carnival cruise port south carolina

• Cruise From

Charleston, SC

• Carnival Sunshine

* Coming Soon

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.

• Set foot where English settlers first touched land.
• Buy a sweetgrass basket to use aboard your Carnival cruise from Charleston.
• Tuck into Lowcountry-style shrimp and grits at a downtown restaurant. 
• Hop on a horse-drawn carriage for a slow-paced tour of the Historic District.

See it all from Charleston.

* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional per person.

Charleston, SC

Cruises from Charleston depart year-round. Charleston is one of South Carolina's most picturesque cities, with beautifully preserved architecture and an aristocratic yet gracious atmosphere. Wooden shutters and ironwork balconies embellish the tall, narrow houses, and hidden gardens hold fragrant magnolia trees. 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.

Itineraries

Booking procedures.

• Carnival Vacation Protection (CVP)
• Deposit and Final Payment Guidelines | Forms of Payment
• Cancellation and Change Guidelines | Refunds
• Infants / Minors / Pregnancy
• Passenger Vessel Service Act - Jones Act
• Carnival Breeze
• Carnival Celebration
• Carnival Conquest
• Carnival Dream
• Carnival Elation
• Carnival Firenze
• Carnival Freedom
• Carnival Glory
• Carnival Horizon
• Carnival Jubilee
• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Liberty
• Carnival Luminosa
• Carnival Magic
• Carnival Miracle
• Carnival Panorama
• Carnival Paradise
• Carnival Pride
• Carnival Radiance
• Carnival Spirit
• Carnival Splendor
• Carnival Sunrise
• Carnival Sunshine
• Carnival Valor
• Carnival Venezia
• Carnival Vista
• Stateroom Features and Amenities
• Ship Class Guide
• Fun Ship Features

Have Fun. Be Safe

• Health Protocols and Requirements for Sailing

Travel Documentation and Online Check-in

• Travel Documents
• Online Check-In

Getting There

• Cruise Terminal Information and Parking
• Airport and Pier Transportation
• Air Information

Before You Board

• Embarkation Day Check-In

Youth and Family

• Youth Programs (Under 2 and 2-11 years old)
• Teen Programs (12-17 years old)
• Carnival's Seuss at Sea
• Age Policies

Things to Know

Onboard experiences.

• Fun Ship Features Quick Reference
• Shore - Excursions
• Spa and Fitness
• Outdoor Fun
• Entertainment and Activities
• For Your Convenience
• Onboard Guidelines and Policies
• Past Guest Recognition Programs

Onboard Celebrations

• The Fun Shops
• Special Occasions
• Wedding Cruises and Vow Renewals

Dining and Beverages

• Dining and Snacking Options
• Dining Rooms
• Beverage Options
• CHEERS! Beverage Program
• Bottomless Bubbles Soda Program
• Liquor and Beverage Policy

Onboard Communication

• WI FI Service and Carnivals HUB App
• Staying Connected

Money and Gratuities

• Gratuities (Tips)
• Sail & Sign Onboard Account
• Forms of Payment
• Cruise Cash/Bar/Photo
• Financial Access

Shipboard Health and Safety

• Passenger Bill of Rights
• Guest Screening Policy
• Safety and Security
• Safety Briefing - Muster Station Drill
• General Health Information
• Privacy Notice
• What to Pack
• Cruise Ticket Contract
• Carnival Vacation Protection
• Guests with Disabilities
• Choosing Your Cruise
• Tech Support
• Early Saver Promotion
• Minors / Infants / Pregnancy
• Making changes to your booking
• Carnival EasyPay
• Financing Powered by Uplift
• US Department of State Travel Tips
• And more things to know....

Debarkation - After Your Cruise

• Preparing to Go Home
• Post Cruise Inquiries
• View All Deck Plans

Charleston Cruise Ship Terminal Directions and Parking

Port of Charleston Union Pier Terminal 32 Washington Street Charleston, South Carolina 29401

Website: www.scspa.com/locations/cruise-terminal/

  Google Maps :  View Map

The Cruise Ship Passenger Terminal is located in downtown Charleston in the heart of the historic district. It is easily reached via several major routes into the City. The major routes into Charleston are via Interstate 26, Highway 17-South, Highway 17-North. 

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.

Gate #2 – Intersection of Concord and Laurens Streets, Charleston, South Carolina – is the general entry point for passengers in personal vehicles. This is the entry gate for individuals driving their own vehicles and planning to leave them parked at the Port or passengers being dropped off by family or friends. Union Pier Main Gate – 32 Washington Street – is the designated entry point for guests being dropped off and not parking their vehicle. This includes family drop offs, rideshare, taxis, shuttles and charter buses. 

Check-in will take place at Building 324, located at the intersection of Concord and Laurens Streets. Guests being dropped off must also go directly to this location. After check-in, complimentary shuttle service will take you to the cruise terminal for boarding.  Parking Information Rates are subject to change

• $21.00 USD per day - for standard vehicles up to 20 feet in length
• $50.00 USD per day – for oversized vehicles over 20 feet in length (RV’s, Campers and busses)

The Port of Charleston features both covered and non-covered parking in a safe and secure location. 

