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Carnival Sunshine

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Traveler Reviews

A ship’s traveler rating is provided under license by Cruiseline.com , which manages one of the largest databases of cruise reviews and ratings by travelers. A total of 2759 guests have reviewed Carnival Sunshine , giving it a rating of 4 on a scale of 1-5.

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Reviews by traveler type, most recent reviews.

Had the best time! I recommend the Sunshine, she is my favorite, I am very sad to see her leaving Charleston the end of the year! Norfolk, you are super lucky to get her!

May 19th, 2024

The Sunshine is a really great ship. My family and I have had a lot of fun on this ship. It is my favorite and I will be sad to see her leave Charleston.

Traveler Type

Family (older children)

Awesome first time cruise

May 15th, 2024

Great first time cruise experience! The weather was amazing on the port days. This type of service is how people get hooked on cruising! Ready to move on in!

1 cruise (first)

crusing with the girls

May 14th, 2024

loved the cruise with my daughters and granddaughter. Their first time on a cruise so I wish the ship had been cleaner and in better shape. But we had a great time, cabin was very noise with outside noise from the ship.

4-6 cruises

kids first cruise

May 13th, 2024

This was my kids first cruise at the time they were 9 and 17. They enjoyed every moment and are now ready to sail again which we have coming up Sept 2024.

Family (young children)

2-3 cruises

Wonderful 25th Anniversary Cruise on Sunshine!

May 6th, 2024

This was my husband's first cruise and my 3rd. We enjoyed ourselves very much. We ate well in the specialty restaurants and we did a lot of spa therapy. This was a much more relaxed cruise for us instead of my normal go go go. I wish I hadn't prepaid for excursions as we didn't do any of them. But we thoroughly enjoyed our time together on the Sunshine.

wonderful cruise as always

Apr 29th, 2024

Ober all was grdat cruise as always. Every day/night was always fun to do things on and off the ship. James Love the best cruise director hands down. Knows how to get the crowd involved and keeps the attention of the crowd(s). Food was hit or miss in MDR but buffets were good along with the steak house.

Wonderful and relaxing

Apr 24th, 2024

Great cruise, great room and steward. Food was good. Comedian shows were great! Would return again!

8 Day from Charleston

Apr 21st, 2024

Had a great time. This is a little bit longer cruise with 2 sea days on either side of the 3 stops. That can be a little much for some cruisers that get restless on sea days. The Sunshine is a good ship with some of the amenities of the newer ships. But there are plenty of options. The staff does a good job of making everyone feel like they are a special guest. Entertainment was typical, good but no outstanding performances. Of course that is always changing as entertainers are coming and going.

Large Group

A Truly Relaxing Cruise

Traveled for leisure with family. Truly relaxing time with 4 sea days.

First and last experience with carnival sunshine

Apr 5th, 2024

Favorite things: guys burger, blue iguana tacos, drink package

Singles/Friends

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Carnival Cruise from Charleston - Port of Charleston

• United States    
• South Carolina (SC)    
• Coastal South Carolina    
• Charleston    
• Charleston - Things to Do    
• Port of Charleston

We parked at the port parking lot to take our Carnival Sunshine cruise. It’s a bit confusing but... read more

Sailed on the Sunshine right after Christmas...port was confusing as far as where to park and how... read more

Carnival Cruise from Charleston

Decided to take a cruise from Charleston. Signs directing you to Port are few. Greeted by employees who unloaded our luggage then directed us to gate. We decided to walk the two block distance to the gate. Others took shuttle to gate. It appeared that two walkways merged into one entrance, along with the unloading of several shuttle busses. Needless to say, it was about an hour wait to get to the ship, and we even arrived early. They clearly need more employees and a separate entrance for people with disabilities and using priority boarding. However, they did provide parking in an enclosed building, which was nice. Will give it another try.....

This is a travesty. The entrance was easy to find, with the clear directions and ubiquitous signage, plus the route takes you through some picturesque historic neighborhoods and past the most unique-looking Harris-Teeter. Once inside the gate, it becomes a labyrinth of traffic cones and Jersey barriers through what looks like an abandoned shipyard. When you finally get to the pay-to-park tent, there is a line (actually two, and I bet you'll wind up in the slow-moving one). Fortunately I have handicap license plate, so I was spared paying the ripoff parking fee. Parking is in one of the several decrepit old warehouses that line the yard, which is a good thing because you vehicle is protected from the weather. Once the shuttle buses whisk you to the embarkation building, you wait like cattle in a line that dwarfs the worst at Disney's Space Mountain. And then once you get up to the counter, if you want to change anything like the credit card used for your ship's account, you will wait some more while three Carnival employees try to figure out how to do it. We were so delayed that we barely got aboard before the ship set sail and we missed out on the lunch buffet on the Lido deck. Seeing the sad shape this facility is in makes me wish for somebody like a James Rouse to come along and transform this wasted parcel of prime waterfront property from an embarrassing eyesore into a showcase for the city. Meanwhile, North Carolina has two bustling deepwater ports that are just prime for a cruise line to come in. Come on, Carnival (or better yet, Princess)!

This was our first cruise from the Port of Charleston. The embarkation process was incredibly smooth. Finding the parking entrance was easy with directions available on Carnival 's website. Without them we would have had a hard time. Getting from entrance to ship was a bit of a maze but each step of the way was manned by helpful staff. We made our way to a parking space and awaited a shuttle bus with a wheelchair lift. Wasn't too long before a bus arrived and took us straight to the check-in area. My Mom's disability and need for a wheelchair probably helped smooth our way. Everyone was very helpful. Once through with the check-in process we moved to the boarding ramp and straight to our room. The return was just as smooth!

Wow, what a parking mess. Poor signage to get to the lot and then a maze of concrete barriers and cones. The first attendant I spoke with was 100% inept at her job. A high level parking attendant gave us directions for the paperwork we needed to get in. She apparently did not get the message. By the time I got through, the right hand side had let 15 cars through. The high level guy came over and relieved her of her duties. Once parked and inside the terminal, all the staff were positive and helpful. We boarded the cruise with minimal effort. Feel free to contract for my efficiency services in the parking area.

This is our second cruise from Charleston, great experience both times. Well organized, fast service. Upgraded to the faster to fun pass, well worth the $.

Signage to the port is minimal. Upon arrival it feels like we are going to run a test track with all the yellow cones. Like others have said there are check points after check points. No signs indicating what pieces of information you need to have ready. Just have your boarding passes, passports, photo identifications in hand as well as a debit/credit card because they don't take cash for parking ($85.00). It was nice to be able to park inside the warehouse. There are buses to transport you closer to the boat at no charge (however tips are appreciated). Going through customs and obtaining room key was fairly quick, BE SURE to have your health forms completed and in hand before you are next in line. Makes the process nearly seamless. Upon returning to Charleston, we opted to carry our luggage off the boat. Allowed us to disembark about 7:30. transport buses waited outside, our luggage was loaded on a trailer, while we boarded a bus. Within 5 minutes we were in the warehouse that housed our car. On the road quickly and homeward bound!!!

