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The best cruises out of Charleston, SC offer passengers an unforgettable boating adventure into the Caribbean. It's a main port of call for Carnival Cruise Line , with passengers on cruises leaving from Charleston typically boarding the Carnival Sunshine or the Carnival Ecstasy on their way to the Bahamas . In ports of call like Nassau and Freeport, passengers can enjoy some of the most beautiful corners of the Caribbean Sea.

How can I find a cheap Charleston cruise?

Travelers love cruises out of Charleston because (especially compared to other ports of origin) the prices tend to be exceptionally reasonable. Passengers can find cheap cruises out of Charleston by looking for travel times in off-seasons, like November or February. Another option to find the cheapest deals for cruises out of Charleston in 2024 is to look for shorter travel times. For example, a 4-day cruise from Charleston to the Caribbean in February may be available for under $300 per passenger. You might even be able to get a last-minute cruise deal on your trip from Charleston.

What cruise lines operate from Charleston?

There are three main cruise lines out of Charleston: Carnival, American, and Silversea. A Carnival cruise from Charleston is the most common option; Carnival operates three ships in this port, all with regular trips to the Bahamas. American Cruise Lines traverses the US coastline and major rivers with smaller ships. Finally, the Monaco-based Silversea Cruises offers fewer trips to a wide range of islands in the Caribbean Sea. Generally speaking, Charleston cruise lines are known for a short and convenient boarding process at the cruise terminal that all passengers can benefit from. Be sure to check out last-minute cruises from Charleston if you are in the mood for an unplanned vacation.

How can I find good deals on cruises from Charleston?

When browsing cruise deals from Charleston on Expedia, all discounts are marked with a small green box right above the price per passenger. That allows you to see how much you could save when booking the voyage. But looking for cruise deals out of Charleston also means looking beyond the sticker price. For example, the Bahamas are generally known to be a lower price than other Caribbean destinations like Bermuda but more expensive than alternatives like Cuba, which is important to keep in mind as you calculate the overall cost of the cruise. You can also sort by price to see which cruise ships leaving from Charleston offer the best deals during your travel window.

What to look out for when you book your Charleston cruise?

Decide what type of voyage you're looking for, from family cruises out of Charleston to a romantic or a party cruise. With that goal in mind, you can decide on the ship that matches your preference. For example, the Carnival Sunshine and Carnival Sunrise, two of the most common cruise ships out of Charleston, offer family-friendly fun including top deck waterslides along with vibrant nightlife at sea in their pubs and bars. Ships from other cruise lines, like the Queen Mary 2 or Carnival's Mardi Gras , offer more refined or adult fun-heavy experiences, respectively. The length of your vacation also matters. You cannot book a 2 nights or 3 nights cruise from Charleston, as all voyages begin with 4 night minimums. However, your trip can span a weekend cruise from Charleston, extending into the next week.

Where are the best places to go to on a cruise from Charleston?

As the most popular cruise line from Charleston, Carnival offers a regular cruise from Charleston to the Bahamas, as well as a semi-regular cruise that visits other ports of call in the Caribbean. The best cruises out of Charleston steer towards Nassau first, where passengers can enjoy historical British colonial buildings along with gorgeous beaches and coral reefs that are ideal for snorkeling. On the occasional 10 day cruises leaving out of Charleston, travelers can also go beyond the Bahamas, enjoying their time on deck along with ports of call in St. Thomas, Antigua, Saint Kitts, Philipsburg, and San Juan. Regardless of the length of destination passengers choose, they'll enjoy an unforgettable adventure on the cruise ship from Charleston into the beauty and mystery of the Caribbean Sea and its islands.

How to book a cruise out of Charleston on Expedia?

If you’re looking for a Charleston cruise in 2024, you can browse our pre-selected deals or just set your destination to the South Carolinian port city and pick your preferred cruise days as well as how many passengers you are looking to book. From there, you can narrow down how long you'd like your adventure at sea to be. The results are then filterable by cruise line, Charleston cruise ships and what type of cabin you're looking for once aboard. Before the ship lifts its anchor for your voyage, you'll also be able to book your stay in the city before and after the cruise if you want to explore the cityscape and coastline of Charleston historic side.

