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.
These Are The Best Cruises Out Of Charleston South Carolina
by Contractor | Nov 12, 2020 | resources, Travel Tips |
Did you know that you can set sail out of South Carolina? Charlestons coastal location, combined with its rich and vibrant history, makes for the perfect beginning to a southern-bound cruise. In fact, there are a plethora of different cruise options departing from Charleston, with destinations in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and United States.
There are three cruise lines that sail out of Charleston:
- Carnival Cruise Line
- American Cruise Line
- Crystal Cruises
Below are eight of the best cruises out of Charleston, along with all the details you need to know: pricing, activities, and high-level descriptions. Read on to decide which cruise is the perfect one for you!
Top Food And Drink Spots Near The Charleston Cruise Port
Luckily, Charleston has a variety of dining experiences for every palate, whether you prefer fast casual or fine dining. Many of the citys chefs and restaurants have received a James Beard award, but dont let that fool you into thinking the food is pretentious. Cuisine in Charleston is inventive while sticking to classic flavors and Southern comforts. For meat lovers, head to the casual Artisan Meat Share for bratwurst and all sorts of fine meats. At 167 Raw, slurp down a dozen fresh oysters in style. The Codfather is a local favorite for authentic fish and chips.
Also Check: Viking River Cruise Rooms
Charleston To Freeport & Nassau
The first cruise on the list is a five-day round trip on the Carnival Sunshine, stopping in the cities of Freeport and Nassau in the Bahamas. This is an excellent option for a quick and affordable trip that can fit into any schedule.
The Carnival Sunshine is a 900-foot long vessel that can hold up to 3000 passengers. Onboard activities include spas, waterslides, and delicious eateries for the whole family. Even the basic interior room is comfortably sized!
Guests spend several days traveling on open waters with one whole day spent in each Freeport and Nassau to explore. Passengers can also choose to embark on one of the cruise lines shore excursions, such as swimming with the dolphins in Nassau or touring the island of Freeport. Excursions can be booked online for an extra fee.
The total cost of the five-day trip starts at $289 per person, which includes onboard entertainment and some dining options.
Norwegian Majesty Set To Sail A Series Of 24 Seven
Norwegian Majesty set to sail a series of 24 seven-day cruises
This full season of seven-day Caribbean cruises is the most expansive ever offered from the Port of Charleston demonstrating the commitment of NCL to expanding Homeland Cruising into new and innovative ports throughout the US and Canada. By offering these new cruises out of Charleston, NCL can cater to drive markets in nearby cities such as Greenville and Columbia, South Carolina Asheville, Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte, North Carolina and Atlanta, Augusta and Savannah, Georgia.
With the addition of Charleston, NCLs popular Homeland Cruising program expands to 13 ports from which cruisers can go Freestyle Cruising.
Our Homeland Cruising program keeps growing because it has really struck a chord with our travel partners and their clients, said Colin Veitch, chief executive officer and president of Norwegian Cruise Line. Charleston is a vibrant, beautiful city and an ideal location on the East Coast for Norwegian Majesty, a favorite with NCL passengers.
The Port of Charleston is excited about the opportunity to serve the Norwegian Majesty and the passengers that she will attract to our city, said Bernard S. Groseclose, Jr., president & CEO of South Carolina State Ports Authority. Charleston is a world-class city and will be a perfect fit with NCL, which is clearly a world-class cruise line. NCLs commitment to Charleston is a welcome boost to the Charleston economy.
| Day |
Read Also: Cruise Only Marriott Rewards
Charleston To Eastern Caribbean
Combine the best of both worlds with this cruise, stopping in both the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
Passengers will board the Carnival Sunshine for seven days, with stops in:
- Half Moon Cay
- Grand Turk
- Amber Cove
Like the first two cruises, shore excursions are available at each of the destinations. Guests can enjoy an adrenaline rush wading through waterfalls in Amber Cove, paddleboarding in Grand Turk, and touring a lagoon in Half Moon Cay.
Onboard, guests can entertain themselves with a variety of options offered by the cruise line, including admission to the Kids Club, which is included in the price of the ticket. Theres even an arcade open 24 hours a day! As for adults, the casino is a great place to try your luck.
Guests can choose between interior, balcony, ocean view, or suite rooms. The pricing for each starts as follows:
| Room Type |
- Oranjestad, Aruba
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
Once onboard, guests can enjoy a myriad of luxurious experiences. In fact, there are nine delectable eateries on the ship!
Passengers will stay in either staterooms or penthouses and enjoy amenities such as golf lessons and a fitness center. According to Charleston Voyage, the dress code is casual until six p.m., when it becomes black tie optional.
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.
Don’t Miss: Best Times For Alaskan Cruise
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 |
Carnival Sunshine Ship Details
If you’ve ever caught a sunrise or sunset at sea, you know that they’re 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
Local Currency & Tipping Customs
Youll use the U.S. dollar while youre in port on Charleston, SC cruises. Tipping here is similar to other parts of the United States. Leave a 10-15% tip for bartenders and taxi drivers. Its polite to leave a small tip for your barista when you order a coffee. For exceptional dinner service, tipping between 15-20% of the bill is recommended.