These Are the Best Cruises Out of Charleston, South Carolina

by Contractor | Nov 12, 2020 | resources , Travel Tips | 0 comments

Did you know that you can set sail out of South Carolina? Charleston’s coastal location, combined with its rich and vibrant history, makes for the perfect beginning to a southern-bound cruise . In fact, there are a plethora of different cruise options departing from Charleston, with destinations in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and United States.

There are three cruise lines that sail out of Charleston:

• Carnival Cruise Line
• American Cruise Line
• Crystal Cruises

Below are eight of the best cruises out of Charleston, along with all the details you need to know: pricing, activities, and high-level descriptions. Read on to decide which cruise is the perfect one for you!

Charleston to Freeport & Nassau

The first cruise on the list is a five-day round trip on the Carnival Sunshine, stopping in the cities of Freeport and Nassau in the Bahamas. This is an excellent option for a quick and affordable trip that can fit into any schedule.

The Carnival Sunshine is a 900-foot long vessel that can hold up to 3000 passengers. Onboard activities include spas, waterslides, and delicious eateries for the whole family. Even the basic interior room is comfortably sized!

Guests spend several days traveling on open waters with one whole day spent in each Freeport and Nassau to explore. Passengers can also choose to embark on one of the cruise line’s shore excursions, such as swimming with the dolphins in Nassau or touring the island of Freeport. Excursions can be booked online for an extra fee.

The total cost of the five-day trip starts at $289 per person, which includes onboard entertainment and some dining options.

Charleston to Princess Cays

This Bahamas route is a bit shorter than the first cruise, clocking in at four days instead of five, with only one destination. Passengers will once again board the Carnival Sunshine. But this time, they will travel to Princess Cays to spend an entire day before returning back to Charleston. Unlike the cruise to Freeport and Nassau, only one day is spent at the destination.

The time spent in Princess Cays may be short, but Carnival Cruises offers plenty of shore excursions to enjoy. Choose between snorkeling, kayaking, or biking around the island. If you choose to embark on your own adventure, there are plenty of local villages and beaches to explore at your leisure.

This cruise is significantly cheaper than the Freeport and Nassau route, costing a total of $229 per person.

This price includes the following:

• Entertainment

Charleston to Eastern Caribbean

Combine the best of both worlds with this cruise, stopping in both the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

Passengers will board the Carnival Sunshine for seven days, with stops in:

• Half Moon Cay

Like the first two cruises, shore excursions are available at each of the destinations. Guests can enjoy an adrenaline rush wading through waterfalls in Amber Cove, paddleboarding in Grand Turk, and touring a lagoon in Half Moon Cay.

Onboard, guests can entertain themselves with a variety of options offered by the cruise line, including admission to the Kids Club, which is included in the price of the ticket. There’s even an arcade open 24 hours a day! As for adults, the casino is a great place to try your luck.

Guests can choose between interior, balcony, ocean view, or suite rooms. The pricing for each starts as follows:

Charleston to the Caribbean in Luxury

For a luxurious, all-inclusive trip, check out the Crystal Cruises twelve-night trip through the Caribbean. Named “Best Cruise Line” in Travel & Leisure Magazine, this company certainly isn’t messing around. Michelin-inspired dining and an onboard dress code are sure to wow passengers at every step.

The cruise makes several stops along the way, including:

• Cape Canaveral, Florida
• Bimini, Bahamas
• Ocho Rios, Jamaica
• Oranjestad, Aruba
• San Juan, Puerto Rico

Once onboard, guests can enjoy a myriad of luxurious experiences. In fact, there are nine delectable eateries on the ship!

Passengers will stay in either staterooms or penthouses and enjoy amenities such as golf lessons and a fitness center. According to Charleston Voyage , the dress code is casual until six p.m., when it becomes black tie optional.

Charleston Through the Historic South

Want a trip that stays closer to home? American Cruise Line offers an eight-day trip through the Intracoastal Waterway for a journey back in time. Guests will embark on the intimately sized American Star, with a total guest capacity of 100 people.

Stops in Beaufort, Hilton Head Island, Savannah, and Jekyll Island offer a plethora of activities for interested passengers. The company suggests visiting Millionaire’s Village in Jekyll Island, a large historical landmark full of homes and cottages.

Beaufort also boasts its own selection of things to see, including Penn Center, the first school for freed slaves. You can also participate in local activities such as fishing or throwing axes!

Each destination is laden with historic sights, making this cruise perfect for families and history buffs alike. However, the price is far heftier than others on this list: guests should expect to pay at least $4,100 per person.

Charleston to Baltimore

Travel through the Mid-Atlantic Inside Passage with American Cruise Line on an eight-day trip to Baltimore, Maryland. Similar to the tour of the Historic South, passengers can explore everything the northeast has to offer.

Guests will board either the American Star or the Independence, both with a passenger capacity of 100 for a smaller and more intimate experience.

The ship will travel through:

There will be ample opportunities to enjoy pristine nature and wildlife along the way.

The cruise line offers a Historic Mansions tour through Wilmington, and guests can choose their own adventures and explore whatever they’re interested in. The line suggests visiting Norfolk’s Naval Station, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, and the site of the Wright Brothers’ first flight.

While cheaper than its southern counterpart, guests can expect to pay upwards of $3,800 per person for the trip.

Charleston to Southern Caribbean

Lastly, embark on a ten-day trip through the Southern Caribbean on the Carnival Sunshine.

Guests will spend several days at sea before arriving in:

• Princess Cays

While onboard, enjoy entertainment options such as the Punchliner Comedy Club and Hasbro Game Show. Adults can even enjoy a kid-free retreat.

Guests have several dining options, including Guy Fieri’s Burger Joint, as well as miscellaneous cuisines such as Italian and Japanese. Once arrived at the destinations, guests can enjoy a myriad of shore excursions led by a team of professionals.

While the specific activities available depend on the destination, the majority of Caribbean shore excursions include some type of water activity like sailing or snorkeling. A full list of these excursions can be viewed on the Carnival Cruise Line’s website .

Like the cruise to the Eastern Caribbean, guests have the option of several different room types to fit their needs. However, all passengers can expect to pay at least $700 per person.

Final Thoughts

While Charleston, South Carolina may not seem like a big hub for cruise activity, there are plenty of different cruise options to enjoy. Whether you’re more interested in sun and surf in the Bahamas or a historical trip through the northeastern United States, Charleston has something for you. We hope this list has given you some inspiration for your next vacation!

