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!
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 Silversea‘s superyacht Silver Whisper .
Charleston Sc Tours Shore Excursions Hotels
City Tours and Shore Excursions
- Fort Sumter: located in the Sullivans Island neighborhood. The place where on 12 April 1861 Confederate troops began the Civil War in America.
- Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon: located in the Historic District neighborhood. It is on the waterfront at East Bay Street. The white building houses the museum of the Colonial-era history in Charleston.
- Historic Churches: in the Historic District neighborhood you can visit the Circular Congregational, the French Huguenot Church and the Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim . Charleston is nicknamed as the City of Churches.
- City Market: it is in the Historic District. Fun place to visit but try not to be tempted by all the goods there.
- Gibbes Museum of Art: located in the Historic District. You can enjoy some of the finest art collections in the South.
- South Carolina Aquarium: located in the French Quarter Neighborhood. Discover the amazing ocean life. Meet black tip shark, sandbar sharks, scalpel-tailed surgeonfish, loggerhead turtles and jellyfish.
Port Charleston SC cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port’s schedule lists all ships with cruises going to or leaving from Charleston SC, South Carolina. To see the full itineraries and their lowest rates just follow the corresponding ship-link.
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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.
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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. |
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Update #1: 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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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
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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!
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.
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Cruises Departing From Charleston Sc
Charleston, South Carolina, with its Low Country southern charm, is the departure point for three cruises that sail from the historic coastal town to the eastern and western Caribbean. Enjoy the museums, plantations, forts and beaches of your host city before setting sail, then be pampered along the way with cruise ship attractions that include everything from invigorating water parks to relaxing spas.
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
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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.
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.
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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 doesn’t 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 don’t have cars to park.
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
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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.
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