Carnival Cruises From Charleston Cancelled Through October
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Carnival Cruise Line has announced that cruises from Charleston will be cancelled through October.
Cruises on Carnival Sunshine from Charleston, Carnival Ecstasy from Jacksonville and Carnival Liberty from Port Canaveral will be cancelled through Oct. 31, company officials said in a statement released on Monday.
The company made the announcement in conjunction with its plans to have more than half of its fleet sailing by October.
Carnival officials say they will continue to welcome unvaccinated guests on board, but all unvaccinated guests including children under the age of 12, will be subject to pre-cruise and pre-embarkation testing and testing again prior to debarkation along with a $150 per person charge to cover the costs of testing, reporting and health and safety screenings.
The additional measures will be in place through at least October but may be extended based on guidance from public health and medical advisors and the requirements of destination partners, according to company officials.
Most Read
Don’t Miss: Are Msc Cruises Good
List Of Cruise Lines Departing From Port Of Charleston Sc
The Carnival Fantasy disembarks from the Port of Charleston’s Union Pier Terminal.
The Port of Charleston in South Carolina is one of many cruise departure points on the Eastern Seaboard and ranks among the most charming. Before boarding ship and setting sail for the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Bermuda or even a far-flung adventure through the Panama Canal, ease into vacation mode through the historic sights and celebrated cuisine of the city of Charleston. Many cruise lines offer itineraries featuring Charleston as a port of call, and a handful have cruises departing from there. The latter present options that vary in terms of destination and duration.
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.
Recommended Reading: What’s The Best Time To Go On An Alaskan Cruise
What Youneed To Know
- Port Name & LocationPort of Charleston, South Carolina. Ship will DOCK at this port.
- Time Zone
- The local language is English.
- Currency & ShoppingU.S. Dollar Charleston offers an abundance of shopping opportunities, from high-end fashion to unique, locally-owned stores. King Street, one of the city’s most popular shopping districts, is lined with galleries, bookstores, clothing boutiques and more.
- Famous ForCharleston is known for its numerous historic buildings, museums, picturesque downtown centre and beaches.
- ImportantCharleston is a walkers paradise, so slip on a comfortable pair of shoes and bring plenty of sunscreen and water because summers are hot and humid.
- Fun Fact #1Located on a small island in the Charleston Harbour, Fort. Sumter was the site of the first shots fired during the Civil War.
- Fun Fact #2Situated at the mouth of Charleston Harbour, Sullivan’s Island Beach is known for its expansive sands, sandbars and gentle waves and is considered the ideal place for families to soak in a relaxing beach day.
- Fun Fact: FoodiesStop by one of the city’s numerous delicious restaurants and cafes and savour the best of Southern cooking, from boiled peanuts and shrimp and grits to fried chicken, deviled crabs and much more – all served up with a giant glass of sweet tea.
- Fun Fact: LandmarksHaving been founded in 1773, the Charleston Museum boasts the distinction of being Americas first museum and offers exhibits detailing regional cultures and history.
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: What To Do In Skagway Cruise Port
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.
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 – it’s 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 won’t resume from Union Pier Terminal until sometime next year. The cruise operator did not give a specific date for the ship’s 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 Sunshine’s restart more than a dozen times since then.
Don’t Miss: What Cruise Lines Leave From Mobile Alabama
Return To The Seas: Carnival Sunshine To Set Sail From Charleston Beginning January 2022
CHARLESTON, S.C. Carnival Cruises will once again set sail from Charleston in early 2022 after being greatly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Carnival Cruise Line announced Wednesday they plan to have more ships restarts in January and February, with a goal of having its full fleet moving from U.S. homeports in Spring 2022.
In Charleston, Carnival Sunshine will restart on January 13th.
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 the company will carefully monitor the status of public health and adjust its operating protocol as needed.
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 said.
Carnival will operate vaccinated cruises under its current protocols early next year.
How Many Miles Can A Boat Go
The general rule is the bigger the vessel, the larger the fuel tank. For instance, a 75-foot motorized vessel that can carry 11,000 litres of fuel can travel about 1500 nautical miles, depending on conditions, whereas a 35-45 foot motorized yacht with a 100-litre tank can travel about 400 nautical miles.
Don’t Miss: Is Aqua Class Worth It On Celebrity Cruises
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 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.
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!
Also Check: Grand Turk And Caicos Cruise
Charleston Sc Cruise Terminal
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. Charleston International Airport is at approx 20 min drive distance from the terminal.
The current cruise terminal building dates from 1973. The terminal facility is operated by South Carolina Ports Authority. Longterm parking: at the terminal is available for cruise passenger vehicless only . Reservations for the parking are not required.