getting in late? Leaving early? Simply need a place to rest your head? Weve rounded up the options for places to stay near the port.

    Union Pier Cruise Terminal

    The plan for development of the Charleston cruise ship terminal includes construction of a new building. It will be located at the Union Pier’s northern end. The old part of the building will be redeveloped. The Ports Authority will sell 0,15 km2 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.

    The concept plan also includes relocating of all cargo shipping operations from Union Pier. It will serve only as cruise pier.

    The new passenger terminal’s construction will cost USD 35 million. Its opponents have sued in both state and federal courts. Public hearing was also called by the US Army Corps of Engineers after receiving a new federal permit for putting additional pilings beneath one of the old terminal’s warehouses.

    It looks like Charlestonians want the cruises, but don’t want the new terminal to be located on the edge of the city’s historic district. Among their major concerns are the air quality and traffic congestion. The cruise port will have to install electric ship-to-shore power to reduce air pollution by docked vessels.

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