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Carnival Sunshine 04/24/23 Cruise Review/Diary - Long

By CTCruisers , May 4, 2023 in Carnival Cruise Lines

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" Thank you for sharing your experience with everyone in the community. We encourage you to submit your review for publication as a member review; you can do so at: Write a Review "

CTCruisers was awarded the badge 'Great Review' and 5 points.

We sailed on the Carnival Sunshine out of Charleston, SC on a 5-day cruise that started on 04/24/23.

This was our 11 th Carnival Cruise and 31 st cruise overall (19 with NCL and 1 with RCCL). We have Platinum status with Carnival.

We had flown into Charleston the day before and had reservations at the Embassy Suites in the historic district on Meeting Street. It is located inside the former Citadel fortress. Our flight into Charleston arrived at 10:00 am on that Sunday, 04/23. We took a taxi ($30) to the hotel and since we had arrived well before their check-in time, they let us store our luggage in a secure room while we went out to explore the old part of the city.

We had purchased combo tickets to take two tours that day, a horse and carriage tour and a harbor cruise tour. The hotel is only a block away from the bus stops for the free DASH shuttles the city has in the historic district. The shuttles run every 20 minutes or so and we jumped on one that had a stop on Market Street. We walked through the famous markets located there in block-long buildings while checking out the various vendor booths and their displays.

Our first tour was with Palmetto Carriage Tours and their barn is located just a block away from the markets. We arrived there an hour and a half early and decided to sit inside to be out of the sun. While waiting for our tour, an earlier carriage tour was loading. One of the staff there asked if we wanted to get onto the earlier tour since they had 2 open seats which was fine with us.

Our carriage was pulled by a large blonde roan horse named Bezos. The tour took us an hour ride with informative narration by the driver. We found out that the horses come from Amish country farms and are well cared for. We also found out that all carriage tours must stop at a city checkpoint where they told which route they can take. That means that you can take several tours and see different parts of the city each time. We enjoyed the tour and would recommend it to all.

After we returned to the barn, we walked a few blocks back up to Meeting Street to catch another Dash shuttle back towards our hotel where we hopped off and immediately jumped onto a different shuttle that would bring us to the waterfront. The harbor tour’s pier was only a few blocks from a bus stop near the aquarium.

We just missed one cruise that had left a few minutes before we arrived, so we hung out walking around the area to admire the harbor views.

The 1 1/2 hour tour on the Carolina Belle took us past the harbor sights going out to Fort Sumter and passing other fort areas as well as Patriots Point where the USS Yorktown and USS Laffey are docked. We finished the tour going under the Ravenel bridge before returning to the pier. It was an interesting tour. They sell drinks and snacks and they have restrooms on board. You can sit on the open top deck or down below in the closed deck with chairs and windows for viewing. We wanted to sit below, but the air conditioning made it very cold down there.

After our harbor cruise, we walked back to the bus stop and took a shuttle back to the hotel where we found that our room was ready, so we checked in. After gathering our luggage, we went to our room. The hotel is incorporated in the historic old fortress. Our room had 2 gun slits in the brick outer wall. The service and staff of the hotel was amazing.

The next morning, we had breakfast at the hotel before heading to the cruise terminal. Taxis are scarce in the inner city, so the front desk had arranged a car service to take us to the terminal which was about a mile away.

We arrived at the terminal around 10:00 am. The terminal to check in is not next to the pier area. As platinum members, we had a priority boarding and were seated in a designated waiting area. By 11:00 am, they were calling groups to start the boarding process which entailed leaving the first terminal and boarding buses that brought us to the second terminal which located next to the pier by the ship.

We were on board the ship by 11:30 am. While we had been told prior to our trip that as a platinum benefit that we could drop off our carry-on luggage at our cabin immediately after boarding, we found out that all cabins were not accessible while their crews prepared them. We just headed topside for a quick snack and then walked around exploring the ship.

The Sunshine was our 10 th different Carnival ship to sail on. We found out that she had been originally named the Destiny when she was launched in 1996. She was refitted and renamed the Sunshine in 2013. She had additional improvements added in 2018. Currently, she is the oldest ship in the Carnival fleet. A lot of the ship seemed to have a fresh look to it which impressed us.

By 1:00 pm, they announced that the cabins were now open, so we headed down to cabin 8230 which was an inside cabin on deck 8 located midship under the lido pool deck area. Our luggage had already arrived, so we took everything inside and unpacked immediately.

We headed back topside to find a shady spot to sit and watch the sail away which was scheduled for 4:00 pm. We ended on deck 10 overlooking the pool area below. At 4:00 pm, the ship let out a load blast of its horn and everyone clapped and yelled in celebration. They had a DJ playing a fun party tunes which had a lot of folks dancing in unison by the pool. We sailed out past Fort Sumter as we headed out to sea.

For dinner, we just went to the Lido Marketplace buffet which is fine with me.

They had two comedians performing on the ship, Steve Wilson and Spike Davis. We went to both of their shows in the Limelight Lounge. We lucked out in that when we left the first show, the line for the second show was very short. After the comedians, we went to the Liquid Lounge Theater to see the Welcome Aboard show hosted by the cruise director, James Love who mentioned that we had 3,400 passengers on the ship. We thought the comedians were funny and the show which included a performance by the Playlist Productions cast was entertaining.

This was a scheduled sea day. After sleeping in, we went to the Ocean Plaza to attend a trivia game before going up to the buffet for a late breakfast. We attended a few more trivia games in the afternoon and then went back up to the pool area to sit in the shade and listen to the DJ playing music.

We had signed up for “Your Time Dining” which started at 5:30 pm in the Sunset Dining Room. This required us using the Carnival Hub app on our phone to check in when we were ready to be seated. The app would confirm a table number and you would walk up to the counter before they took you to the assigned table. My wife ordered a steak while I ordered a fish dish. My meal was okay, but the steak was under cooked and tough.

For the evening entertainment, they had the same two comedians with three shows between them along with a Playlist Production Show called “Soul Train”. We had seen all of the Playlist Production on other Carnival cruises, so we decided to see the first two comedian shows. This time, the line for the second show was a bit longer than the first night. But we were able to get into both shows which were funny.

This day had a port visit this day to Nassau, Bahamas. Our ship was the only one in port this day. It was our 7 th visit to Nassau, so we decided to stay on board the ship and enjoy it while being less crowded.

We started the day with a trivia game before heading up for breakfast. We did a few more trivia games and then headed back to the lido deck for a quick lunch and hanging out by the pool area.

After the sail away from Nassau, we went back to the Sunset Restaurant for another sit down dinner. We ordered the same steak and fish dishes. This time, the steak was overcooked and tough. My meal was okay.

We listened to some music that evening before heading to the theater to watch the “Love and Marriage Show” which was funny and entertaining. James Love did a great job.

