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Established in the 1790s, the market and the surrounding streets make you feel like you have been transported back in time. 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. Following the failure to renew Carnival Cruise Line’s deal with the South Carolina Ports Authority, cruise ships will no longer be allowed to start journeys from the city. With that said, cruise ships will still be allowed to dock at Charleston temporarily, but only for same-day port of call stops rather than overnight stays. Charleston is a major city, so cruise passengers have plenty of transportation options.
Manhattan, New York – Cruise Terminal Guide
Ports Authority delays plans for Union Pier redevelopment in Charleston for a year - The Post and Courier
Ports Authority delays plans for Union Pier redevelopment in Charleston for a year.
Posted: Fri, 16 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
View gun emplacements and a Civil War Museum on the exact location where the war’s first shots were fired. Located just a five-minute walk from the aquarium is the International African American Museum. Built on the site where Gadsden’s Wharf once sat, this is where at least 40% of all enslaved Africans arrived in the United States. The newly constructed museum now stands as a testament to the history and contributions of black Americans.
Official Port Parking (At the Ship)
Arranging for a taxi or rideshare would be more convenient, as it’s about a 20-minute drive from the train station. The lot is actually an airport parking lot that’s now opened to cruise parking. That means it’s actually right near the airport, which is about 10 miles away from the cruise port. Still, with a daily rate of $10 per day, you’ll save half of what you’d pay at the cruise port for parking at the ship. 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.
Offers 32% increase in wages over the SC average
The SPA relented rather than continuing to fight a long, expensive and losing battle. And when the authority announced it wouldn't renew its contract with Carnival, which expires at the end of 2024, terminal opponents dropped their lawsuits. Union Pier was always a part of that sell-off plan, though it wasn't certain just how much of the site would ultimately hit the market. Charleston is one of America’s top food cities, where Lowcountry comfort food meets award-winning, chef-inspired cuisine. Southern staples like creamy she-crab soup, fried chicken and collard greens reign supreme— and everyone has their own twist on the quintessential shrimp and grits.
Charleston Cruise Port Location
With an airport just minutes away, diverse and exciting port activities and cruise deals to incredible vacation destinations, Charleston, South Carolina is a tremendous option to embark on your cruise vacation. The design and building of a new cruise terminal at the Port of Charleston has been delayed several times. You’ll find one-of-a-kind items that will always remind you of your time in this historic town. Located about a 30-minute drive from downtown Charleston, this beach is popular with surfers and those looking to take in stunning sunsets. The beach is also surrounded by independently owned-restaurants and snack bars. 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.
Off-Site Charleston Cruise Port Parking
Unfortunately, there are no luggage storage lockers in the port due to security concerns. Charleston Cruise Port offers relatively basic terminal facilities, as there has not been any concerted effort to renovate and update the main terminal. With that said, you will still find clean and serviceable bathroom facilities to the right of the main entrance and within the main terminal building. For cruise passengers arriving by air, Charleston International Airport is located roughly 12 miles from Union Pier Terminal, making it easy for passengers to arrive on the same day as their cruise. The Port of Charleston consists of six terminals scattered throughout the city, but only a single terminal, Union Pier Terminal, handles cruise ship operations. Plan your next cruise vacation to Charleston, South Carolina, and experience all that the Cruise Port Charleston has to offer.
Central & South America
One thing to note is that there is no shuttle to the cruise ship. You’ll need to get a ride to the cruise port (see our port transportation page here). While that’s an added expense, the lower cost of the parking lot more than makes up for the price of the ride. 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. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry.
Mayor Cogswell outlines his vision for Union Pier in letter to SC Port leader - WCBD News 2
Mayor Cogswell outlines his vision for Union Pier in letter to SC Port leader.
Posted: Mon, 26 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
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). Cruises out of Charleston will depart from the Port of Charleston, just a few blocks away from Charleston's historic downtown. Charleston's proximity to 33 major metropolitan areas and its reputation as a premier city for food and drink makes its port popular among cruisers. The port of Mount Pleasant SC emerged as a Charleston alternative cruise port and will receive its first ship call in May 2017. As Charleston SC self-imposed the 104-vessel limit per year (seasons 2017 and 2018), the Mount Pleasant port emerged as a nearby alternative for smaller-sized and luxury cruise vessels.
Immerse yourself in Southern hospitality and explore the city's rich history, charming cobblestone streets, and vibrant culinary scene before embarking on your coastal adventure. Taxis can be requested at the Ground Transportation booth located in the Arrivals area or right outside Baggage Claim. The drive from the Charleston International Airport (CHS) to the cruise terminal takes about minutes. You’ll have to enter the cruise terminal via the Union Pier Main Gate (located at 32 Washington Street). 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.
We’ve rounded up a list of Charleston hotels with cruise parking specials here. 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. The Charleston Museum showcases and celebrates the city’s history and the American South as a whole. History buffs will enjoy learning about the city’s role in some of the nation’s most iconic wars and battles.
Trace centuries of American history among Charleston’s old rice plantations. Boone Hall Plantation is one of America’s oldest working farms, while Middleton Place is home to the country’s oldest landscaped gardens. Drayton Hall and Magnolia Plantation both offer Southern heritage and Lowcountry scenery along the Ashley River. Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals. Your primary entrance gate for cruise embarkations from Charleston is Union Pier Terminal - Gate 2. Fort Sumter is a well-preserved sea fort built on an artificial island off the mainland of Charleston.
A historical landmark that once served as a defensive seawall and promenade. It played an important role in the American Revolution and the War of 1812. If you stick to the waterfront and walk 12 to 15 minutes north, you can find the South Carolina Aquarium. View marine species from all around the world, as well as local species. You can also explore the Sea Turtle Research and Conservation Center, which is attached to the aquarium. Spring temperatures usually sit between 60° and 80°F, but rainfall can be an issue.
Located just under 1.5 miles from the port, it’s an easy place to visit. This series of colorful, historic houses are lined along Tradd Street. It’s a popular destination for carriage tours and is located less than 2 miles from the cruise port. 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. They even offer porter agents to help direct and assist those with wheelchairs and other mobility needs.
The concept plan also includes relocating of all cargo shipping operations from Union Pier. After all, Union Pier has been described as a gem, a unique piece of property and the most desirable waterfront land in the Southeast, possibly the entire East Coast. "If we put it out and don't get a good response, if there's not good competition and people are waiting for the market to change and capital markets to open up a little bit back to where they were, we could pull it," he said.
One of the plan's centerpieces is a public park and promenade built around the historic Bennett Rice Mill facade, a nod to Union Pier's 19th century past as one of the nation's top rice producers. Keep in mind this is only for the official port parking at the pier. For that reason, it’s a good idea to make a reservation online ahead of time before your cruise to make sure there’s a spot for you.