How can I find last-minute cruise deals from Charleston?

If you're looking for great last-minute Charleston cruise deals, booking shortly before you're looking to set sail can reduce the price of the cruise. When browsing on Expedia, enter a planned departure date that's close to the current date. The results you get show the discount in the results of cruises departing from Charleston during that time frame. You can also sort your search results by either the earliest departure date or lowest price to ensure you get the best cruise deals in Charleston.

Do you need a passport to cruise from Charleston?

We always recommend to have your passport with you when travelling outside of the US but some cruises have closed loop itinerary that don’t require you to have your passport to take part if you are a US citizen. Because all Caribbean cruises from Charleston make land on islands that belong to different countries, it is better to check the details of each cruise to make sure you can enjoy your sea voyage.

Can I cancel my cruise booking?

Yes, guests can cancel their cruise from Charleston in 2024 before their departure. However, the timing of the cancellation is important. Passengers canceling their cruise too close to the departure time may not be able to get a refund or only a partial one. Visit your My Trips section of the website or on the app. You can alternatively contact our customer service.

Why should I book a cruise from Charleston with Expedia?

Booking your cruise through Expedia means not just finding the best cruise lines out of Charleston but also selecting the best possible option thanks to in-depth search and filter tools. The search results make it easy to spot deals, and passengers can book their journey to and stay in Charleston alongside the cruise. Finally, we'll help you find the best cruise ships out of Charleston for your journey, allowing you to enjoy your time on deck and at some of the most popular vacation spots in the Caribbean.

Charleston Cruise Guide

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Pre and Post Cruise Hotels in Charleston

Town & Country Inn and Suites

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2024

Sleep Inn Charleston - West Ashley

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2024

Best Western Charleston Inn

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Home2 Suites by Hilton Charleston West Ashley

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Charleston Creekside Inn

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Cruise to Charleston, South Carolina

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FOOTSTEPS OF TIME

Fountain Pineapple, Charleston, South Carolina

Head out on foot from the Battery’s seawall to Waterfront Park, then through the French Quarter and down buzzing King Street. Along the way you’ll stroll past centuries-old mansions, Dock Street Theatre, Gothic Revival churches, war relics, retail hubs and other southern treasures.

ANTEBELLUM MEMORIES

Antebellum Memories, Charleston, South Carolina

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.

PALMETTO PARADISE

Get your feet— or your paddle— wet with plenty of outdoor adventures. Sullivan’s Island and Folly Beach are both popular with beachgoers, and nearby Kiawah is renowned for its PGA-caliber golf courses. Kayak around Shem Creek’s estuaries beside dolphins and waterfowl, or enjoy a walk across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge before your Charleston cruise.

LOCAL CUISINE

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. Try frogmore stew for authentic Gullah flavors, or head to Bowens Island for fresh-off-the-boat oysters shucked by the creek.

King Street’s retail mecca is filled to the brim with unique boutiques, antique shops and book stores. Broad Street’s Gallery Row is an art collector’s dream, while the four-block City Market is where you’ll find Gullah artisans selling their famous sweetgrass baskets handwoven from locally grown bulrush grass.

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Cruises to Charleston, South Carolina

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Charleston Cruise Port Guide

On Charleston cruises, discover the “Holy City,” a moniker given because of its many churches. The second you arrive, you’ll experience its old-world charm. From cobblestoned main streets to wrap-around porches where locals lounge unhurried, the mood in Charleston is relaxed, making it a perfect spot to vacation. This port of call on select Bermuda cruises encapsulates the American South effortlessly.

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Top sights & attractions for cruises to charleston, fort sumter.

The American Civil War broke out in 1861, and its first major battle began at the historic Fort Sumter in Charleston. In many ways, Charleston represents the heart of the conflict. A walking tour of the fort is a harrowing reminder of the country’s past.

The French Quarter

Take a stroll along the French Quarter in Charleston to see some of the city’s original architecture dating back to the 1700s. Walk along its cobblestoned streets and snap photos of the pastel Victorian buildings. Stop in local art galleries before finding a bite to eat on the bay.

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

Located along the Ashley River in Charleston, Magnolia Gardens are the oldest gardens in the U.S. Take a nature tour and discover the flora and fauna of South Carolina along the way. You’ll discover the history of South Carolina’s plantations from the 19th century to today. 