• Long-term parking is available on Port property for cruise passenger vehicles in a controlled access areas. The sites are secured and patrolled by Port Police during the cruise.
• Credit cards, debit cards, money orders are the only accepted forms of payment for cruise parking; cash is not accepted as payment for cruise parking.
• Full payment is due upon entering the parking area.
• Reservations are not required.
• Complimentary parking  is provided at no fee for vehicles displaying a valid handicap placard or license plate with ID.
• Shuttles accessible for special needs and wheelchair assistance are also available.
• Guests have the option to walk as well. 

Arrival Tips

• Uniformed Port Police Officers will be along the travel route to the vehicle parking areas and the Cruise Ship Terminal. They will direct you to the appropriate lane, based on the situation.
• Keep your boarding pass, photo ID and proof of citizenship with you and easily accessible as it will be needed for entry to all support areas, shuttles buses and for check-in at the cruise terminal.
• Vehicles and luggage will be accepted at the Union Pier Terminal starting at 9:00am and continue to 3:00pm. Gates will not open prior to this time so please do not arrive until after 9:00am..
• Luggage is collected prior to parking your vehicle. To help expedite the security and boarding process, any luggage that is larger than a carry-on sized bag be dropped at the designated luggage drop off locations prior to entering the Terminal. 
• The Market Street area is just a short walk from the Passenger Terminal. There are a variety of shops to explore and restaurants to visit and enjoy while early arrivals wait for check-in to begin. 

Was this answer helpful?

Answers others found helpful.

• Luggage Information
• Port Canaveral Cruise Ship Terminal Directions and Parking
• Tampa Cruise Ship Terminal Directions and Parking
• New York Cruise Ship Terminal Directions and Parking

• charleston-sc »
• cruise-terminal-information

Charleston Cruise Port Terminal information

Last updated on September 18th, 2023 at 10:04 pm

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 passenger terminal is located on 196 Concord Street . 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.

Union Pier Main Gate of the Charleston Cruise Port, located at 32 Washington Street,  is the main entry point for guests being dropped off.

See here for parking information.

Charleston Port Transportation/Shuttles

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. Check out these top Charleston attractions .

Hotels Closest to the Charleston Cruise Port

Carnival Cruise Charleston

Charleston is the departure point for trips to a variety of Bahamas, Bermuda and Caribbean destinations offered by Carnival Cruises, but is a port of call for other cruise lines.

Charleston Hotels close to the port

Charleston Embarkation Tips:

– check-in is from Noon – 3:00pm only; if you arrive in town on an early flight, you may drop off your luggage for storage between 9am-11am, but are not permitted to wait at the terminal until check in. – luggage must be dropped off at the Union Pier luggage collection site before checking in – Cruise passengers will be asked to present their cruise tickets and IDs at the gate, along with proof of citizenship. – Special needs passengers – cruise staff are very helpful. If help is needed, just ask. Often there is even a special line for those who have difficult standing in line or walking long distances.

Debarkation Tips:

– debarkation typically begins at 8am, but you can often “walk off” with your luggage as early as 7am. – if your car is parked at the port, free shuttles will transport you and your luggage back to the parking lot to pick up your car – if someone is picking you up, there are designated parking lots in front of the terminal at 196 Concord Street

This page contains affiliate links for which we may receive financial compensation when a purchase has been made through one of our affiliate partners.

Cruise Planning at this Port

Transportation

Park & Cruise Hotels

Hotels Close to the Port

Fly & Cruise Hotels

Food / Dining

Attractions

Tours & Excursions

© 2023 cruiseportadvisor All Rights Reserved.

• Book Excursions
• Anchorage, AK
• Baltimore, MD
• Cape Liberty, NJ
• Charleston, SC
• Ft Lauderdale, FL
• Galveston, TX
• Honolulu, HI
• Jacksonville, FL
• L.A. (San Pedro), CA
• Long Beach, CA
• Montreal, QC
• New Orleans, LA
• Norfolk, VA
• NYC – Brooklyn
• NYC – Manhattan
• Port Canaveral, FL
• Quebec City, QC
• San Diego, CA
• San Francisco, CA
• San Juan, PR
• Seattle, WA
• Vancouver, BC
• Whittier, AK
• Alaska & Pacific Northwest
• Central & South America
• Cruise Ports in Bermuda
• Dominican Republic
• Mexico & Mexican Riviera
• Eastern Canada & Quebec
• New England
• Los Angeles (San Pedro), CA
• Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Cruise Blog
• Cruise FAQ’s

• Vessel Schedule

Passenger Information

Charleston is Made for Vacation

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.

Cruise Parking Cruise Guidelines Getting to Charleston

Charleston is a vibrant city full of history, world-renowned dining, period architecture, arts and culture, and recreation. Here you can step back in time to the eighteenth century, before the Revolution, when Charleston was the seat of British rule and the cultural capital of the New World.

Embarking passengers may experience a Charleston vacation before or after their cruise, with popular beaches, historic plantations, world-class golf courses and more to explore in the greater Charleston area.

Port-of-call passengers can experience many attractions within easy walking distance while other tours and excursions are a short trip away from the Passenger Terminal.

Whether the cruise line is using the Port of Charleston as an origination point or a port-of-call, passengers enjoy a number of outstanding extras. We look forward to serving you!

For more information on Charleston's cruise business, call (843) 958-8298 or e-mail [email protected] .