Carnival Cruises From Charleston Returning In January
CHARLESTON, S.C. Carnival cruises are returning to the Holy City in a few months. The company announced that cruises on the Carnival Sunshine from Charleston will start back up on Jan. 13, 2022.
The Carnival Sunshine is one of the latest ship restarts the company has announced it its plan to return its full fleet sailing from U.S. homeports by the spring of 2022.
Our restart plan continues to excel across all metrics, and we are looking forward to completing the restart of the fleet in the new year, said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. We appreciate the support and patience of our guests, travel agents and port and destination partners who have been key to this successful restart.
Duffy said that Carnival continues to carefully monitor the status of public health and adjust its operating protocols accordingly.
We are optimistic that vaccines will be approved for children between the ages of 5-11 before the end of the year and we look forward to welcoming more families back on board, she added. As it relates to ships operating in January and February, Carnival will continue to operate vaccinated cruises under its current protocols.
According to company officials, cruises on Carnivals three remaining U.S.-based ships Carnival Ecstasy from Jacksonville, Carnival Paradise from Tampa, and Carnival Sensation from Mobile have been cancelled through February.
Most Read
Savannah Says No To New $70m Cruise Terminal
The news late last month that Carnival Cruises will end its trips out of Norfolk was a blow to city leaders whoâd banked on the $37.4 million Half Moone terminal being a cruise ship center for decades to come.
In Savannah, Ga., it was an affirmation to those fighting a proposed new $70 million cruise terminal that the business wasnât worth chasing.
Savannahâs City Council effectively killed the terminal idea on the same day that Carnival announced it would pull out of Norfolk after October.
The Georgia seaport had spent $327,000 to study the proposal. That, the council decided, was enough.
âI am extremely concerned about the experience of other cities making such a large investment in something that, as far as Iâm concerned, is speculative,â Alderwoman-at-large Carol Bell was quoted by the Savannah Morning News as saying. âAnd the other thing, Iâm not sure a real business case has been made.â
âI thought this was a dumb idea before I got into office, and the closer I got to it as I sat on council, I thought it was a worse idea,â Alderman Tom Bordeaux added.
So Savannah is one port that Norfolk officials wonât have to worry about competing with as they work to lure Carnival back.
Travel Hotels Parking And Thesights
Now that we have covered the cruise linesthemselves we can get to some of the other great features and reasons for usingthe port in Charleston SC! The city is full of beauty and convenience. The factthat Charleston is close to the center of the East Coast means it is easilyaccessible to people from all around. The airport is conveniently located onlya 20-minute drive away, and there are also buses and trains coming in from upand down the coast.
You May Like: Best Time To Take An Alaska Cruise
Union Pier Cruise Terminal
The plan for development of Charleston cruise ship terminal includes construction of a new building. It will be located at the Union Piers 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 terminals 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 terminals warehouses.
It looks like Charlestonians want the cruises, but dont want the new terminal to be located on the edge of the citys 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.
The Buzz About Baltimore
What draws so many people to Baltimore? Perhaps itâs the top places to visit in Baltimore the world-famous and historic inner harbor which boasts tall ships and reveals the cityâs maritime legacy. Or maybe itâs the star-shaped Fort McHenry, the birthplace of Americaâs âStar-Spangled Bannerâ anthem. Or maybe itâs the world-renowned museums, award-winning restaurants or jazz music scene. Not to mention, the city is a gateway to everywhere from the Northeast and Canada, to the exotic Caribbean islands and Bermuda. Celebrate sports at the Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum, view worldâs largest collection of art by Henri Matisse at the Baltimore Museum of Art or gaze at the 55 centuries worth of art within the walls of The Walters Art Museum. Whatever you choose to experience during your cruise from Baltimore, youâll surely come to understand why so many return to Charm City.
ANCHORED IN ADVENTURE
Old school charm meets modern thrills in the Inner Harbor with two great destinations to sail to, including Royal Caribbeans private island, Perfect Day at Cococay.
Don’t Miss: Carnival Cruise Parking Mobile Al
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.
Cruise From Charleston South Carolina
Taking a cruise from Charleston, South Carolina means experiencing the best-mannered city in the United States, as described by Marjabelle Young Stewart. Discount cruise deals that let travelers spend a day or two in Charleston give them time to explore a historical city that offers carriage tours. Charleston has capitalized on its history as an Atlantic port and extended its services to cruise ships and their passengers.
One of the best parts about taking a cruise from Charleston is that the Port of Charleston is very close to downtown Charleston. The Port of Charleston is a part of the citys historical district, and many restaurants and shops are within walking distance. Several hotels are available, with prices that are extremely cheap, such as at Charlestons NotSo Hostel, or expensive, such as the Charleston Place Hotel.
Why not experience Charlestons unique character before or after your Caribbean cruise? Soak up some Southern hospitality along with the suns rays as you observe colonial and 19th century period architecture, taste the citys dining offerings, or even take a short excursion out to one of the areas beaches, golf courses, or historical plantations.
So what are you waiting for? Book your cruise from Charleston, South Carolina today with the experts at Direct Line Cruises.
For more information, call Direct Line Cruises at 1-800-352-8088.
