Sunday, March 31, 2024

Deck Plans, Activities & Sailings

carniva cruise

(I asked.) My waiter had no bibs or wet wipes to offer, which left me a bit messy afterward. If you're seeking a between-meal snack or light bite, try the JavaBlue Cafe on Deck 6 in Grand Central. The cafe offers a sizable menu of specialty coffee beverages and tea, as well as free and for-fee snacks. My pick from Guy's is the Chilius Maximus — an 80/20 ground chuck patty with cheese, chili, onion rings and barbecue sauce. On Carnival Jubilee, the Lido Marketplace on Deck 16 is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, but I found it largely uninspired and lacking in variety.

Compare up to three ships below

carniva cruise

Particularly notable are the rotating animations that pop up throughout the Currents zone during each voyage. Carnival Jubilee offers a full roundup of daily activities on each voyage. I'm not a huge drinker, so I didn't personally try cocktails from the Center Stage Bar (Deck 6) or Grand View Bar (Deck 7) in Grand Central. The former features a bit of a retro vibe, and the latter is backed by a giant light-up wall that looks like wave. Besides beer that's brewed right on board — which you can order by the glass, flight or growler, or in cocktails — you can snag one of several whiskies or interesting cocktails like a smoky watermelon margarita and a black bourbon fizz.

Cloud 9 Spa Suite

carniva cruise

Whenever somebody bought one, the waiter would demand that they yell "Shot, shot, shot!" before downing it. This was extremely disruptive and added to the already loud atmosphere. There, you can order any of the same coffee beverages you'll find at JavaBlue but in far less time.

THE PUNCHLINER COMEDY CLUB

With 27 ships and hundreds of itineraries, there’s a Carnival cruise for everyone. On "elegant" nights, you'll see a range of clothing from ball gowns, dresses that leave little to the imagination, tuxes and suits to the same shorts and tees people sport all day long. Most men, however, opt for long pants and collared shirts, while women don sundresses, or a skirt or pants with a blouse.

The TV also allows you to watch select live channels and shipboard programming and to check your onboard bill. Done up in bright, tropical colors, these rooms offer extended outdoor lounge space and private access to the Havana Pool and Bar area. My cabin had some of the best soundproofing I've experienced on a new ship in a long time — I had balcony accommodations near an elevator bank and heard nothing when I was in my room. However, a couple of passengers told me they could hear noise from Bolt in their balcony cabin on Deck 15. I arrived 15 minutes early for a magic show at the Punchliner Comedy Club, and I couldn't find a single available seat in the entire place. On another night, I showed up on time for Family Feud Live in the ship's theater, and it was a standing-room-only situation.

Day 8: Icy Strait Point

However, it's not as difficult as it might at first seem to hit the more rewarding higher-level tiers in just a few years if you're cruising a lot. As is typical with cruise line loyalty programs, lower tiers don't bring all that much in terms of truly valuable benefits. During the evenings, there is an official dress code, but it's pretty laid-back. Most nights are designated "cruise casual," which means just that — khakis or jeans, polo shirts, sundresses, etc. Super casual items such as cutoff jeans, men's sleeveless shirts, T-shirts and gym shorts aren't permitted.

Fire extinguished on Carnival Freedom cruise ship after witnesses reported possible lightning strike - CNN

Fire extinguished on Carnival Freedom cruise ship after witnesses reported possible lightning strike.

Posted: Sun, 24 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Carnival’s fan-favorite dining options and amenities, like Guy’s Burger Joint and WaterWorks, will be on board. The adjacent fitness center is on the small side but features for-fee personal training and organized fitness classes, as well as equipment that's free for passengers to use. The benefits don’t end there — your little girls and boys eat free in most onboard specialty restaurants and get a free evening of Night Owls babysitting service, so you can enjoy a little alone time.

Carnival Jubilee bars

If you're sure Carnival is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. You want someone who understands all the little quirks that are unique to Carnival's cabin categories and, preferably, has done ship inspections to see the cabins firsthand. That said, given the complexity of booking a cruise — there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process; trust us — we recommend you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises.

Interior with Picture Window (Walkway View)

(Children younger than 2 are exempt from gratuities.) An 18% gratuity is also added to bar and cafe bills, spa treatments and the cover charge of the Chef's Table. Pay a fee to ride, and you (or you and a friend) can navigate two laps of twists and turns around the ship's funnel as you use the throttle and hyper-boost buttons to try to break the day's speed record. (Yes, you'll be timed, and don't forget to smile for a photo.) The ocean views from above are totally worth the cost. Carnival Jubilee's demographics run the gamut from families with young kids or extended family groups to groups of friends, couples and even solo cruisers (even though it doesn't have any cabins for singles).

