Plan a CruiseCharleston Cruise Port Guide
Charleston, South Carolina, is a historic port city situated on a peninsula formed by two rivers flowing into the Atlantic. The cruise ship terminal is conveniently located at 196 Concord Street, at the foot of Market Street, placing you directly in the heart of the historic district. Your entry point on cruise day will be the Union Pier Terminal Main Gate at 32 Washington Street. Much of what you'll want to see and do in Charleston is within easy walking distance of the port. The city boasts centuries-old buildings, having largely escaped damage during the Civil War, and its skyline is famously low-rise, dominated by the impressive Arthur Ravenel cable-stay bridge. While a new cruise terminal project has faced delays, it is planned to replace the current 1973 facility and will be located further north on the Union Pier property within an existing structure.
Getting Around from the Port
Charleston is a city best explored on foot, with most major attractions located within walking distance of the cruise terminal.
For arrivals or departures related to Charleston International Airport (CHS), which is approximately 20 minutes from the terminal:
- Taxi: A taxi ride from the airport to the terminal costs around $35.
- Public Bus: CARTA’s bus No. 11 serves the airport and costs just $3 per ride.
If you are driving to the port, pre-paid parking is available at the terminal for $17 per day.
Attractions and Activities
Charleston offers a rich array of activities, many of which are easily accessible from the cruise terminal:
- Explore on Foot: The city is ideal for walking. You can join guided history tours or even spooky ghost tours that wind through the historic streets.
- Visitor Reception and Transportation Center: A great starting point at 375 Meeting Street, not far from the I-26 entrance. Here you can pick up maps and guides, book various tours, and explore a small museum dedicated to Charleston's history.
- Carriage Tours: Experience the city's charm with a horse-drawn carriage tour of historical sites. These tours typically depart from stands on Market Street, adjacent to The Market. While reservations aren't mandatory, they operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so expect potential waits during peak tourist seasons. However, services usually assign a departure time, allowing you to browse Market shops while you wait. Look for discount coupons in free tourist maps and guides.
- Charleston Museum: "America’s First Museum," founded in 1773, focuses on the South Carolina Lowcountry with collections spanning natural history, historical material culture, and extensive documentary and photographic resources.
- Joseph Manigault House: Located at 350 Meeting Street, this historic house museum built in 1803 is a prime example of Adam style architecture and is operated by the Charleston Museum.
- Fort Sumter: To visit the site where the American Civil War began on April 12, 1861, you'll need to take a boat. Fort Sumter is located on an island in Charleston Harbor and is exclusively accessible by ferry.
- Compare Tour Options: For structured excursions, consider comparing offerings from your cruise line with independent providers like GetYourGuide and Viator.
Dining & Shopping
For shopping and dining near the port:
- The Market: Found along Market Street, this is a popular tourist destination featuring a large collection of small vendors selling a variety of items from blankets to local candy. Many traditional shops lining Market Street also cater to tourists.
- King Street: For a more upscale shopping experience, head to King Street in downtown Charleston, known for its high-quality merchandise and boutique stores.
- Local Cuisine: While specific restaurants aren't detailed, Charleston is renowned for its Lowcountry cuisine, so look for establishments offering local specialties like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and fresh seafood.
Safety
Charleston is generally a safe city for tourists. Standard precautions apply, especially when exploring busy areas or at night. There are no specific warnings or areas to avoid mentioned in the provided guide.
Currency and Language
The official currency is the United States Dollar ($). ATMs are readily available throughout the city. Major credit cards, including Visa and MasterCard, are widely accepted for most transactions, even small purchases.
Important Notes for Overseas Visitors:
- Sales Tax: Prices for goods and services in the U.S. typically do not include sales tax. This tax, which varies by state and ranges from approximately 2.9% to nearly 10% (4-6% being common in South Carolina), will be added to your total at the time of purchase. Exceptions usually include gasoline and on-premises alcoholic beverages, where tax may be included in the displayed price.
- Tipping: Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. Standard rates include:
- Full-service restaurants: 15-20% (often a primary source of income for waitstaff). You can leave cash or add it to your credit card slip. Always check your bill, as some restaurants may automatically add a service charge.
- Taxi drivers, hairdressers, personal services: 10-15%.
- Bartenders: $1 per drink for inexpensive items, or 15% of the total bill.
- Bellhops: $1-2 per bag, with a minimum of $3-5 regardless of the number of bags.
- Hotel doorman: $1 per bag if they assist, and $1 for calling a cab.
- Tour guides: Depending on tour length and quality, $5-10 per person for half-day tours or less, and $10-20 per person for longer tours.
- Private car & limousine drivers: 15-20%.
- Hotel housekeeping: $1-2 per day for extended stays, or a $5 minimum for very short stays (optional).
- Food delivery (e.g., pizza): $2-5, potentially more for very large orders.
Language: English is the standard language for everyday use across the U.S. Emergency Services: Dial 911 for all emergencies (police, fire, ambulance).