What Is Included On American Cruises From Charleston
American Cruises from Charleston include many amenities. The ships are small but spacious and service levels are high.
An American cruise includes large staterooms, full-size bathrooms, snacks, afternoon tea service, cocktail hour, lounges for socializing, evening entertainment, wifi, and onboard historians and naturalists. Meals are served in a dining room that is large enough to seat all passengers at once. Most suites have private balconies. Shore excursion and service charges are not included.
Get The Sc Business Stories That Matter
Our newsletter catches you up with all the business stories that are shaping Charleston and South Carolina every Monday and Thursday at noon. Get ahead with us its free.
A tight supply chain is forcing Carnival Cruise Line to again delay the return of sea voyages from the Port of Charleston.
The company said Sept. 2 that cruises on its locally based Sunshine wont resume from Union Pier Terminal until sometime next year. The cruise operator did not give a specific date for the ships return.
Carnival previously had hoped to have the Sunshine back to cruising by Oct. 31.
Cruises between Charleston and the Bahamas and other Caribbean vacation spots have been idled since mid-March 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. Miami-based Carnival has pushed back the Sunshines restart more than a dozen times since then.
Cruises Departing From Charleston South Carolina
Coastal Charleston offers direct access to several waterways.
Charleston, South Carolinas port is served by one major cruise line and two small-ship cruise companies. Options for cruises from Charleston range in duration from five to 10 days, and will take you to one of three regions: across the Atlantic to the Bahamas and the Eastern Caribbean, northward up the Eastern Seaboard to Philadelphia, or south to navigate the barrier islands and coastal towns stretching from the Carolinas to Florida.
Don’t Miss: Cruise Lines That Depart From Galveston Tx
What Port Does Carnival Use In Charleston Sc
Union PierCharleston SC cruise terminal Charleston cruise port terminal is located at the Union Pier, in the historic district of the citys downtown. It is easily accessible via Highway 17-North, Highway 17-South, and also Interstate 26. Charleston International Airport is at approx 20 min drive distance from the terminal.
Savannah Riverboat Cruises Offers The Ultimate Way To Experience Georgias First City From The River
Want to take a day trip over to Savannah? Would you like to see the city from a unique point of view? And lastly, does a real Southern culinary experience sound inviting? Then Savannah Riverboat Cruises is the trip for you!
We offer one of the most quintessentially Southern dining experiences, said Savannah Riverboat Cruises owner Captain Jonathan H. Claughton. Our dishes and menus use only the freshest ingredients available, and we try to incorporate locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. And, best of all, many sightseeing cruises also include expertly prepared cuisine and a full bar.
Signature items include shrimp and grits, prime rib, house-fried chicken and coconut cream pie. Take a break from the everyday and indulge with a relaxing, leisurely cruise along the Savannah River, a historic waterway that once served as a main estuary for the Souths thriving cotton industry, and remains an active route for international shipping.
When you take a dining cruise aboard Savannah Riverboat Cruises, youre able to immerse yourself in Southern culture, Claughton explained. From our diverse menu selections to our unique cocktails and top-deck daiquiri bar, we have something for all ages. You can sit back and relax while you enjoy musical entertainment or historical narration provided by our captain aboard the grandest entertainment ship.
Recommended Reading: Cruises From Norfolk Virginia
Cruise From South Carolina
Cruises from South Carolina almost always leave from Charleston, a city with a distinct historical character. In fact, the point of departure, the Port of Charleston, is part of the citys historical district, which includes several restaurants, shops, and hotels within walking distance. While the location offers convenience for travelers, it additionally presents several pre- and post-cruise vacation options.
Carnival cruises depart from this South Carolina port. The Carnival Fantasy, with trips leaving year-round, features five and seven night cruises to the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Caribbean.
The current South Carolina cruise terminal offers long-term vehicle storage without reservations. Cars and other vehicles are stored in a controlled-access area, one only available to cruise passengers, that is patrolled by the Port Police. A shuttle provides quick access between the parking area and the cruise terminal.
Hotels nearby vary in character and price, from the higher-end Charleston Place Hotel to budget-options like the Not So Hostel. Because of its distinct period style, Charleston presents several attractions to out-of-towners looking to have a brief pre- or post-cruise trip. The city itself is characterized by 18th century architecture and offers a variety of dining, arts, and cultural attractions. Beyond the citys downtown are historical plantations for tours, beaches for relaxing and exploring, and golf courses.
Sorry, but your browser does not support frames.
What Is Included On Carnival Cruises From Charleston
Carnival Cruises from Charleston include accommodations, Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, Playlist Productions shows, Punchliner Comedy Club, Mega Deck Party, Piano Bar, Nightclub, Seuss at Sea, Towel Animal Theater, Hasbro the Game Show, WaterWorks, Mini Golf, and youth programs for ages 2 to 17.
Included dining choices: Main Dining Room, Lido Buffet, Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Pizza Pirate, Seaday Brunch, Carnival Deli, Swirls ice cream, and room service.
