Port of Charleston

The building itself is a large empty building with a road right outside its doors that runs to Concord Street. Tours meet inside the building then people board their tour bus. You can walk ‍♂️ out the building to Concord Street and catch a free Carta bus, Number 211 (see picture ) which can take you to a number of shops as well as the Charleston Visitors Center where you can connecting bus (210) that can take you to Liberty Park where the Fort Sumter Visitors Center and Aquarium are. If you walk ‍♂️ outside the terminal area, security will check your cruise identification as you re-enter the area AND in the terminal. There are restrooms in the terminal but nothing else i.e. no restaurants or shops. I did find staff very nice but they WILL check your cruise identification to make sure you're allowed in the terminal. The terminal does have free Carta bus schedules.

Visiting the Port of Charleston and stepping aboard the magnificent Oceania Vista was truly an unforgettable experience. From the very first moment, it was clear that everything about this journey was designed to impress, delight, and inspire. The Port of Charleston was exceptionally well organized — clean, efficient, and welcoming. The staff were professional, attentive, and made the entire process effortless. The warm hospitality of the port staff truly set the tone for the refined experience that awaited on board. As for the Oceania Vista, it is absolutely breathtaking — a true floating masterpiece of elegance and sophistication. Every detail, from the stunning decor to the impeccable service, exudes luxury. I was immediately captivated by the ship’s design: modern yet timeless, inviting yet impossibly grand. The Vista perfectly balances contemporary beauty with an atmosphere of relaxed luxury, and it’s clear that every element was thoughtfully curated for discerning travelers. One detail that truly captured my heart was the dining experience. Meals were served on authentic Versace plates, adding a level of opulence that is rare to find even in the finest hotels and restaurants around the world. Every dish was a work of art, offering not only outstanding flavor but also impeccable presentation. It’s these types of thoughtful touches that elevate Oceania Cruises to the very top tier of luxury experiences. And for those who appreciate the finer things — a little hidden gem: you must try the "Crema" coffee with a shot of espresso. This off-the-menu treat was a revelation: rich, smooth, and truly indulgent. It’s the kind of special touch that isn’t widely advertised but feels like a secret among those "in the know," and it perfectly embodies the understated elegance that Oceania offers. I savored every sip and can honestly say it was one of the best coffee experiences I’ve ever had. The staff aboard the Vista were exceptional — warm, polished, and truly dedicated to making every guest feel special. Every interaction, whether in the lounges, dining rooms, or cafés, was marked by genuine kindness and attention to detail. If you are seeking an experience that blends world-class service, breathtaking beauty, and true luxury, I cannot recommend the Port of Charleston and Oceania Cruises highly enough. Every moment spent aboard the Vista is a moment spent wrapped in luxury and grace. I will be enthusiastically recommending this experience to my business partners, friends, and family, and I am already dreaming of returning for another visit.

First time going on a cruise that left from Charleston. The port was easy to get to, and parking was simple. The cruise line had attendees at every turn telling you where to go and where to park. If you are handicap with wheelchair ♿️ parking, it is closer parking for you. The car was safe in a fenced parking lot that was guarded.

We personally did not have any problems at/with the Port of Charleston when cruising on the Carnival Sunshine. However, there was a fellow cruise passenger who had they’re SUV run over by a train in the parking lot because they were parked on the tracks. I don’t understand how this happened since there were attendants in the parking lot directing us where to park. Why didn’t someone notice the vehicle on the track before we set sail since there were people there responsible for us on where to park our cars $21/day. There were no issues with us, but I saw the damaged SUV that had been pushed off the tracks by the train with the front end and left side all smashed as I was leaving the port to go home. Other than that, we had nor saw any other issues at the port. Oh, the price to park is only a few dollars more than local parking garages and is convenient to the cruise terminal for embarking and disembarking the ship.

Had a fantastic few hours just walking around Charleston. Prob should have booked an excursion. Other than some museums and old church’s not sure what else was in Charleston. Oh, the market was pretty cool.

Me and my family took our first cruise here on the Carnival Sunshine. Boarding and Disembarking were extremely easy. If you live in South or North Carolina and want to go on a cruise vacation, I recommend this port!

This port was easy to find. The parking could have been a bit clearer as to where we needed to go. The guys unloaded our bags quickly. Once in the parking lot it was a breeze. The shuttles were quick and clean . All in all a great port.