This day had a visit to the private island called Half Moon Cay which required tender service to go ashore. We had booked a tram tour on the island in the early afternoon, so we went to breakfast and then attended a few trivia games. By the late morning, there were no lines to take a tender to the island. We arrived more than an hour prior to our scheduled tour. We were able to take an earlier tour which brought us past all the beach locations by the harbor before heading off to the horse stables and then a Manta Ray farm located further away. We thought the tour was interesting and it was a great way to see a lot of the island during the 45-minute ride with 2 quick stops.

We grabbed the first tender that was available to head back to the ship before the rush. We spent the rest of the afternoon sitting by the pool area listening to music.

After two bad experiences in the main dining room, we just went to the buffet for dinner.

For the evening, they had 2 comedian shows and a Playlist Production called “Latin Nights”. We skipped the show in the theater and went to see the 2 comedians that evening. Again, they were both funny.

The final day on board was a sea day as we headed back to Charleston. We did our usual routine with breakfast and then trivia games in the morning and early afternoon. We spent the rest of the afternoon by the pool listening to music before heading back to our cabin to pack our luggage to be put outside our cabins.

We went to the buffet once again for dinner. They had another Playlist Production show called “Epic Rock”, and 3 comedy shows. We went to the first comedy show and then went to the Ocean Plaza to listen to a band. We had planned to go to the late comedy show and I went to get into line early so that we could be sure to get into see the show. While the first show was entertaining, the final one we attended was disappointing as the comedian repeated several jokes from his previous shows.

Disembarkation Day

As Platinum members, we had the option for priority disembarkation which required us to be at the Sunrise restaurant on deck 3 forward before 7:15 am. We got up early and went up to the buffet for one last breakfast by 6:00 am.   They were making announcements shortly after that. We were at the restaurant by 7:00 am only to find out that they had already cleared the room. One of the security officers let us get into the line to get off the ship right away and we were in the terminal to gather our luggage by 7:15 am.   We had a short walk to Concord Street across from the Customs House where they had a taxi stand. Only flight home was the next day, so we took a cab back to the airport where I had a car reserved with Hertz.

We spent the morning and early afternoon visiting the Magnolia Plantation located north of the city. The plantation is full of gardens and pathways by the Ashley River and throughout their 500 acres of land. The flowers were all in bloom. We took a 45 minute tram tour that told us about the history of the plantation and pointed the various wildlife found there including many different birds along with alligators and turtles.

After the tram tour, we had a short walk to go to the "from slavery to freedom" tour. We thought it was an interesting tour with a guide telling us about the history of the plantation and how integral the use of slaves was needed to clear the land and farm the dangerous rice fields (alligators, snakes, leeches, and mosquitoes). Once the slaves were emancipated, the plantation had to cease rice production as no one wanted to work the fields anymore, regardless of how much was offered in pay. There are 4 slave houses that we toured. We enjoyed our visit to the plantation.

Observations

Platinum level – We feel that Carnival does a great job recognizing repeat customers and making us feel special (especially compared to recent NCL experiences where you are taken for granted). For platinum members, they welcome you at the terminal and give you priority boarding and disembarkation. We received a ship pin with the year on it. They had a terrific party for platinum and diamond members with what seemed like unlimited drinks. They also offered a free drink on the last sea day. You have priority service with tender service if wanted.

Food – We did not go to any specialty restaurants that required a fee, so cannot comment on those. Overall, we felt the food   and variety offered was very good in the buffet and the main dining room except for the steaks offered without a fee. We liked the Blue Iguana Mexican options as well Guy Fieri’s Burgers and fries. For breakfast, they offered made-to-order egg dishes, but you had to go to the Havana Bar area kitchens to get them. The lines for those were always short as we felt that most folks were not aware of them.

Bar Service – We are beer drinkers and took advantage of their buckets of beer specials throughout the cruise. Their beer offerings were varied, and we found ones we liked. We do not drink enough to warrant buying their drink packages which would have cost double what we spent for our bar tab.

Staff – A special shout out to two employees. First, our room steward Tamba, who had 34 cabins to service on our cruise. Our room was always clean and serviced more than adequately. He also left a towel animal surprise each day. Secondly, our bar waiter I Made, who always was johnny-on-the-spot with filling our beer buckets on the pool deck as well as the comedy shows.

The cruise director, James Love (bye y’all) was excellent, and his staff did a great job with the various events on board the ship.

Entertainment- The many musical acts, comedians, and shows in the theater offered plenty of variety for us.

Trivia – We enjoy trivia games. We came in 2 nd or 3 rd several times. We finally did win one trivia on the last day and earned a coveted 24 carat plastic ship on a stick. So, we are 10 for 10 with having a ship trophy from each of the 10 Carnival ships we have sailed on (whew, no pressure there).

Weather – The weather in Charleston was cool and windy, but other days were much warmer. The only rain we encountered was a few hours on the afternoon of our day in Nassau.

Overall – We really enjoyed our trip to Charleston and the cruise to the Bahamas. We had a great time and feel that Carnival cruises do a wonderful job for us to have fun. We are looking forward to our next adventure with Carnival.

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Thanks for taking the time to review your trip. We've sailed on the Sunshine, from Charleston, many times, and have always thoroughly enjoyed the ship!

Thanks for taking the time to write a review.  Im glad you enjoyed your trip!

ninjacat123

Thank you for your detailed review including your time spent in Charleston.  I love Sunshine and will be sad when she is moved to Norfolk.  Fortunately I am cruising this Monday with my mom, celebrating her birthday with my two DDs, 20 & 22.  Girls cruise!!  

If you come down South and cruise on Sunshine, may I suggest a dinner at JiJi's and Cucina del Capitano.  So tasty and worth the upcharge.  I already have reservations for next week at both!

Thx again! 

Glad you had a good cruise and spent some time in Charleston, a very special city.

What I am perhaps most amazed of is the Sunshine was the only ship in port the day you were in Nassau. How often does that happen these days? Incredible!

2 hours ago, mz-s said: Glad you had a good cruise and spent some time in Charleston, a very special city.   What I am perhaps most amazed of is the Sunshine was the only ship in port the day you were in Nassau. How often does that happen these days? Incredible!

Yes!  That is not typical!

I am glad you had a good time. We were on the same cruise, it was our first cruise, and we had a blast! Our cruise director James love was amazing, and the show love and marriage was thoroughly entertaining. The participants were great, especially the older couple (Wayne and Linda). We found the food to be delicious and didn't spend anything extra. The made to order omelettes at JiJi and Cucina were scrumptious and the hot chocolate too. Overall, the staff as very friendly and everyone remembered our names. Your review is spot on!

• 2 weeks later...

Did you eat at a large table or could you get a table for 2 with anytime dining?

3 minutes ago, bruce85 said: Did you eat at a large table or could you get a table for 2 with anytime dining?