Also Check: Turk And Caicos Cruise Port
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.
American Cruises From Jacksonville
The small ships of American Cruise Lines are ready to give you a unique experience out of the Jacksonville, Florida. The modern 100-passenger ships are small enough to travel calm inland waterways and dock at quaint ports.
Amenities on American Cruise Line include guest lecturers, musical entertainment, good food, complimentary cocktails, resort casual dress, comfortable lounges and large observation decks. Many of the spacious staterooms have private balconies.
Read Also: What Cruise Lines Go To Hawaii From California
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 |
Culture & History Of Charleston Cruise Port
Founded in 1670, Charleston is the oldest city in South Carolina and one of the oldest in the United States. It was named Charles Town after King Charles II of England. Originally, the local economy was fueled by tobacco and pine, which was shipped back to the Old World. Over time, Charleston became known as an international hub for the slave trade. The first battle of the American Civil War took place in Charleston in 1861 at the Battle of Fort Sumter. In the 20th century, the city made major efforts to preserve historic landmarks and grow the citys intellectual and cultural contributions. Today, Charleston is well loved by history buffs and has a growing tourism industry.
Charleston Port Facilities & Location
Charleston, SC cruises dock in the Port of Charleston, which is very centrally located to the historic downtown area. Shops, restaurants, and tourist activities are a short walk away from the terminal.
Also Check: What Cruise Ships Go Out Of New Orleans
Cheap Cruises From Charleston South Carolina
We have cheap cruises from Charleston SC awaiting your departure to explore the seas and visit extraordinary locations including the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Bermuda and more. Many of our cheap cruises from Charleston SC are available roundtrip anywhere from 5 nights and more, making them an excellent excursion to get away for the week and relax.
Good, quality deals are important to us at CruiseCheap.com, which is why we are your one-stop-shop for cheap cruises from Charleston SC. Set sail on our year-round cruises to the Bahamas and seasonal cruises to Canada, New England, the Caribbean and Bermuda. Relaxation is only a booking away.
Top Things To Do In Charleston
Shuck Oysters on the Bay
Dont miss the chance to try fresh oysters while in port from Charleston cruises. The citys coastal location provides delicious seafood, and there are plenty of cafes, bars, and eateries with bayside views for you to take in the sights.
Enjoy a Horse & Carriage Ride
Whether youre looking for a romantic excursion with your loved one or an unforgettable ride for the family, a horse and carriage trip through the cobblestoned streets of Charleston is an experience for all ages. Admire the Antebellum architecture as you go.
Shop at the Historic City Market
Find the perfect souvenir or handmade craft to bring back home at the Charleston Historic City Market, which is one of the oldest public markets in the United States. Shop the stalls and chat with dozens of local vendors.
You May Like: What Cruise Lines Depart From Norfolk Va
Don’t Miss: Best Time To Cruise To Bahamas From Florida
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.
Mount Pleasant Cruise Port
The port of Mount Pleasant SC emerged as a Charleston alternative cruise port and will receive its first ship call in May 2017. As Charleston SC self-imposed the 104-vessel limit per year , the Mount Pleasant port emerged as a nearby alternative for smaller-sized and luxury cruise vessels. After anchoring here, they will tender their passengers to Fort Sumter, from where is approx 30-min bus travel to downtown Charleston.
The first-ever ship that anchored in Mount Pleasant SC was Silverseas superyacht Silver Whisper .
Don’t Miss: Best Month To Cruise To Alaska
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!
American Cruises From Charleston
American Cruise Line offers small ship cruises on calm inland waterways. Sail either north or south from Charleston on the Intracoastal Waterway and explore the beautiful towns and islands along the way.
American Cruise Lineâs ships hold less than 120 passengers and have the advantage of being small enough to visit interesting ports that big cruise ships cannot reach. Think of it as an American version of the river cruises that are so popular in Europe.
Enjoy this video introduction to the âHistoric South and Golden Islesâ cruises from Charleston.
American Cruise Line ships are modern and built in America, and crewed by Americans. Many staterooms have private balconies. The Independence ship has choices ranging from big âownerâs suitesâ to single staterooms for the solo traveler. The dining room seats all passengers at the same time. There are four lounges for relaxing and socializing.
Read Also: What Cruise Lines Go To Alaska
Read Also: Working On A Cruise Ship Requirements
Daily Sightseeing Cruises Showcase Historic And Present
The ships captain even narrates it! The cruise provides close-up views of historic River Street only available from the water. It includes information about the Georgia Ports Authority, the Waving Girlstatue, as well as architectural history. Special Seasonal Cruises are offered for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Years Eve and other holidays throughout the year.
Riverboats are also available for private parties, meetings, weddings, themed cruises and family reunions. All boats operate under U.S. Coast Guard regulations for passenger safety.
Savannah Riverboat Cruises originally began in Savannah in 1991 under the direction of experienced Captain Jonathan H. Claughton. Over the years, the company has grown and established itself as a must-see tour and dining experience.
Savannah Riverboat Cruises, 9 E. River Street. 232-6404 or www.savannahriverboat.com.
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
Read Also: What Cruise Lines Depart From Seattle