South Carolina Aquarium

The entire family will love an excursion to the South Carolina Aquarium, which is located along the beautiful Charleston Harbor. There are daily shows, like sea turtle experiences, plus dozens of species of colorful marine life to admire.

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Top things to do in charleston, shuck oysters on the bay.

Don’t miss the chance to try fresh oysters while in port from Charleston cruises. The city’s coastal location provides delicious seafood, and there are plenty of cafes, bars, and eateries with bayside views for you to take in the sights.

Enjoy a Horse & Carriage Ride

Whether you’re looking for a romantic excursion with your loved one or an unforgettable ride for the family, a horse and carriage trip through the cobblestoned streets of Charleston is an experience for all ages. Admire the Antebellum architecture as you go.

Shop at the Historic City Market

Find the perfect souvenir or handmade craft to bring back home at the Charleston Historic City Market, which is one of the oldest public markets in the United States. Shop the stalls and chat with dozens of local vendors.

Top Food and Drink Spots Near the Charleston Cruise Port

Luckily, Charleston has a variety of dining experiences for every palate, whether you prefer fast casual or fine dining. Many of the city’s chefs and restaurants have received a James Beard award, but don’t let that fool you into thinking the food is pretentious. Cuisine in Charleston is inventive while sticking to classic flavors and Southern comforts. For meat lovers, head to the casual Artisan Meat Share for bratwurst and all sorts of fine meats. At 167 Raw, slurp down a dozen fresh oysters in style. The Codfather is a local favorite for authentic fish and chips.

Culture & History of Charleston Cruise Port

Founded in 1670, Charleston is the oldest city in South Carolina and one of the oldest in the United States. It was named “Charles Town” after King Charles II of England. Originally, the local economy was fueled by tobacco and pine, which was shipped back to the Old World. Over time, Charleston became known as an international hub for the slave trade. The first battle of the American Civil War took place in Charleston in 1861 at the Battle of Fort Sumter. In the 20th century, the city made major efforts to preserve historic landmarks and grow the city’s intellectual and cultural contributions. Today, Charleston is well loved by history buffs and has a growing tourism industry.

Charleston Port Facilities & Location

Charleston, SC cruises dock in the Port of Charleston, which is very centrally located to the historic downtown area. Shops, restaurants, and tourist activities are a short walk away from the terminal.

Transportation in Charleston

Getting around in the center of Charleston is pretty easy, particularly if you walk to major sights in town. Taxis, as well as Uber and Lyft, operate in Charleston. Car rentals are available. A free trolley called the DASH trolley operates along multiple routes through town.

Shopping Near the Charleston Cruise Port

You won’t find much in the way of shopping in the cruise port itself, but you’ll be very close to the historic center of town where shopping options, boutiques, and souvenir stands are aplenty.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

You’ll use the U.S. dollar (USD) while you’re in port on Charleston, SC cruises. Tipping here is similar to other parts of the United States. Leave a 10-15% tip for bartenders and taxi drivers. It’s polite to leave a small tip for your barista when you order a coffee. For exceptional dinner service, tipping between 15-20% of the bill is recommended.

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Charleston Cruises

A large-ship cruise line and a small-ship cruise line offer cruises from Charleston, SC. This historic southern city is an excellent departure port for a cruise to the Bahamas, Caribbean or southeast coast. Ships sail year-round, so plan your vacation now. Begin with our calendar of cruises from Charleston .

Before or after your cruise from Charleston, spend a few extra days in this beautiful town. The architecture and gardens are gorgeous, and beaches are nearby. You'll also enjoy the golf and shopping.

Bahamas Cruises from Charleston

Large-ship Charleston cruises go to the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

Carnival Cruise Line offers year-round cruises from Charleston. The Carnival "Fun Ship" makes cruises to the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

Charleston to Florida Cruises

Smaller-ship Charleston cruises sail down the Southern coast on the Intracoastal Waterway to Florida.

American Cruise Line offers 7-night cruises south. Explore historic towns and beautiful barrier islands along the inland waterway route.

Have fun. Explore the world. Take a cruise from Charleston.