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Charleston, South Carolina, has been a prominent departure point for many of the world’s top cruise lines for years. One popular destination for shoppers is the bustling Charleston Harbor Market, where you can explore stalls selling local goods and crafts. The Market and the shops lining Market Street in Charleston are also worth a visit, known for their shopping opportunities and small vendors. Whether you are keen on what you spend on and are looking for value for your money or simply looking for the opportunity to splurge, the streets of Charleston have exactly what you need. Charleston cruise port passenger terminal is located on 196 Concord Street.
(New) Luxury cruise ship anchorage since 2017
While you have a few options, the best choice for most is parking at the port’s official lot, right next to the ship. With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help.
Vacation Deals
Most luxury ships visiting Charleston SC are on transition routes and most of them stay in port overnight or depart late-evening. The historic streets of Charleston offer a variety of shopping opportunities near the cruise port. On East Bay Street, you’ll find boutique stores, art galleries, and antique shops where you can browse for unique treasures.
SC holds its title as nation's top car, tire exporter
FIG (Food is Good) is another favorite among locals and visitors. With locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and an ever-evolving menu, this trendy bistro is always worth checking out. If you’re looking for more variety, Queology, Slightly North of Broad, Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar, and High Cotton Charleston are all highly recommended establishments near the port. A destination within a destination is what you’ll find at this busy yet welcoming port in Charleston. Union Pier Main Gate of the Charleston Cruise Port, located at 32 Washington Street, is the main entry point for guests being dropped off.
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. Vehicles with handicapped permits (placard or license plate) may park free of charge. Money orders and major credit/debit cards are accepted for payment. When you first arrive, be sure to have your cruise papers with you. They will be checked as only people sailing on the cruise will be allowed into the port parking area.
Official Port Parking (At the Ship)
Others are smaller sized brown and white signs with the international cruise ship symbol and arrows showing the direction to travel in the downtown area to the cruise terminal. The SPA isn't sure it is losing anything financially with that shift. Its deal with the city still allows 104 cruise ships per year, with up to 3,500 passengers per ship. Cruises out of Charleston are a great idea for foodies and anyone who loves American history.
Beach Pass Information
Drive through Mount Pleasant and enter the Charleston area, following the Highway 17 South signs to cross the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Take the first exit on the right (Morrison Drive/East Bay Street) and then turn left onto East Bay Street. "Truthfully, we're not hitting the market exactly where I'd like to see it timing-wise," Stern said, adding that the authority isn't cash-strapped and doesn't have to sell Union Pier if the right offers don't come in. Rulings were made and fresh appeals were filed, with the legal challenges never reaching a resolution. The City Council ultimately approved the SPA's plan for a north-end terminal and a new residential neighborhood on Union Pier's south side, but the opposition never faded.
USCG launches search for passenger overboard from Royal Caribbean's Vision OTS
Continue to follow the green highway signs to Cruise Ship Terminal/Union Pier Terminal. Continue on Washington Street, then turn left on Charlotte Street and right onto Concord Street. 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). Port Charleston is located in South Carolina (SC), on the Atlantic coast of the USA. This major port city (population around 120,000) is located on the state's central coast, and on the estuaries where Cooper River meets Ashley River.
Cruise passengers should go to Gate 2 of the Union Pier Terminal, the entrance of which is at the Concord and Laurens intersection near Washington Street. Located in Charleston’s downtown area, the port can be reached easily by way of Interstate 26, Highway 17-South and Highway 17-North. Nestled along the picturesque harbor, Charleston's cruise terminal captures the city's unique Southern charm. Experience the rich history, architectural beauty, and vibrant culture of Charleston before embarking on a cruise to explore the wonders of the Caribbean or the East Coast.
Charleston Cruise Port: Terminal, Overview and What to Do - Cruise Hive
Charleston Cruise Port: Terminal, Overview and What to Do.
Posted: Sat, 20 Apr 2024 01:49:49 GMT [source]
The only city in the United States to make the "The World's Top 25 Cities" by Travel + Leisure magazine, Charleston is the ideal cruise port for your next cruise or port-of-call visit. South Carolina Port Authority cruise passenger terminal is located at 32 Washington Street. There are no dining or shopping options inside the cruise terminal, but nearby there are plenty of choices for both.
You can tour the historic quarters on a walking tour or carriage ride. Boone Hall Plantation re-creates antebellum grandeur, and Middleton Place recalls life on an 18th-century plantation. Civil War buffs can tour Fort Sumter, where local troops opened fire on April 12, 1861, and set off the War Between the States. Located a 30-minute drive opposite Folly Beach, you can find the picture-perfect Isle of Palms Beach.
Parking is in a covered building a short distance from the terminal (follow the signs or the traffic). Even as Union Pier is sold off and developed, the existing cruise terminal will remain, tucked among a mix of homes, shops, hotels and office space. But instead of a full-time customer like Carnival, the terminal will welcome a variety of pleasure ships making short-term, port-of-call stops. Today's Charleston is a treasure trove, a unique blend of architecture and history, art and culture. Visit the Old Exchange Building, and see the history of the city and that of the port.
Bathrooms are available to the right of the entrance to the terminal building both upstairs and downstairs. If you require a wheelchair onboard your cruise, you can either provide your own or arrange this service with your cruise line ahead of time. In January 2017, the city agreed to limit the per-year number of cruise vessels scheduled to dock in Port Charleston. In addition to the deepening project, Port Charleston started a major program for upgrading its terminal infrastructure and equipment.
Try frogmore stew for authentic Gullah flavors, or head to Bowens Island for fresh-off-the-boat oysters shucked by the creek. The Port of Charleston features both covered and non-covered parking in a safe and secure location. U.S. dollars are used, and ATM's are readily available; credit cards may not be accepted by individual vendors in the Market or by the city's famed basket makers.