Within those categories, Carnival Jubilee offers three types of special cabins. First is Family Harbor, which offers nautically themed cabins that sleep up to five people and rooms that can be connected via an interior door. Families booked in Family Harbor cabins have access to a dedicated Family Harbor Lounge, which offers daily breakfast, snacks and drinks, as well as board games and TVs with a selection of movies and video games. They also receive a free night of babysitting in the kids club so parents can enjoy some alone time. Balcony staterooms were designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, so look to a balcony if you’re looking to cruise aboard Carnival Liberty. Any time you’re in your room, you’re just steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis, featuring the sort of sea view you can also feel.

Aft-View Extended Balcony staterooms feature a larger balcony for more lounge-around room, more kick-back space; not to even mention some of the best stern-side views you'll find anywhere. Get ready to relax as you gaze upon Carnival Magic's gentle wake from your spacious balcony. On Carnival Magic, Deluxe Ocean View staterooms are a great choice for families who want to let the sun shine in as they sail. Rooms in this category feature great views, a full bathroom — plus a separate washroom — and while stateroom configurations vary, certain Deluxe Ocean View rooms have space to sleep up to five cruisers. Design is more than just the way things look — it's as much about how they work. And staterooms aboard Carnival Celebration® are packed with innovative changes to both.

Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality. All this said, we recommend checking Carnival's website before sailing for up-to-date requirements. During "halftime," the ship's theater singers and dancers put on a show on the pool deck, dressed in team colors to support the fictional Carnival University — the team cruisers are supposedly cheering on during the festivities. Of the performances, I most enjoyed two main-theater shows that are also found on some other ships in the fleet. Kids and adults who aren't afraid of heights will enjoy the top-deck ropes course, which offers two options for different levels of skill and bravery. The Bolt roller coaster, a minigolf course and a basketball court are also found in the SportSquare area within the Ultimate Playground zone.

Carnival Cruise Lines Will No Longer Sail From Charleston, Starting In 2024

carnival cruise charleston

There are some cruise lines that do make calls at the port, including Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line. As mentioned, Carnival Cruise Line is the only cruise line that uses Charleston as a homeport; however, others make temporary use of the port by featuring it as an occasional departure point and port of call. In an effort to control tourism, the South Carolina Ports Authority is also limiting ships. Ships will not be able to visit more than 104 times per year with a 3,500 passenger limit.

Distance from the Airport

Charleston is a beautiful city filled with exciting things to do and see. The humidity can make it feel warmer, so pack light, breathable clothing to explore the city. Charleston Cruise Port offers relatively basic terminal facilities, as there has not been any concerted effort to renovate and update the main terminal. With that said, you will still find clean and serviceable bathroom facilities to the right of the main entrance and within the main terminal building. Not only will we cover practical details, like the port’s location and proximity to the airport, but we’ll also explain some of the most exciting things to do in the city and the surrounding area.

10 of 547 Carnival Charleston Cruise Reviews

Charleston International Airport is at approx 20 min drive distance from the terminal. Following the failure to renew Carnival Cruise Line’s deal with the South Carolina Ports Authority, cruise ships will no longer be allowed to start journeys from the city. With that said, cruise ships will still be allowed to dock at Charleston temporarily, but only for same-day port of call stops rather than overnight stays. For those looking to spend more time in the city, three car rental services are located just a few blocks from the cruise terminal. Carnival reserves the right to re-instate the fuel supplement for all guests at up to $9 per person per day if the NYMEX oil price exceeds $70 per barrel. Rates & offers are subject to select dates & categories, cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy, in US Dollars, & include NCCF.

Spring (March to April)

Visit the biggest Serenity area ever, featuring three decks, plenty of recliners... Carnival WaterWorks™, our onboard waterpark, doesn't just deliver the favorites... For November 2021 SCPA handled the record 250,711 TEUs at its three container terminals (Wando Welch, North Charleston, Hugh K. Leatherman), representing a 21% increase over Nov 2020. The record-high volumes included 127,081 imported (+36%) and 67,639 exported (+5%).

Carnival's SC cruise ship delayed due to weather Business - The Post and Courier

Carnival's SC cruise ship delayed due to weather Business.

