Charleston Cruise Port

Charleston, South Carolina is a premier cruising destination in the NYC for cruise-goers. It’s an excellent way to explore the East Coast. The city is home to several cruise lines, including Carnival, American, and Silversea. Carnival offers year-round sailings from Charleston with two ships, the Ecstacy and the Sunshine. It offers a variety of cruise ports like the Charleston cruise port itself that are easily accessible by car. This feature helps in making it a convenient option for those who prefer to drive to their departure point. Whether you’re looking for a large, luxurious ship or a smaller vessel, Charleston cruise port has something to offer for everyone.

In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the top Charleston cruise port that you can drive to. We’ll see the amenities and activities that each port offers. American Cruise Lines offers a Historic South and Golden Isles Cruise and this cruise takes passengers through the Intracoastal Waterways and to the islands in the area.

Howerver, Silversea Cruises offers an all-inclusive experience with luxurious ships and personalized service. No matter which cruise line you choose, you’re sure to have a memorable experience with Charleston cruise port.

 

Following are the main Charleston SC cruise ports

Charleston Cruise Terminal:

The Charleston Cruise Port is the main departure point so many of the cruises that depart from Charleston depart from here. Charleston Cruise port is located in the heart of the city. Charleston Cruise Port is easily accessible by car. It has ample parking available for those who choose to drive. The terminal offers a variety of amenities. They include a baggage storage area, restrooms, and a gift shop. Charleston Cruise Port also provides a shuttle service. It travels from the parking lot to make it more convenient for passengers. Therefore Charleston Cruise Port is the perfect location for those who want to be close to the city’s attractions.

From Charleston cruise port, you can easily walk to the historic district. You can even visit the famous Battery promenade and there you can take in the beautiful architecture of the city. The Charleston Cruise Port is also equipped with a state of the art security system for the safety and security of the passengers and staff.

 Charleston was named the top US city for 2021 and so far Charleston has long been rated as one of the nation’s top travel destinations. It is approved by Travel and Leisure magazine. Charleston is a perfect cruise port with a well-run business and plans. It is a brand-new and cutting-edge cruise terminal. It is prepared to welcome both cruise operators and passengers. There are nine cruise options leaving from the Charleston cruise port. These range from four to 12 days and are on the Carnival Sunshine. 

Moreover,Visitors here at Charleston Cruise Port can take advantage of the Intercruises Shoreside and Port Services for lost luggage and they can take aid from U.S. Customs for passports, birth certificates, and other documents.  With so much to offer and avail, Charleston cruise port is an ideal cruise port for the whole family!

Directions

Highway 17-North, Highway 17-South, and Interstate 26 all provide quick access to it and a 20-minute drive will get you to Charleston International Airport from Charleston cruise port.

 

Carnival Cruise Terminal

The Carnival Cruise Terminal in Charleston, South Carolina is a state-of-the-art cruise port that opened in 2021. The cruise terminal includes a two-story, two-lane, enclosed boarding bridge for passengers. The terminal also features a large open-air waiting area with seating. Here you can access a variety of food and beverage outlets, retail shops, and a ticket office. The terminal also offers a variety of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and a lounge area near the waiting area. Guests have access to several nearby restaurants, shops, and a nearby public beach. 

The Carnival Cruise Terminal provides cruisers with a convenient and modern port experience so this terminal is perfect for those who want to set sail on a cruise with Carnival’s signature fun atmosphere and friendly staff.

The Carnival cruises departing from Charleston often include stops in the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Bahamas so this gives you the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful and serene beaches in the world. The terminal also features a check-in area and it has plenty of seating, as well as a large waiting area for passengers and their families. Therefore it is perfect for a family tour or a business tour.

 

Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina:

The Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina also know as Charleston Harbor Cruise Terminal and is a great option for those looking to set sail on a smaller cruise. The marina and harbor is located just a short drive from the city and offers ample parking for those who choose to drive. The marina also offers a variety of amenities, including a restaurant, a swimming pool, and a spa.

 It is a perfect location for those who want to experience the charm and beauty of Charleston from the water. From the marina, you can take a sunset sail, go fishing, or even take a dolphin-watching tour. The marina also has a fuel dock and a ship store, as well as a repair and maintenance service for boats.

Charleston Harbor Cruise Terminal provides the perfect  backdrop for a cruise and cruisers can take advantage of the marina’s convenient location. It is only minutes away from downtown Charleston. The marina offers a variety of cruises and includes private charters, dinner cruises, and sightseeing cruises. Private charters are available for day trips, sunsets, and special occasions and provide the facility of a totally exclusive cruise just for you.

Furthermore, Dinner cruises provide a unique experience and offer guests the opportunity to enjoy a romantic dinner or a fun night out on the water. Sightseeing cruises can take guests on a tour of Charleston Harbor. They highlight the city’s history, landmarks, and wildlife and therefore are informative.

Moreover,Cruisers take advantage of the marina’s shuttle service.  The shuttle will take them to local attractions therefore Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina has the perfect cruise experience for all types of people and businesses therefore is definitely worth a visit.

 

Patriot’s Point Naval and Maritime Museum

The Patriot’s Point Naval and Maritime Museum is a unique departure point for cruises from Charleston. Located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, the museum features three historic ships. It includes the USS Yorktown, USS Laffey, and the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. The museum is home to several historic ships so it offers visitors the opportunity to take a cruise on one of these historic vessels. 

The museum also features the Medal of Honor Museum, the Vietnam Support Base, and a variety of interactive exhibits. Cruisers can take advantage of the museum’s narrated cruises. They provide a comprehensive look at the history of the United States Navy.

Directions

The museum is located just a short drive from the city and offers ample parking for those who choose to drive so it is an ideal location for history buffs and those who want to experience a different type of cruise. You can explore the museum and its exhibits. You also have the opportunity to take a tour of the USS Yorktown and learn about its role in American history. The museum also features a variety of interactive exhibits, as well as a gift shop and a snack boat.

Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum offers an unforgettable and beautiful experience for all types of cruisers and all types of visitors.

Union Pier

Located on the eastern edge of the Charleston peninsula, Union Pier. It is currently used for maritime and cruise operations. This will replace the existing passenger cruise ship terminal. Furthermore, The agreement will provide more space for the redevelopment of Union Pier Terminal. This will unlock a transformational opportunity within the city of Charleston and improve the city’s port system greatly. The new terminal opened on the summer of 2022 and features a modernized terminal and modernized facilities.

 It has improved amenities for cruise passengers, as well as a new berth for larger ships. The Port of Charleston is located 12 miles from the Charleston International Airport.

 

Directions

The travelers can reach the port via Interstate 95 or U.S. Highway 17. Visitors can find parking information and fees, driving directions. A map of the port is available at the South Carolina State Ports Authority website. Cruise passengers can look forward to an enjoyable and convenient experience. They’re sure to remember their time on these cruises from Charleston for a life time.

Conclusion

In addition to the ports mentioned above, Charleston also offers a variety of other options for cruisers so the city is a popular departure point for river cruise. Several companies offer trips on the nearby waterways. These cruises allow you to explore the natural beauty of the area and while on your cruise you can see historic plantations and charming small towns. These towns are not easily accessible by car. There are also yacht clubs there so that who prefer to sail on their own boats can do so easily.

One of the best things about cruising from Charleston is the city’s rich history and culture. The city is known for its beautiful architecture therefore is ranked highly in the list of highly touristy places.

In short, Charleston SC cruise ports have some of the best cruises in the United States. The ports mentioned above are exquisite tourist destinations. They are sure to give you the best and most memorable possible cruise experience in Charleston within driving range.