They have a lot of tables for 2 in the anytime dining room, but they're usually mere inches from your neighbor's table.

18 hours ago, mz-s said:   They have a lot of tables for 2 in the anytime dining room, but they're usually mere inches from your neighbor's table.

That's fine, still prefer that. Can you (or is there a need) to email reservations before cruising. Haven't sailed Carnival in years, went to RCL, NCL and MSC. Giving Carnival another shot

23 minutes ago, bruce85 said: That's fine, still prefer that. Can you (or is there a need) to email reservations before cruising. Haven't sailed Carnival in years, went to RCL, NCL and MSC. Giving Carnival another shot

No, not unless you want to eat at the steakhouse at a specific night and time you can book that before. But everything else you pretty much request a table that night. It's more relaxed than NCL for sure.

The Sunshine is now the oldest ship in the Carnival fleet but it is updated, has a good crew, and the food in the MDR and speciality restaurants was very good last year when I was on her.

You can't email the Maître D' (I used to) anymore.  On my 9 Carnival cruises since Restart, I have only had one Maître D' who wouldn't move my DDs and me to a table of four instead of the ten top we were assigned. Kinda ticked me off since there were open 4 tops throughout the dining room. 

Check your Hub App for the dining questions time on Embarkation and speak to the Maître D' about your table.  Have a great cruise! 

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Charleston Voyage > Charleston Cruise Lines > Carnival Cruise Line > Sunshine

Carnival Sunshine

The Carnival Sunshine sails out of Charleston. This big ship has an impressive number of fun amenities.

Features include an extra-large Serenity Retreat for adults-only. It spans three decks and has a waterfall and plenty of places to relax. Cloud 9 Spa is another super-relaxing spot for adults.

The Sunshine isn't all about relaxation. Carnival WaterWorks is the aqua-park that is active fun for the whole family. Waterslides include the Speedway Splash. The SportsSquare has a SkyCourse rope course overhead, jogging track, basketball, and ping-pong.

Entertainment options include Playlist Productions musicals, Dive-In outdoor movies by the pool, Hasbro the Game Show, Punchliner Comedy Club, DJ Irie, Havana Bar, RedFrog Rum Pub, BlueIguana Tequila Bar, Piano Bar, and Limelight Lounge.

The Carnival Sunshine has plenty of programs and facilties for the young ones. Camp Carnival divides kids into groups of age 2 to 5, 6 to 8, and 9 to 11. Circle C is for ages 12 to 14, and Club O2 for ages 15 to 17. ZSPA is a spa just for teens age 13 to 17. Seuss at Sea brings characters to life for kids of all ages.

Dining options on the ship include the main dining room, Lido Buffet Restaurant, Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Seaday Brunch, 24-hour room service, The Taste Bar, Pizzeria del Capitano, Carnival Deli, Captain's Pasta Bar, and Swirls ice cream. For an added fee you can also try Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi, Ji Ji Asian Kitchen, The Chef's Table, and JavaBlue Cafe.

Read a Carnival Sunshine cruise review .

The above video is a quick (less than 1 minute) introduction to the Carnival Sunshine. Also watch the Carnival Sunshine Ultimate Cruise Ship Tour by Talking Cruise. It's 14 minutes of good information.

For the complete calendar of departures, please see our Carnival Cruises from Charleston page.

• Cruise From

Charleston, SC

• Carnival Sunshine

* Coming Soon

Cruises out of Charleston are a great idea for foodies and anyone who loves American history. Give in to the genteel feel of the old South on Carnival cruises from the beautiful port of Charleston, South Carolina. This is a gracious city of antebellum 18th- and 19th-century houses and sprawling plantations, easy to appreciate from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage. The city’s unique Lowcountry cuisine and dozens of delicious restaurants make it a popular southern foodie destination. Enjoy warm southern hospitality and a breezy waterfront as you prepare to depart on your cruise from Charleston.

• Set foot where English settlers first touched land.
• Buy a sweetgrass basket to use aboard your Carnival cruise from Charleston.
• Tuck into Lowcountry-style shrimp and grits at a downtown restaurant. 
• Hop on a horse-drawn carriage for a slow-paced tour of the Historic District.

See it all from Charleston.

* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional per person.

Port of Charleston: A guide to cruising from the Holy City

Frequent cruisers are likely familiar with popular East Coast cruise ports, such as Boston, Baltimore, New York City and Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey. But did you know you can also cruise from the Carolinas? The cruise port in Charleston, South Carolina, is a driveable distance from several cities, including Charlotte (three hours) and Raleigh (four hours) in North Carolina.

Charleston might not be a bustling cruise home port like PortMiami , but the city is a destination in its own right. And if you're sailing with American Cruise Lines or Carnival Cruise Line, you'll find plenty to do in the Holy City before or after your cruise.

Plus, the Port of Charleston is easy to get to from Charleston International Airport (CHS), and the city offers a good selection of points hotels for a pre- or post-cruise stay.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Here's everything you need to know about cruising from the Port of Charleston.

Port of Charleston fast facts

Port of charleston cruise terminal information.

Address : 32 Washington St., Charleston, SC 29401

Number of terminals : 1 (passenger terminal)

Map (PDF link)

Cruise lines sailing from the Port of Charleston

Currently, two cruise lines depart from the Port of Charleston.

American Cruise Lines ' Historic South & Golden Isles Cruise and Holidays in the Southeast cruise depart from Charleston. Additionally, Carnival Cruise Line 's Carnival Sunshine cruises out of Charleston on round-trip four- to 10-night sailings to the Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean .

Charleston also serves as a port of call on repositioning cruises or longer East Coast and Bahamas/Bermuda itineraries with cruise lines such as Viking, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Royal Caribbean.

Related: How to book a cruise using points and miles

Airport near the Port of Charleston

The Port of Charleston is 12 miles (about 25 minutes) from Charleston International Airport (CHS). Various airlines fly to CHS from other U.S. cities, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines.

Your disembarkation time might not align with your outbound flight time. So, if you have time to kill at the airport, you can spend it at The Club CHS lounge. The lounge is in the main terminal on the second level toward Concourse B. A daypass is $50 per person unless you have a Priority Pass membership through premium credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or The Platinum Card® from American Express (enrollment required). AAA members get in at a discounted rate of $42.50.

How to get to the Port of Charleston

You have a few options for getting to the cruise port from the airport or a hotel in Charleston.

Hotel shuttles

On-site parking isn't available at every hotel in downtown Charleston, so leaving your car at the hotel while you cruise likely won't be the best way to go. However, some area hotels offer shuttle service to the port or provide complimentary transportation within a certain distance from the property. For example, The Dewberry Charleston offers guests complimentary transportation within 5 square miles of the hotel via its Volvo house cars. The cruise port is just over a mile from the hotel.

When you are choosing a pre-cruise hotel, inquire about transportation to the cruise port before you make your reservations.

