Paradise At Sea
PORT OF CHARLESTON · SOUTH CAROLINA
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Ask your advisor about a nearby departure port
PORT OF CHARLESTON · SOUTH CAROLINA
Charleston, South Carolina · Historic port city
Port details
Charleston is one of the South's most beautiful port cities. Cruises no longer start here: the Union Pier cruise terminal closed to cruise ships on June 30, 2026, and no cruise line is based in Charleston right now.
The cruise terminal
Visiting ships now dock at the Columbus Street Terminal, about 1.5 miles from the historic district. There is no cruise check-in here for departures.
Cruise lines that sail from here
None based here at the moment. Some ships still visit Charleston as a port of call.
Where you can sail
Charleston cruises used to sail to the Bahamas. Today the closest departure ports are Jacksonville and the other Florida ports on this page.
Getting there
Nearest airport: Charleston International (CHS), about 10 miles from downtown, roughly 15 to 25 minutes by car.
Driving to Florida: Jacksonville's cruise terminal is about 3 to 4 hours south by car.
Parking
No cruise parking is offered in Charleston because no cruises start here.
Before or after your cruise
The Historic District, Rainbow Row and The Battery
Charleston City Market
Waterfront Park
Fort Sumter tour boats and the South Carolina Aquarium
Good to know
If your cruise package lists Charleston, speak with your advisor about switching to another departure port.
Your Paradise At Sea advisor confirms your exact terminal, check-in window and parking details with your cruise documents.