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;.
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 Line’s 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 “Historic South and Golden Isles” 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 “owner’s suites” 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 an American Cruise Lines cruise review.
Cruises Out Of Charleston South Carolina
| There are 75 cruises that depart from Charleston, SC in the year 2022. All of these cruises are offered by one cruise line – Carnival – on its Carnival Sunshine cruise ship.You can see Charleston cruise schedule for 2022 in the table below. Be sure to look at the $/Day column to find cheap Charleston cruise deals in 2022. |
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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 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!
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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.
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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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.
Carnival is now targeting the fall or early winter for a relaunch of its cruise business at the Port of Charleston.
The Miami-based company announced on July 19 it has scrapped all sailings from the Holy City for about another two months, to Oct. 31.
It also announced it plans to put seven more of its U.S.-based ships back into service over the same period. The rest will follow by Dec. 31, including the locally based Sunshine.
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.
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Charleston To Princess Cays
This Bahamas route is a bit shorter than the first cruise, clocking in at four days instead of five, with only one destination. Passengers will once again board the Carnival Sunshine. But this time, they will travel to Princess Cays to spend an entire day before returning back to Charleston. Unlike the cruise to Freeport and Nassau, only one day is spent at the destination.
The time spent in Princess Cays may be short, but Carnival Cruises offers plenty of shore excursions to enjoy. Choose between snorkeling, kayaking, or biking around the island. If you choose to embark on your own adventure, there are plenty of local villages and beaches to explore at your leisure.
This cruise is significantly cheaper than the Freeport and Nassau route, costing a total of $229 per person.
This price includes the following:
- Cabin
- Dining
Charleston Through The Historic South
Want a trip that stays closer to home? American Cruise Line offers an eight-day trip through the Intracoastal Waterway for a journey back in time. Guests will embark on the intimately sized American Star, with a total guest capacity of 100 people.
Stops in Beaufort, Hilton Head Island, Savannah, and Jekyll Island offer a plethora of activities for interested passengers. The company suggests visiting Millionaires Village in Jekyll Island, a large historical landmark full of homes and cottages.
Beaufort also boasts its own selection of things to see, including Penn Center, the first school for freed slaves. You can also participate in local activities such as fishing or throwing axes!
Each destination is laden with historic sights, making this cruise perfect for families and history buffs alike. However, the price is far heftier than others on this list: guests should expect to pay at least $4,100 per person.
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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.
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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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.
Have Dinner With Live Music Aboard The Spirit Of Carolina
Go aboard the Spirit of Carolina and enjoy quality time with your loved one or the whole family as you savor great food accompanied by live music. Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner made from local seasonal ingredients and choose from the large array of drinks as the boat takes you along the beautiful Charleston Harbor and past the Ravenel Bridge before making its way back to the boarding point.
Spirit of Carolina
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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.
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.
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Enjoy A Group Dinner With Spiritline Cruises
Editor’s Note: Photo taken from the establishment’s official social account
Beautiful weekend for the best Charleston Harbor Tour with SpiritLine Cruises! #charleston #memorialday #getoutside
Posted by Spiritline Cruises on;Sunday, May 30, 2021
Who said you cant tag along with a group of friends and enjoy the cruise? Get yourself a yacht with spacious decks, cabins, and lounge rooms and go hang out with your group of friends with Spiritline Cruises, a well-known and accredited cruise company with a reputation for having top professionals when it comes to events offshore. The dinner, which is either a three or four-course meal, consists of authentic cuisines prepared by top chefs and served by a courteous crew. Their live and local entertainment is set to light up the atmosphere.
Group Dinner Cruise with Spiritline Cruises
Address: 40 Patriots Point Rd Mount Pleasant, SC
Opening hours: 11am – 9:30pm
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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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.
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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