Table Of Content
- Beaches Near Charleston Cruise Port
- Restaurants Near the Charleston Cruise Terminal (Plus Shopping and Other Services)
- Port of Charleston Information: Cruise Line by Cruise Line
- Azamara expands Fall 2024 cruises to Canada and New England USA
- What cruise lines depart from Charleston?
- CRUISE PORTS BY REGION

In 2022 were allocated US$550 million for building a new cargo yard (Navy Base Intermodal Facility) and developing the facility's inner-harbor barge operations. For FY2019, South Carolina Ports Authority reported a record year with handled 2,44 million TEUs (5% increase over 2018) at both terminals (Wando Welch, North Charleston). Record numbers were reported for breakbulk cargoes (725,828 tons, 10% increase), vehicles (225,191, +4%), cruise tourists (262,776, ~24%), rail moves (190,539, +41%, at both Inland Ports / Greer and Dillon). There are no dining or shopping options inside the cruise terminal, but nearby there are plenty of choices for both. After parking, go to Gate 2 (located at Concord and Lauren streets) for check-in. There’s also free shuttle service between the parking lot and the passenger terminal.
Beaches Near Charleston Cruise Port
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.

Restaurants Near the Charleston Cruise Terminal (Plus Shopping and Other Services)
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.
Port of Charleston Information: Cruise Line by Cruise Line
Port Savannah (Georgia) is approx 140 km (87 mi) to the northeast, and Port Wilmington (North Carolina) is approx 245 km (152 mi) to the southwest. Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft also operate at the airport. To meet the driver, follow the rideshare signs in the Baggage Claim area and cross both roadways. Turn right at the last sidewalk and wait at the covered area. Cash and checks are no longer accepted, so have your credit or debit card ready. Per-day rates vary depending on vehicle size; complimentary parking is extended to vehicles with valid handicap permits (provided the permit holder is traveling in the vehicle).

Azamara expands Fall 2024 cruises to Canada and New England USA
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.
Charleston International Airport (CHS) is about a 25-minute drive from the cruise terminal. While public transportation may not be the most convenient option, taxis are readily available outside the terminal. Read on for our breakdown of the Port of Charleston, including address information, cruise line terminals, directions, services and more. Even those ships that are allowed to use the port will be limited to 104 cruise ship visits per year. Ships carrying over 3,500 passengers will also be prohibited from using the port. Charleston Cruise Port, a section of the Port of Charleston, is located in the city’s historic downtown area.
How much do cruises from Charleston cost?
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.
CRUISE PORTS BY REGION
Cruise passengers return to port in Charleston and find their cars flooded - CNN
Cruise passengers return to port in Charleston and find their cars flooded.
Posted: Fri, 22 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Charleston is happy about this decision and its mayor says the city will be able to redevelop the Union Pier Terminal as well as have more opportunities for city growth. Carnival Journeys is a limited series of special sailings that’s made to amaze, starting with great destinations and less-traveled routes to get you there. Board a Carnival Journeys cruise and you’re on course for enriching experiences aboard, amazing destinations ashore, classic cruising flair and more. When you find yourself between the Carnival Sunshine and some actual sunshine, fun at sea is guaranteed.
The Charleston Museum showcases and celebrates the city’s history and the American South as a whole. History buffs will enjoy learning about the city’s role in some of the nation’s most iconic wars and battles. Located just under 1.5 miles from the port, it’s an easy place to visit. Here, you’ll find Charleston City Market, the city’s most visited attraction. Established in the 1790s, the market and the surrounding streets make you feel like you have been transported back in time.
Carnival Sunshine is currently the only cruise ship homeported in Charleston. 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 (seasons 2017 and 2018), the Mount Pleasant port emerged as a nearby alternative for smaller-sized and luxury cruise vessels.
Charleston Mayor wants cruise terminal axed on Union Pier News - The Post and Courier
Charleston Mayor wants cruise terminal axed on Union Pier News.
Posted: Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Take Exit 219-B (Morrison Drive/East Bay Street) then turn left at the end of the ramp. Continue to Chapel Street at the traffic light and turn left. Continue to follow the green highway signs to Cruise Ship Terminal/Union Pier Terminal.
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.
Virgin Islands, and other Caribbean ports of call over the years. 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. Charleston is a major city, so cruise passengers have plenty of transportation options. The most popular way to get around the city is to take taxis, which are available directly at the cruise terminal.
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.