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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.

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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