Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina

United States

Stroll through antebellum mansions and moss-draped oak trees in America's most beautifully preserved historic district.

💱 Currency United States Dollar (USD)
🗣 Language English
🕐 Time Zone EST (UTC-5) / EDT (UTC-4)
☀️ Best Time to Visit Nov–Apr
🚢 Typical Duration 7-14 nights
💰 Price Range $539.50–$9,810 per person
Port Type Departure & Port of Call
🚤 Tender Port No

Charleston is a historic Southern port city renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and gateway access to coastal Georgia and South Carolina destinations.

Cruises that visit Charleston, South Carolina

Build Your Day in Charleston, South Carolina

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 7:00 PM
Usually about 11 hours ashore
🛳 Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
Hyman's Seafood This restaurant had the best food I experienced in Charleston. Seafood · ★ 4.9 · 48k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Charleston City Market Lots of things to see and do in Charleston. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 28k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Thu
Fleet Landing Restaurant & Raw Bar This was the best restaurant we visited in Charleston!!! Seafood · ★ 4.6 · 12k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Waterfront Park An essential- and free- activity on your visit to Charleston. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 11k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu
Tanger Outlets Charleston Many food and retail options with plenty of parking and interesting finds Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 10k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens One of the best things to do in Charleston! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 10k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
South Carolina Aquarium Always a fun activity to do when in Charleston. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 8k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Rainbow Row Fun place to see in Charleston. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 7k
Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens I highly recommend this as a must-see on a trip to Charleston. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 7k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Adventure Sightseeing A great activity for those who have never been to Charleston! Bus tour agency · ★ 4.7 · 7k
Pineapple Fountain Fun place to visit while in Charleston. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 7k
Poogan's Porch I’m in complete agreement, top restaurant in Charleston! Southern · ★ 4.3 · 6k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Magnolias By far the best restaurant I've ate at in Charleston. Southern · ★ 4.7 · 5k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11:30 AM Thu
Citadel Mall Wide selection of stores, and restaurants, clean bathrooms Shopping mall · ★ 3.7 · 5k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Church and Union Charleston If you're visiting Charleston, this restaurant is a must-visit. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 4k
The Rooftop at the Vendue Our server Dana was absolutely the best that we’ve had visiting Charleston. Grill · ★ 4.5 · 4k
White Point Garden When in Charleston you need to visit here. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu
Mount Pleasant Towne Centre Great shopping center, well maintained, and wide variety Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Middleton Place This is definitely a must see while you are in Charleston! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
The Griffon Best bar in Charleston. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 3k
Blind Tiger Pub Cool bar in Charleston. Pub · ★ 4.4 · 3k
High Cotton Charleston Restaurant I have visited Charleston 31 times and always make sure to eat here. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4:30 PM Thu
Prohibition Great bar, one of my favorites in Charleston. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.4 · 3k
Iron Rose A must eat restaurant when staying in Charleston. Southern · ★ 4.8 · 3k 🕐 Closes soon · 11 PM
The Charleston Museum Such a wonderful place to visit in Charleston. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
McLeod Plantation Historic Site A definite must do in Charleston SC! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Ashley Landing Good selection of shopping and a big parking lot Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 2k 🕐 Open 24 hours
Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon ... the most interesting places in all of Charleston, a must-see and do! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
International African American Museum Everyone should visit if you have the opportunity to when in Charleston Museum · ★ 4.8 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Westwood Plaza Highly recommend TJ MAXX for fun gifts and great prices. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Whirlin' Waters Adventure Waterpark Must go if you're down in Charleston near Charleston Southern University. Water park · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Sat
FIG This is a top restaurant in Charleston, SC...or any city. American · ★ 4.7 · 2k 🕐 Closes soon · 10:30 PM
The Shops at The Charleston Place Upscale shopping experience with very attentive staff. Shopping mall · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Uptown Social First night in Charleston, we decided to hit up this bar. Bar · ★ 4.1 · 1k
West Ashley Shoppes Very clean, very friendly staff, alot of cool stores open. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Open 24 hours
Quadrangle Shopping Center Friendly staff, clean, stocked, Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 1k 🕐 Open 24 hours
Bourbon N' Bubbles I was in Charleston for just two days and ended up coming here both nights. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Village Square Shopping Center Convenient collection of stores and restaurants Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
The Cocktail Club This will be one of our go to spots when in Charleston. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Little Palm Great place for a cocktail after walking though the Charleston City Market! Bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closes soon · 11 PM
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site South Carolina, beautiful Charleston! State park · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Ritual Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge So far my favorite place for a drink in Charleston Bar · ★ 4.1 · 1k
The Peacock My fiancé and I had the best dinner here in Charleston! Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Doar Bros. Stopping for a drink (or 3) here is an absolute MUST when visit Charleston!! Cocktail bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 10:30 PM
Last Saint Probably my favorite bar in Charleston. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Charleston, South Carolina We love Charleston and try to get down there as often as possible. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Charleston Mall Fabulous staff & constantly moving inventory! Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Charleston, South Carolina is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Charleston, South Carolina

About Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston stands as one of the Southeast's most enchanting cruise destinations, blending historic charm with Southern hospitality in a way that captivates visitors from the moment they arrive. This graceful port city has become increasingly popular with cruise lines, offering passengers an ideal gateway to explore the coastal beauty and cultural richness of the Lowcountry. With six major cruise lines calling here—including Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Viking Ocean Cruises, and others—you'll find excellent options for planning your next getaway.

Whether you're embarking on a new adventure or enjoying Charleston as a port of call, this destination delivers memorable experiences. As both an embarkation port and a popular port of call, Charleston serves as the perfect launching point for 8-night cruises and longer voyages exploring the Southeast's most desirable destinations. Cruises departing from here typically venture to nearby gems like Savannah, Georgia; Hilton Head Island; Beaufort; Jekyll Island; and Amelia Island, Florida, allowing you to experience multiple coastal treasures in one trip.

The port itself provides excellent facilities and convenient access to Charleston's vibrant downtown, where you can wander historic streets lined with antebellum architecture, indulge in world-class dining, and explore museums and galleries. With peak seasons running from November through April, Charleston offers ideal weather for both cruising and exploring this captivating Southern port.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Historic District's Antebellum Architecture

Stroll through Charleston's enchanting Historic District, where 18th and 19th-century mansions line cobblestone streets. Visit Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began, or explore the iconic Rainbow Row—a vibrant collection of pastel-colored historic homes that have become Charleston's most photographed landmark.

2

Lowcountry Cuisine & Local Flavors

Savor authentic Lowcountry cooking at waterfront restaurants serving shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and fresh local seafood. Charleston's culinary scene blends African, Caribbean, and European influences, offering everything from casual oyster bars to award-winning fine dining establishments within walking distance of the port.

3

Battery Park's Scenic Waterfront Promenade

Walk the picturesque Battery, where manicured gardens meet the harbor with stunning views of Fort Sumter and sailboats dotting the water. This peaceful green space offers the perfect spot to relax, photograph historic mansions, and watch dolphins play in Charleston Harbor.

4

King Street Shopping & Market District

Explore Charleston's premier shopping destination on King Street, featuring boutique shops, galleries, and local artisan stores. Nearby, the historic City Market buzzes with vendors selling local crafts, sweetgrass baskets, and regional goods—a quintessential Charleston shopping experience.

5

Plantation Tours & Gullah Culture

Discover Charleston's complex history through plantation tours that honor the Gullah people and their cultural legacy. These immersive experiences reveal the region's African American heritage, traditional crafts, and the stories of those who built Charleston's prosperity.

Cruise Lines at Charleston, South Carolina

Cruises Departing From Charleston, South Carolina

Cruises Visiting Charleston, South Carolina

Ship Schedule at Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina Location

Other Cruise Ports in United States

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Charleston, South Carolina known for?

Charleston is famed for its Historic District, Charleston-style architecture, maritime heritage, and the Spoleto Festival USA.

When is the best time to visit Charleston?

Spring and fall offer mild weather, with festivals and outdoor dining throughout the city.

What are must-see attractions in Charleston?

Fort Sumter, the Historic District, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, and waterfront parks are iconic.

What is Charleston’s signature cuisine?

Lowcountry dishes like shrimp and grits, boiled peanuts, oysters, and fresh seafood.