Independent van/car services

You can arrange private pickup and drop-off through car and van services like GCT Chauffeured Services , which will cost between $100 and $199 for up to three people.

Taxis and ride-hailing services

Hailing a taxi to get to the Port of Charleston is simple. At the airport, taxi service is at the center median just outside baggage claim. Taxis charge a $17 minimum fee from CHS. Taxi fares are based on a trip meter rate of $3 per mile, which includes up to two passengers. You'll either pay the $17 minimum or the fee displayed on the meter at the end of the trip (whichever is the greater amount). Additional passengers are $7 per passenger, per trip. Based on taxi rates in Charleston and the distance from the airport to the cruise port, the estimated fare is $30 to $40.

Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are also an option. Follow the signs outside the baggage claim area to the sheltered pickup area across both roadways. You'll find it to the right of the last sidewalk.

Public transportation

Charleston's public bus service, Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority, does not currently provide a convenient station or stop to the cruise port.

Port of Charleston parking

The majority of cruisers sailing out of the Port of Charleston will be driving to the port, arriving the day of departure or the night before. Therefore, the port offers plentiful on-site parking.

Long-term parking for cruise passengers' vehicles at the port does not require reservations. Parking is located within a gated area available only to cruise passengers and not the general public, and port police secure and patrol the site during the cruise.

A complimentary shuttle bus runs between the vehicle parking areas and the passenger terminal on both departure and return dates of the cruise.

The cost for parking standard-size vehicles is $21 per day. The parking fee for oversize vehicles longer than 20 feet (campers, recreational vehicles, buses) is $50 per day. You can pay for cruise parking with a credit card, debit card or money order. Cash is no longer accepted as payment for parking.

The Port of Charleston provides free parking for vehicles displaying a valid accessible parking placard or license plate with ID. Wheelchair services are available inside the terminal. Alert a cruise port staff member for assistance.

Off-site parking is available with private companies like Park & Go , which offers cruise parking for $10 per day. It does not provide shuttle transportation from the lot to the cruise terminal, so you would need to take a taxi or Uber to the port.

A public parking garage is also an option. The maximum rate is $18 per day. The Cumberland Street parking garage (90 Cumberland St.) is the closest one to the port, less than a mile away.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

Hotels near the Port of Charleston

The Charleston area offers an abundance of hotels, including some properties at which you can use or earn points. Whether you want convenient access to the cruise port and the city's historic downtown or to enjoy a riverfront pre- or post-cruise stay, here are a few to consider.

Hilton hotels near the Port of Charleston

For a quick overnight before a cruise, the Hilton Garden Inn Charleston Waterfront/Downtown is an ideal option (41,000 to 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night).

Its location on Ashley Marina provides easy access to the Charleston Historic District and other downtown attractions, and it's just under 2 miles from the cruise port. Amenities include an outdoor pool, a fitness center and free breakfast .

If you're looking for an upscale stay, Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton is an excellent choice (80,000 to 459,000 Hilton Honors points per night). It exudes laid-back luxury with a distinctly Southern style, and the rooftop pool bar area is a prime spot for spectacular views of Charleston's steeple-filled skyline.

Related: Best Hilton credit cards

Marriott hotels near the Port of Charleston

For Marriott Bonvoy loyalists, there's the Courtyard Charleston Waterfront (30,000 to 59,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night), which sits about 3 miles from the cruise port. On certain dates throughout the year, you can also use a Marriott 35,000-point free night certificate to cover a stay here.

Relax by the fire pit, or take a dip in the outdoor waterfront pool. The Bistro is the hotel's only restaurant, but it also serves specialty Starbucks beverages if you can't function without your morning caramel macchiato latte.

For a boutique hotel experience, book a stay at The Lindy Renaissance Charleston Hotel, available from 40,000 to 81,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. An outdoor saltwater pool and upscale on-site dining venues like Vivian Howard's Handy & Hot and Lenoir are among many reasons to overnight here before or after your cruise.

Hyatt hotels near the Port of Charleston

Hyatt Place Charleston/Historic District is a lovely hotel right in the heart of Charleston's historic area and within walking distance of area restaurants, bars and shopping. It also has a rooftop bar area for a nightcap with nice city views. Nights start at 12,000 World of Hyatt points, and your stay includes free breakfast.

Non-points hotels near the Port of Charleston

Charleston teems with hotels that don't participate in traditional loyalty programs. When it comes to those, here are a few of our favorites.

For a mid-mod vibe, check out The Dewberry Charleston. Overlooking Marion Square, the hotel is convenient to King Street shopping, restaurants and historic sites.

Families will love the resort-style vacation atmosphere of The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina. Though not located downtown, it's right on the water, with taxi service from the marina to the city center.

Related: The 18 best hotels in Charleston, from historic inns to modern stays

Restaurants near the Port of Charleston

Charleston lands on many "best foodie destination" lists — and for good reason. Visitors can choose among just-caught seafood, local Lowcountry cuisine and upscale meals from James Beard Award-winning chefs. The Port of Charleston is convenient to the historic downtown area, so cruisers will find a bevy of destination dining and solid local eateries within walking distance or a short taxi ride away.

Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar (186 Concord St.), the place for fresh seafood and waterfront views, is right next door to the cruise port. Head to Poogan's Porch (72 Queen St.) for traditional Southern dishes served in a historic Victorian home (five minutes from the port). Other options within a 10-minute drive of the port include Chubby Fish (252 Coming St.) or local favorites like Rodney Scott's BBQ (1011 King St.) and Cru Cafe (18 Pinckney St.).

Related: Best dining credit cards

Things to do in Charleston before or after your cruise

Charleston tops many "best destinations" lists thanks to its array of historic sites, cultural attractions and natural diversions. If you decide to spend more time in the Holy City before or after your cruise, here are some things to do in Charleston.

Hit the beach

The city of Charleston is on a peninsula surrounded by a harbor, so there's no beach access within its limits. However, if you crave a little extra sand time, you'll find some popular beaches within a fairly short drive.

A little over 9 miles (about 20 minutes) from Charleston, Sullivan's Island is a charming beach town that offers wide beach areas with water sports opportunities (kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing). Peruse local shops, or explore history at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park.

Folly Beach is less than 12 miles (about 21 minutes) from downtown. Its 6 miles of beach provide plenty of room for shelling, surfing or shark-tooth hunting. Or, take a guided kayak tour to Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve for a closer look at the historic Morris Island Lighthouse.

Visit the International African American Museum

This 150,000-square-foot museum houses more than 150 artifacts, artwork and interactive digital exhibits that chronicle the survival and resilience of slaves who likely made their way to Charleston through Gadsden's Wharf, the country's largest slave auction site from 1772 to 1808. The museum resides on that site (Gadsden's Wharf, 14 Wharfside St.).

