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Most taxis will charge a $35 flat rate from the airport to the cruise port, but it is a good idea to ask before departing, as the meter rate can be higher. Plan your next cruise vacation to Charleston, South Carolina, and experience all that the Cruise Port Charleston has to offer. This guide will ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip from the convenient East Coast location to the range of services and amenities. Silversea also visits this port with its luxurious ships that cater to discerning travelers seeking an upscale cruising experience. With its fun-filled atmosphere and wide range of amenities, Carnival cruises are a popular choice for those looking to experience a memorable vacation at sea. Alongside Carnival, other cruise lines visit Charleston, including Celebrity Cruises, American Cruise Lines, Silversea, and Royal Caribbean International.
ACL-American Cruise Lines opens 2023 season with American Star ship from Florida
Decades of growing strife between North and South erupted in civil war on April 12, 1861, when Confederate artillery opened fire on this Federal fort in Charleston Harbor. Union forces would try for nearly four years to take it back. Fort Sumter is located on an island in Charleston Harbor and is only accessible by boat. Watch a video about parking at the Port of Charleston and boarding the ship. Long-term parking for Charleston cruises is available on Port property.
Charleston Cruise Terminal Information
For those looking to spend more time in the city, three car rental services are located just a few blocks from the cruise terminal. Charleston Cruise Port, a section of the Port of Charleston, is located in the city’s historic downtown area. With that said, plenty of the 2024 cruise season is left, and cruise ships are still expected to visit Charleston’s Union Pier Terminal as a port of call. Charleston, South Carolina, has been a prominent departure point for many of the world’s top cruise lines for years. You can find multiple restaurants offering Southern and international cuisine within five blocks of the terminal.
Charleston, South Carolina – Cruise Port Guide
Payment for cruise parking at this port carries a daily charge – $21 for regular-sized vehicles and $50 for oversized vehicles. The value is well worth it, as you don’t have to worry about finding a safe spot for your vehicle while you’re away enjoying your vacation. Start your cruise from the charming port of Charleston, South Carolina.
Follow the green highway signs to Union Pier Terminal (the route is also marked with small brown-and-white signs bearing a cruise ship logo). Port Charleston SC cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Charleston SC, South Carolina. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.
It will replace the current cruise terminal that opened in 1973. You will have plenty of options, with numerous restaurants showing off the city’s renowned culinary scene. Particular highlights are the many soul food and Southern cuisine restaurants in the historic downtown area. Although there isn’t much to see within the immediate vicinity of the port, there are plenty of sightseeing opportunities and amenities within the city of Charleston itself.
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There is ample space for parking, so reservations are not required. If you are driving into town, this brings up the question of what to do with your car while you are on your trip. While you have a few options, the best choice for most is parking at the port’s official lot, right next to the ship.
Leaders address future of cruise ships in Mount Pleasant - WCBD News 2
Leaders address future of cruise ships in Mount Pleasant.
Posted: Fri, 20 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Carnival cruisers find cars flooded at port: 'People (were) in tears' - USA TODAY
Carnival cruisers find cars flooded at port: 'People (were) in tears'.
Posted: Thu, 21 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
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. 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). Continue to Chapel Street at the traffic light and turn left.
Are you the type of person who likes to have everything all squared away before you travel? We understand, but there is no reason to do so when parking in Charleston. The port specifies on its website that reservations are not required. Simply show up on the day of your cruise and you’ll have a spot to park.
The cruise terminal is well-marked, so just make sure you are following the signs. You will eventually take the exit towards Morrison Drive, then turn right onto Washington Street, where you will find the main parking area and entrance to Union Pier Terminal. The cruise port is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Charleston, a short distance from the city’s vibrant and historic district.
Get your feet— or your paddle— wet with plenty of outdoor adventures. Sullivan’s Island and Folly Beach are both popular with beachgoers, and nearby Kiawah is renowned for its PGA-caliber golf courses. Kayak around Shem Creek’s estuaries beside dolphins and waterfowl, or enjoy a walk across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Head out on foot from the Battery’s seawall to Waterfront Park, then through the French Quarter and down buzzing King Street. Along the way you’ll stroll past centuries-old mansions, Dock Street Theatre, Gothic Revival churches, war relics, retail hubs and other southern treasures.
Spring temperatures usually sit between 60° and 80°F, but rainfall can be an issue. Even though Charleston gets plenty of springtime rain, showers are usually brief, so you can still enjoy exploring the city and everything it has to offer. There are some cruise lines that do make calls at the port, including Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line. If you are driving to the city and its port, rather than flying into Charleston, there are plenty of simple ways to get there by bus or car.
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. The cruise terminal is located in historic downtown Charleston. It is only two blocks from the famous public market and within walking distance of many attractions.