Dining options available for an additional fee: Steakhouse selections in the dining room, Chef’s Table, Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast, and Coffee Bar.
Not included in your fare: alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, gift shop purchases, spa treatments, Night Owls daycare, Build-A-Bear Workshop, salon services, casino gambling, Internet access, fitness classes, video arcade, photographs, ship-to-shore phone calls, medical, laundry, gratuities and shore excursions.
Don’t Miss: What Cruises Leave From San Francisco
Cruise Ships In Charleston
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
Charleston Cruise Port Address
The Port of Charleston lies conveniently in the heart of the historic district, at the end of Market Street. It offers the amazing opportunity to combine a visit to one of Americas most historic cities with a cruise to one or more tropical islands.
- The address of the Charleston cruise port is: 196 Concord Street, Charleston, SC 29401
- The cruise terminal parking in Charleston is at: 201-293 Concord Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Get a price on a cruise in this post
You May Like: Are Alaskan Cruises Worth It
Opening Hours And Holidays:
In major metropolitan areas like New York and Los Angeles, many drugstores and supermarkets are routinely open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, while department stores, shopping centers and most other large retailers are typically open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and often with shorter hours on Sundays generally 11 a.m. or noon to 5 or 6 p.m. On holidays, the tendency is to remain open
Holidays in the USA
You May Like: Best Months To Cruise To Alaska
Luxury Cruise Ship Anchorage Since 2017
In January 2017, the city agreed to limit the per-year number of cruise vessels scheduled to dock in Port Charleston. However, it doesnt apply to Charleston Harbor.
- Smaller and luxury cruise ships will be anchored close to Fort Sumter, from where their passengers will be transported via locally provided tender boats to Patriots Point. The area is known as Commercial Anchorage A. It is located between Fort Sumter and Crab Bank, and could suit ships with smaller capacity .
- The passenger tendering service to the shore is provided by the local tour company SpiritLine Cruises. The company has a fleet of 4 boats and serves its passengers from a dock at Patriots Point, where they board its vessels for harbor tour cruises.
- Cruise ships to Charleston visiting the port as port of call cause fewer problems than the homeported here larger vessels, because their passengers dont have cars to park.
Also Check: Cruises Departing From Mobile Al
Born On The Beaches Of Cuba Sc’s Island Brands Going Head
The State Ports Authority, which owns and operates Charleston’s port, said in a statement that it “continues to support our cruise partner and looks forward to operations resuming.”
Carnival is telling guests booked on November and December cruises they will need to present proof of both vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test at check-in. Carnival is working to set up mobile pre-cruise rapid testing sites at all of its homeports as a back-up alternative for vaccinated guests who aren’t able to make testing arrangements. Guests also will be asked to wear masks in most indoor venues while onboard.
Along with the 3,002-passenger Sunshine, the restart of four other Carnival ships has been moved to next year: Carnival Liberty at Port Canaveral, Fla. Carnival Paradise at Tampa Carnival Ecstasy at Jacksonville, Fla. and Carnival Sensation at Mobile.
The Sunshine has spent much of the pandemic in the Bahamas. The maritime tracking website VesselFinder said the ship has been moored off the southwest coast of Spain near Cadiz since Aug. 1.
Pros: Why Should You Choose The Port Of Charleston
Charleston has a long history and some amazing sights to see. The city itself is very accommodating to those who cruise form their ports. There are many options for entertainment. You can find a hotel to suit you without issue as they have everything from the more historically themed bed and breakfast type places to the more sleek and modern style hotels.
There are tons of restaurants, clubs, and bars to choose from too. There is plenty of parking, and many hotels will accommodate cruisers. Of course, all of these things are just the icing on the cake. The main reasons for cruising out of Charleston are the ships and the port!
Read Also: What To Do In Port Canaveral Cruise Stop
Carnival Sunshine Ship Details
If youâve ever caught a sunrise or sunset at sea, you know that theyâre the most beautiful kind. The sun has set on Carnival Destiny, a legendary, record-setting ship from the day she debuted. The end? Nope Carnival has transformed this ship into something that shines even brighter. Meet the incredible light of a brand-new dawn, Carnival Sunshine.
Also Check: Cruise Out Of Virginia Beach
Cruises Leaving Out Of Charleston Sc
Can you cruise a small ship in winter? Yes, you can. One of our annual favorites is the Historic South & Golden Isles cruise, 8-days from Jacksonville to Charleston .
Historic SouthThe ports of the South are living history! Explore wildlife refuges of untouched wilderness, the grace and beauty of antebellum society, and the layers of culture evident in all aspects of the cities, from the architecture to the cuisine!
Golden IslesThe Intracoastal Waterway is a series of protected bays, canals and rivers that wind between the eastern coastline of the US and outlying islands. Because youre not out on open water, the chance of seasickness is decreased when compared to an ocean cruise.