Explore the aquarium

Cruising with the kids? Families will want to check out the South Carolina Aquarium (100 Aquarium Wharf), less than a mile from the cruise port (about a four-minute drive). The waterfront facility is home to more than 5,000 animals, including rehabilitating sea turtles in the Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery facility. Two touch tanks hold sharks, horseshoe crabs, stingrays and sea stars. The aquarium also hosts daily dive shows and rotating exhibits.

Take in some art

If you're into art, two Charleston museums should definitely be on your radar. The three-story Gibbes Museum of Art (135 Meeting St.) is the oldest museum facility in the South. Here, you'll find a collection of more than 10,000 paintings, sculptures, photographs and furniture.

Head to the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at the College of Charleston (161 Calhoun St.) to peruse innovative works of emerging artists, seasonal shows and rotating exhibits. Admission is free.

Related: How to spend 48 hours in Charleston

Shopping near the Port of Charleston

Pick up last-minute cruise items at Tanger Outlets Charleston (4840 Tanger Outlet Blvd.), about a seven-minute drive from CHS. Harris Teeter (290 East Bay St.) is less than half a mile from the cruise port, should you wish to grab snacks, drinks and other groceries.

If souvenirs or upscale items are on your list, spend some time along Charleston's iconic King Street. Retailers like Free People, Urban Outfitters and Kate Spade line the cobblestone street along with locally owned shops offering jewelry, home goods and Charleston-branded items.

One of the city's most popular attractions is the historic Charleston City Market (188 Meeting St.). The open-air spot showcases local artisans selling paintings, spices and crafts, including hand-woven sweetgrass baskets.

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Charleston Just Told Carnival It Can No Longer Sail Out Of Its Port Starting In 2024, Here’s Why

• News and Tips
• Travel News

South Carolina is saying goodbye to Carnival Cruise Line starting in 2024, and the state is happy to see the company go!

No More Departures 

The South Carolina Ports Authority is ending its deal with Carnival, preventing the cruise line from departing from Charleston. Carnival ships are currently using the Union Pier Terminal for departures and arrivals. A lot of those journeys are short — heading to the Caribbean and back. The state’s decision ends a 14-year contract. Carnival will still be able to use the port, but only for the day. 

Right now, Carnival Sunshine calls Charleston home, and will continue to do so until early 2024. The last cruise from the South Carolina port is scheduled for April 27, 2024. The 5-day sail will stop in Nassau, Bahamas, and the Carnival-owned island of Half Moon Cay before returning to Charleston one last time.

Controlling Tourism

Charleston officials are applauding the state’s decision, citing a large number of cruise departures throughout the year. In addition to limiting cruise departures, the South Carolina Ports Authority is limiting ships to no more than 104 visits per year and no ship can hold more than 3,500 passengers. Charleston’s mayor says eliminating these departures will allow the city to redevelop the Union Pier Terminal and open up more opportunities for city growth and vitality. 

“We’re grateful to the port for taking this critically important step, and we look forward to continuing to work with [South Carolina Ports Authority] to make Union Pier a beautiful and vibrant part of the city of Charleston,” said Mayor John Tecklenburg.

Charleston is following in Key West’s footsteps in limiting cruise departures as a way to control tourism. In 2020, Key West voters approved a measure to severely limit the number of cruise ships allowed to dock there. But, the state of Florida reversed that decision a year later.

Whether you’re heading to Charleston for a cruise or for the weekend this summer, be sure to check out our list of top beaches near Charleston , plus 12 charming vacation rentals .

Amy’s passion for traveling and writing started at a young age. She grew up traveling with her family -- visiting three continents by the time she was 16. She’s always looking for her next trip and isn't happy until she has at least one (or two) on the horizon. She is most fulfilled when she’s exploring new areas like a local and finding good deals on travel and activities.

Amy studied broadcast journalism at the University of Missouri-Columbia. She started her career as a TV news producer in Tulsa and Denver, winning 4 Emmy Awards for her work. She’s also worked in production for HGTV and as a spokeswoman for a small Colorado mountain town.

Amy is married with two young kids. Both kids got their passports before age one, as it’s her goal to instill the travel bug in them from a young age. If you can’t find Amy at an airport, you can find her trying out new restaurants, reading, or running.

The best spot for 8 popular indoor activities in Charleston, South Carolina, according to visitors' reviews

Posted: May 17, 2024 | Last updated: May 17, 2024

Best places for 8 popular indoor activities in Charleston, South Carolina

When the sun is shining and temperatures are warm, it's not too difficult to get out of the house and find something to do, whether it's a simple walk around the block or a day trip to the beach. But when temperatures are lower or rain is trickling down your windows, you're probably more likely to stay inside—and that's true no matter your age.

A 2020 survey of about 1,000 people from the National Recreation and Park Association showed that 58% of U.S. adults are less active in the winter . Similarly, a 2016 study out of the University of Cambridge found that average activity levels among children dropped to their lowest levels in February at about 48 minutes per day compared to 65 minutes per day in April, the peak month for activity.

The good news is there are an increasing number of ways to get out and be active, no matter the season and no matter what level of activity you're looking for. There are the longtime staples to visit year-round, from an awe-inspiring and educational visit to an aquarium or planetarium to a culturally stimulating night at the theater to a trip down memory lane at the bowling alley. For the gamers among you—or for those nostalgic for the 1970s, '80s, and '90s—there's always laser tag or an afternoon at the arcade.

Those looking to exercise their minds a bit more than their muscles could try the more recent sensation: escape rooms, which started captivating Americans of all ages in the mid-2010s. Meanwhile, people who want to sweat it out a bit can try to get into the skyrocketing success of indoor rock climbing, the bouncing business of trampoline parks, and the more adult activity that is ax throwing.

To motivate you to try a new activity this weekend, weather notwithstanding, Stacker compiled a list of the best places for popular indoor activities in Charleston using data from Yelp. Data is as of Feb. 21, 2024. Businesses were selected using Yelp's ranking system, which calculates an adjusted rating value that takes into account the number of ratings as well as the rating score itself.