Posted: Mon, 18 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

All rates & offers are capacity controlled, are subject to availability & confirmation, & may change without notice. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed -- please confirm details at time of booking. Stateroom photos are for sample purposes only -- actual design and layout may vary. While there will be no ships homeported in Charleston after 2024, the city will still welcome day visits in the future.

Get to Know Carnival Sunshine

Carnival Cruise Line will no longer homeport from Charleston after 2024, due to port development, but cruises may return in the future. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Despite its basic layout, the port is surprisingly accessible. They even offer porter agents to help direct and assist those with wheelchairs and other mobility needs. As a bonus, the port even offers complimentary parking and shuttles from the parking lots to those with vehicles displaying a valid handicap placard or identification card.

To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Rates are in USD and valid for US and Canadian residents only.

Day 7 & 8: Fun Day at Sea

This does not necessarily mean the end of cruising from this charming southern port, however, as future development may once again support embarkations and debarkations. Charleston cruises often range from 6-9 nights providing cruisers with a variety of different entertainment and dining options. Charleston is home to the Carnival Sunshine, whose last cruise from the port set sail on April 27th, 2024. The cruise will be 5 days and stop in Nassau, Bahamas, and Half Moon Cay, an island owned by Carnival. Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as of April 21st, 2024. Furthermore, Cruise Critic makes no guarantees for availability of prices advertised on our site.

Those options range from the main dining room to the Lido buffet, Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina. Carnival Cruise Line offers cruises from Charleston all year-round. These "Fun Ship" voyages are affordable vacations that the entire family can enjoy. The concept plan also includes relocating of all cargo shipping operations from Union Pier.

The Port of Charleston consists of six terminals scattered throughout the city, but only a single terminal, Union Pier Terminal, handles cruise ship operations. The end of Carnival cruising from Charleston is due to continued development of the Union Pier Terminal, projects that will keep cruises from operating from the homeport for the time being. 2022 became the Port's record year by annual TEU container volumes - nearly 2,8 million , or 1,5% increase over 2021. The Port also served 261,636 cruise tourists and moved 199,343 vehicles (at Columbus Street Terminal). Both Inland Ports (Greer and Dillon) reported total 167,147 rail moves.

Not only does the location make it convenient and easily accessible for passengers arriving by air or car, but it also allows passengers to explore one of the oldest and most historic cities in the United States. Charleston, South Carolina, has been a prominent departure point for many of the world’s top cruise lines for years. While the future port development will curtail homeport operations for the time being, this does not mean that Carnival Cruise Line will not return to Charleston. In fact, the cruise line is eager to continue its relationship with the port and bring travelers to this amazing city.

carnival cruise charleston

Shopping (boutiques, gifts, local crafts, art galleries and gourmet shops) is available along East Bay Street and within a 10-minute walk from the cruise port. Taxis can be requested at the Ground Transportation booth located in the Arrivals area or right outside Baggage Claim. The drive from the Charleston International Airport (CHS) to the cruise terminal takes about minutes. You’ll have to enter the cruise terminal via the Union Pier Main Gate (located at 32 Washington Street). Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) operates bus service in and around the city, including service from Charleston International Airport to Transit Mall downtown.

It is also possible that as the terminal and port area is redeveloped, new homeport arrangements may be made, though no such details have been announced. Cruises out of Charleston are a great idea for foodies and anyone who loves American history. Give in to the genteel feel of the old South on Carnival cruises from the beautiful port of Charleston, South Carolina. This is a gracious city of antebellum 18th- and 19th-century houses and sprawling plantations, easy to appreciate from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage. The city’s unique Lowcountry cuisine and dozens of delicious restaurants make it a popular southern foodie destination. Enjoy warm southern hospitality and a breezy waterfront as you prepare to depart on your cruise from Charleston.

In 2017, the cruise port had scheduled a total of 104 ship calls. The majority of those were by the homeported here Carnival Ecstasy, operating on year-round 5-day roundtrips to Bahamas (Nassau, Freeport, Half Moon Cay). Among the new cruise ships visiting in 2017 was TUI Mein Schiff 6 (2 calls). Scheduled were transition calls from large-sized vessels of Royal Caribbean, AIDA, P&O UK. Most luxury ships visiting Charleston SC are on transition routes and most of them stay in port overnight or depart late-evening. Although Charlotte’s tourism economy may suffer from the decision, officials believe it is the right decision for the city’s future.

Listed prices may have blackout dates, qualifications or restrictions. Everything the sunlight touches on Carnival Sunshine has been doused with an extra dose of fun. There's plenty to find atop this ship, where you can spend your days being kissed by the warm rays of the sun.

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