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In January 2017, the city agreed to limit the per-year number of cruise vessels scheduled to dock in Port Charleston. The new passenger terminal's construction will cost USD 35 million. Public hearing was also called by the US Army Corps of Engineers after receiving a new federal permit for putting additional pilings beneath one of the old terminal's warehouses. 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. History buffs will enjoy exploring landmarks like Battery Park & White Point Garden, Fort Sumter, and Drayton Hall. If you’re craving beach time, head to Isle of Palms for sun and sand.
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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. Downtown Charleston is rich in history with period architecture, much of which was built before the Revolution. There are wonderful restaurants, unique boutiques and art galleries to enjoy before or after your cruise, much of which is within walking distance from the terminal. 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.
Shopping and Food
If you are driving from the airport, take the I-26 E towards downtown Charleston. 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. Despite the port’s popularity as a departure point, the South Carolina Ports Authority recently announced that cruise ships will no longer start their journeys from Charleston as of the end of 2024. 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. The lot is actually an airport parking lot that’s now opened to cruise parking.
Best Time to Visit
Charleston’s lack of skyscrapers and other types of tall buildings gives the entire city an older look and feel. If you want to revel in the city’s unique history, we recommend exploring the historic downtown core. At just over half a mile from the port, you can easily walk to the city center.
CRUISE PORTS BY REGION
Its deal with the city still allows 104 cruise ships per year, with up to 3,500 passengers per ship. Permanent highway signs are posted along the travel route to help direct passengers to Union Pier and the cruise ship facilities. Some signs are the standard green highway signs posted along major routes and exit ramps. 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.
Businessman Ben Navarro to purchase Union Pier - WCBD News 2
Businessman Ben Navarro to purchase Union Pier.
Posted: Tue, 19 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The Ports Authority (SPA) will sell 0,15 km2 (0,06 ml2) Union Pier property for private development right after the completion of the new terminal. This premium waterfront area will be developed as a new neighborhood and will be of no maritime use. It will feature new streets, public parks, shops, residential homes and businesses, thus increasing the access to the waterfront. The SPA isn't sure it is losing anything financially with that shift.
Wheelchair and Accessibility at the Charleston Cruise Port
The colorful yet muted buildings are adorned with Roman-style columns and other early American architectural features. For shoppers, the market is packed with stalls selling locally-made goods and food items. Charleston, South Carolina, has been a prominent departure point for many of the world’s top cruise lines for years.
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. Once inside the gate, you will be put into a snaking line to pay for your parking, unload baggage, and then park your car. There is ample space for parking, so reservations are not required.
Entertainment
Cruise ship passengers return to damaged cars in Charleston Business postandcourier.com - The Post and Courier
Cruise ship passengers return to damaged cars in Charleston Business postandcourier.com.
Posted: Tue, 19 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
While you have a few options, the best choice for most is parking at the port’s official lot, right next to the ship. The port’s parking is the most convenient and reasonably priced. Given the lack of major airports in the area (Charleston International is relatively small), many cruise passengers heading out of Charleston elect to drive to the port. In fact, cities including Raleigh, Charlotte, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Savannah, and all points in between are within a manageable drive from the port. Watch out for young people trying to sell palmetto roses, made from the fronds of the local trees. Yes, they are cute and make nice souvenirs, but the sellers will remind you of Caribbean beach vendors.
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. 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. 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. Charleston is a vibrant city full of history, world-renowned dining, period architecture, arts and culture, and recreation.
While that’s an added expense, the lower cost of the parking lot more than makes up for the price of the ride. The Market stretches for blocks before you and is bordered north and south by a broad variety of shops, galleries and restaurants. It's here that the carriage tours begin and end, and beyond is the main shopping district. To your left lies the original Historic District, Charleston's heart; to your right is Ansonborough, Charleston's first suburb (1800). Port Charleston SC cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month.
Ridesharing services, particularly Uber and Lyft cars, are also becoming a popular and affordable alternative. Although there are limited shuttle services, the city has plenty of public buses operating in its downtown core, which can help you save a bit of money while you explore. 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). If you are traveling with a larger group or want to ride to your cruise in style, then your best bet is likely to look for an independent shuttle van or private car service. These providers can offer private service to the port, usually for less per person than a taxi or other service, assuming you have a larger group (more than 6 passengers).
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. Also known as Union Pier Terminal, the port is located in historic downtown Charleston and provides a range of services and amenities for cruise ship passengers.
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