Ports of call: Amelia Island, Florida Georgias Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island, Sapelo Island, and Savannah South Carolinas Hilton Head Island and Beaufort
Read Also: What Cruise Lines Depart From Norfolk Va
Also Check: How To Use Lelo Sona
Cruises Set To Return To Port Of Charleston Carnival Sunshine Under Investigation For Possible Covid
FILE | Carnival Sunshine is docked in Charleston
CHARLESTON, S.C. A cruise ship based out of Charleston is currently under investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for possibly having COVID-19 cases.
Carnival Sunshine, operated by Carnival Cruise Lines, Inc., was scheduled to return to sailing out of the Port of Charleston beginning January 13th one of the companys 17 ships slated to begin voyages in the new year.
The ship, however, is operating under a restricted status. The CDC this week updated its ship color status to Yellow, which means there have been reported cases of COVID-19 on the vessel and meets its threshold for investigation.
The CDC says any cases reported in the 0.10% or more of passengers would require an investigation. For example, if there are 6,500 passengers on the ship, seven or more cases would require investigation by the health agency or one of more cases reported in its crew.
Its unclear how many people or crew are currently aboard the ship while it operates in restricted status.
Nearly two years since a cruise ship made Charleston a port of call, Norwegians Gem a more than 2,000 passenger ship docked at the port authoritys Union Pier Terminal on December 21st and again on the 28th.
Carnival Sunshine is expected to arrive without passengers at the port on January 11th where it will prepare for return voyages to the Bahamas and the Eastern Caribbean.
Cruises Out Of Charleston South Carolina
| There are 11 cruises that depart from Charleston, SC in the year 2021. All of these cruises are offered by one cruise line Carnival on its Carnival Sunshine cruise ship.You can see Charleston cruise schedule for 2021 in the table below. Be sure to look at the $/Day column to find cheap Charleston cruise deals in 2021. |
| Departure |
You May Like: Alaska Cruise Best Time Of Year To Go
Blount Small Ship Adventures: Southern Antebellum
The Southern Antebellum cruise with Blount Small Ship Adventures is an eight-day voyage from Charleston to Jacksonville, Florida. Along the way youll stop to see the sights of Beaufort, South Carolina Savannah, Brunswick, Jekyll Island and St.Marys in Georgia and Amelia Island in Florida. Traveling on a small cruise ship allows for exploration of numerous waterways, including the Eastern Seaboard, the Intracoastal Waterway, the Savannah River and St. Andrews Sound. Some highlights of the journey are an antebellum dance performance which gives insight into the Gullah language in Beaufort, a trolley tour of historic Savannah, a low-country cooking demonstration with dinner on Amelia Island, and a visit to the Submarine Museum in St. Marys.
Read Also: Hawaiian Cruises Leaving From California
Update #: Carnival Extends Voluntary Pause In Charleston Cruise Operations To 2022
Update #18: Carnival extends voluntary pause in Charleston cruise operations to 2022
Carnival Cruise Line is however planning to resume more of its guest operations and ship restarts in some U.S. ports as part of a phased-in approach, the company said in a news release.
We are very pleased with the progress of our restart which will grow to 15 ships sailing from seven U.S. homeports by mid-November, said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, in a statement. We are making slight adjustments to our timeline to take into account supply chain realities and ensure that our destination and shore excursion offerings can meet the strong demand we are seeing from our guests. Our teams, ship and shore, are prepared to continue delivering on our great guest experience and manage all health and safety protocols.
SC Ports does not currently have a confirmed date for when the Carnival Sunshine will resume operations in Charleston. SC Ports also does not currently have a confirmed date for when Port of Calls will resume operations in Charleston.
SC Ports continues to work with federal agencies and cruise line partners in support of the Charleston community updates will be shared with the community.
If you have any questions about your current booking onboard the Carnival Sunshine, please contact Carnival Customer Care at 1-800-764-7419.
Update #17: Carnival extends voluntary pause in Charleston cruise operations through Oct. 31
Press & Contact Information
Also Check: Which Cruise Line Has The Best Food
Cruises Out Of Charleston: The Pros And Cons
Find out the pros and cons on cruises our of Charleston, South Carolina before your vacation from the U.S. east coast including cruise lines and tips.
Charleston is a beautiful city in SouthCarolina. It is full of history, amazing architecture, and entertainment.Southern charm is a huge draw for this city, and there is no shortage of it.One of the major draws in Charleston is the cruise port. Thousands of peopleembark on cruise vacations from the Port of Charleston SC every year.
Taking a cruise can be a ton of fun.Charleston is popular for cruisers because it is located centrally on the Eastcoast. They also love the fact that Charleston has all kinds of entertainmentand attractions for them to enjoy both before and after their cruise.
Charleston SC may be a great city to cruisefrom, but it is not perfect. As with any city, there are some issues you mayhave to face should you choose to embark on your cruise vacation from thisport. Lets take a look at some of the pros and cons, and you can decide ifthis is the place for you!