Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina stands apart from other cruise ports because its gateway is a living postcard that invites travelers to slow down and savor a city built on history, hospitality, and coastal charm. Docking in a walkable, waterfront terminal drops you into the heart of the Historic District, where horse-drawn carriages glide by pastel Charleston‑style townhouses and Magnolia-scented gardens frame your day with Lowcountry warmth. Signature experiences anchor shore days in Fort Sumter National Monument, a Charleston Harbor cruise offering a fresh perspective of the city from the water, and excursions to plantation homes, moss-draped oaks, and pristine nearby beaches. The destination’s allure continues with a culinary renaissance, museum-quality art, and the Spoleto Festival USA, all within easy reach of the ship. The calling fleet includes deep-draft ships and mid-sized luxury liners that fit modern terminals with efficient embarkation and debarkation, plus itineraries tailor-made to maximize time on land or at sea. Onboard, guests enjoy port-savvy service and shore-excursion desks that curate Lowcountry dining experiences, spa and enrichment programs, and flexible dining options, turning a port day into a seamless, memorable part of the voyage. Charleston’s preserved architecture, maritime spirit, and genuine Southern hospitality fuse urban immersion with coastal escapes to create a cruise stop that feels both timeless and utterly contemporary.