Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina, is often voted the best city in the U.S. for its hospitality, history, and food. It is famous for its cobblestone streets, pastel antebellum houses, and the distinct Gullah Geechee culture.
⛵ Port Introduction
Crucial Update for 2026:
As of 2025, Charleston ceased large-ship homeport operations (goodbye, Carnival Sunshine!) to focus on quality-of-life and redevelopment at the waterfront.
Port Status: Primarily a "Port of Call" stop.
Availability: Ships are limited to smaller capacities and frequency. This is great news for you because it means the port area is less chaotic than in previous years.
Attraction Type: The city is the attraction. You dock right in the heart of the historic downtown peninsula. No long bus rides are needed to get to the "good stuff."
⚓ Terminal Information
Name: Union Pier Terminal.
Location: Located at the end of Market Street/Concord Street, deep in the historic district.
Getting to Terminal: You do not need a tender boat here. Your ship will pull right up to the dock.
The Walk: You will walk off the ship via a gangway into a warehouse-style terminal. From the terminal building to the street (Concord Street) is a short walk, but can be a bit industrial as it is an active port area.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
The facilities at Union Pier are functional but basic. It is essentially a converted cargo warehouse, not a glossy modern cruise mall.
Structure: Large, covered warehouse building (semi-permanent feel inside).
Restrooms: Yes, basic restrooms are available inside the terminal before you exit to the street.
Wi-Fi: Spotty or non-existent inside the warehouse itself. Best to wait until you hit the city center (cafes/restaurants).
Shopping: Very limited to none inside the terminal.
Tourist Info: Usually, there is a small stand or local volunteers handing out maps near the exit.
🗣️ Language
English is the spoken language.
Local Dialect: You might hear the Gullah dialect or a thick Southern accent, especially from locals with deep roots in the Lowcountry. It is beautiful and rhythmic.
Navigation: Extremely easy for English speakers. Street signs are clear.
💰 Money
Currency: United States Dollar (USD).
Payment Methods: Credit/Debit cards are widely accepted everywhere (restaurants, shops, museums).
Cash: It is good to have small bills ($1s and $5s) for tipping pedicab drivers, street performers, or buying sweetgrass baskets at the market.
ATMs: Plentiful. There is usually one near the terminal exit or at the gas station on East Bay Street, just a block away.
🚗 Transportation
Charleston is incredibly walkable, but it can get hot and humid.
♿ Accessibility
Rating: 5/10 (Challenging)
The Issue: While the city is flat, the historic district is famous for cobblestone streets and uneven brick sidewalks. These are beautiful but a nightmare for wheelchairs and those with balance issues.
Advice: Stick to the paved sidewalks on major streets like King and Meeting Street. Avoid the center of the road on streets like Chalmers (very bumpy).
Curb Cuts: Most corners have them, but they can be steep or blocked by older infrastructure.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
You are practically in town when you dock, but here is how to get to the center:
Walking (Free): When you exit the terminal gate onto Concord Street, turn Right to walk toward the famous Waterfront Park (Pineapple Fountain) and the City Market. It is a 10-15 minute flat walk.
DASH Trolley (Free): Look for the "CARTA" signs. The DASH (Downtown Area Shuttle) is a free hop-on-hop-off bus system that loops around the historic district. It is air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible.
Tip: Route 211 usually services the waterfront area.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Readily available. The pickup point is usually just outside the terminal gate restrictions.
Pedicabs: You will see guys on tricycles with passenger seats. They are fun for short distances but agree on a price before you hop in.
🚽 Toilet
Public restrooms can be tricky in historic cities, but Charleston has a few clean, safe options near where you will be:
City Market: There are public restrooms inside the Great Hall of the City Market (cleanliness is usually decent, free).
Waterfront Park: Public restrooms are located near the Pineapple Fountain (decent, high foot traffic).
Visitor Center: If you make it up to Meeting Street, the Visitor Center has excellent facilities.
Standard: These are standard American toilets.
💊 Drugstore
If you forgot sunscreen or need essentials, here are the two closest options to the port:
Delta Pharmacy (Local)
Address: 346 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401
Distance: Very close (about a 5-8 minute walk from the terminal gate).
Note: A great local spot for quick medical needs.
Harris Teeter (Grocery & Pharmacy)
Address: 290 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401
Distance: Also on East Bay Street, very close to the terminal.
Note: This is a full grocery store if you need snacks or water in bulk.
✨ Authentic Experience
To support local business and feel the real "Lowcountry," try these three things:
Eat "Gullah" Cuisine: Instead of a tourist trap, try Hannibal’s Kitchen or Nigel's Good Food (requires a short Uber/taxi ride). Order the Shark Steak or Okra Soup. If you want to stay downtown, Magnolia's offers upscale Southern classics like Shrimp & Grits that are worth the splurge.
Buy a Sweetgrass Basket: You will see weavers making intricate baskets at the City Market or on street corners (specifically near St. Michael's Church). These are made from local marsh grass—a tradition brought over by enslaved West Africans centuries ago. Buying directly from the weaver supports this dying art form. Expect to pay cash.
Walk "The Battery" & White Point Garden: Skip the carriage tour for an hour and just walk along the seawall at The Battery. It’s free, offers the best breeze, and lets you see the massive historic mansions at your own pace without a scripted guide.