Arcade: Garage 75

- Rating: 3.9/5 (163 reviews) - Price level: $$ - Address: 1175 Folly Road Charleston, South Carolina - Categories: Bars, American, Arcades - Read more on Yelp

Bowling: The Alley

- Rating: 4.2/5 (163 reviews) - Price level: $$ - Address: 131 Columbus St. Charleston, South Carolina - Categories: New American, Bowling, Sports Bars - Read more on Yelp

Rock climbing: Coastal Climbing

- Rating: 4.3/5 (18 reviews) - Address: 708 King St. Charleston, South Carolina - Categories: Climbing, Yoga, Rock Climbing - Read more on Yelp

Museum: The Best Friend Train Museum

- Rating: 5.0/5 (5 reviews) - Address: 23 Ann St. Charleston, South Carolina - Categories: Museums - Read more on Yelp

Aquarium: South Carolina Aquarium

- Rating: 3.9/5 (380 reviews) - Address: 100 Aquarium Wharf Charleston, South Carolina - Categories: Aquariums - Read more on Yelp

Escape games: Break Out Charleston

- Rating: 4.9/5 (57 reviews) - Address: 18 Leinbach Drive Ste G Charleston, South Carolina - Categories: Escape Games, Team Building Activities - Read more on Yelp

Theater: The Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre

- Rating: 4.6/5 (249 reviews) - Address: 164 Church St. Charleston, South Carolina - Categories: Performing Arts - Read more on Yelp

Trampoline park: Summit Adventure Park

- Rating: 3.5/5 (17 reviews) - Address: 1964 Ashley River Road Charleston, South Carolina - Categories: Trampoline Parks - Read more on Yelp

This story features data reporting by Karim Noorani, writing by Jaimie Etkin, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 251 metros.

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Home Internet

Internet providers in Charleston, SC

Published 5:37 pm ET May 16

Editorial note: This post may contain links to offers and services from which Allconnect receives a commission. The partners and associated compensation do not affect our editorial integrity. Read more about our advertising policy .

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Allconnect’s team of broadband experts regularly reviews the top internet service providers in the U.S., scrutinizing each company under a rigorous scoring system to help our readers make informed internet purchases. We keep our data points accurate and up to date based on thorough research and partnership communications. Our content is not directed by partners. Visit our full methodology page and advertising disclosure to learn more.

Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the oldest cities in the nation. The Holy City was settled in 1670, dating its origins to more than a century before the U.S. established itself as an independent nation. Today, the Charleston metro area is home to more than 800,000 people.

Charleston locals now need something that definitely wasn’t around in the 17th century: high-speed home internet . Charleston internet providers offer home connectivity for anywhere from $9.95/mo. to over $250/mo., with plans for every kind of internet user. Choose from well-established providers like Xfinity, AT&T, T-Mobile and more.

Keep reading for our breakdowns, comparisons and reviews of the top internet service providers in Charleston.

Best internet providers in Charleston, S.C.

• AT&T: Best overall
• Xfinity: Most affordable internet
• EarthLink: Best multi-connection provider
• Viasat: Best satellite internet
• T-Mobile Home Internet: Best 5G internet

Charleston internet comparison

Internet providers in Charleston offer plans that cover the full spectrum of speed, pricing and availability. As you’ll find in the following table, there are options for basic internet at 25 Mbps as well as top-speed fiber connections of 5 GB. 

Here’s an overview of our top picks for Charleston home internet .

Methodology

We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2024. Each provider was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on over a dozen factors, including speed, cost, availability, fees, customer satisfaction, connection type and more. We also used data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compare the average speed offered by internet companies in the U.S. to set a baseline for what is considered a good internet speed. Additionally, we analyzed data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to understand how each internet service provider (ISP) fares in customer service and perceived value. 

How to choose a provider in Charleston

Internet providers offer all sorts of bundles, special deals and additional equipment to woo new customers. Figuring out what matters most can help you sift through the options and choose the best one. Consider these three key factors:

• Connection speed: Speed is obviously an important feature in any home internet plan, but it’s not as simple as saying, “More equals better.” Ultimately, you should pay for only as much speed as you truly need . Gigabit plans are important for high-bandwidth activities like online gaming and 4K streaming, but you can get by with much less for lighter activities like web browsing, emailing and even some streaming.
• Affordability: Of course, you want an internet plan to fit your budget, but doing so involves looking at more than the advertised price. Charleston internet providers often charge fees for installation and equipment, and there are taxes to consider, too. Be sure to read the fine print for a realistic idea of what your monthly bill will be.
• Other benefits: The costs of home internet may not be as big as you think when you consider other perks that come with the plan. Some providers offer free streaming subscriptions, while others offer big discounts for bundling . Weigh these in connection with any costs to get a clear picture of overall value. 

Charleston internet provider reviews

At&t – best overall.

AT&T is a top internet provider with service in 22 states, including South Carolina. Its fiber service is among the best, with speeds of up to 5 GB in many areas and a proven track record of customer service. Pricing is straightforward, as your monthly cost has equipment built. Plans have no data caps, contracts or early termination fees.

Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.

Read our full AT&T review . 

Xfinity – Most affordable internet

Xfinity’s cable network is blended with fiber lines. It’s not a true fiber connection, but it offers impressive download speeds of up to 1,200 Mbps. The company also has some of the lowest starting prices, but beware of installation and equipment fees, plus steep jumps in price after your promotional period ends. Xfinity offers significant savings through bundling home internet, phone, TV and security.

Overall score: 3.9 out of 5.

Read our full Xfinity review .

EarthLink – Best multi-connection provider

EarthLink is one of the few internet service providers in Charleston to offer several different connection types. Depending on where you live, you may have access to fixed wireless , satellite or even fiber plans of up to 5 GB. Plan prices stay steady even after the first year, and there are no data caps.

Overall score: 3.75 out of 5.

Read our full EarthLink review . 

Viasat – Best satellite internet

If you live outside the Charleston metro area, you may have fewer options for home internet. Satellite providers like Viasat offer service even in remote areas, but the connection speed is much slower than some other options. Note that Viasat requires a satellite dish on your property, and your initial pricing will increase after 90 days.

Overall score: 2.1 out of 5.

Read our full Viasat review . 

T-Mobile Home Internet – Best 5G internet

T-Mobile currently boasts the largest 5G network in the country, and it’s making that network available for more and more homes in the Charleston area. Download speeds can be as fast as 245 Mbps, and there are no data caps. You’ll pay a device connection fee of $35 to get started, but pricing is as low as $40/mo. if you bundle it with a cell phone plan.

Read our full T-Mobile review .

Cheap internet in Charleston, SC

Home internet in Charleston doesn’t have to cost more than a night out. There are a variety of cheap internet plans available from Charleston internet providers — even as low as $9.95/mo. from Xfinity. Viasat and AT&T also offer low starting prices, and AT&T’s basic plan is fast enough for many home internet users.

Fastest internet in Charleston, SC

There’s plenty of speed and bandwidth available from Charleston internet providers — as long as you’re willing to pay for it. The fastest fiber plans reach 5 GB, but they do get pricey. Xfinity’s cable plans offer a nice compromise between speed and affordability, with up to 1,200 Mbps at only $85/mo.

Charleston internet technology

When comparing home Wi-Fi plans, it’s important to understand how each technology affects overall performance. Depending on your location, you can choose from at least some of the following in Charleston:

• Fiber internet: For top speed and performance, nothing beats fiber-optic internet connections . You’ll get synchronous upload and download speeds that can far exceed 1 GB, making this technology perfect for fast-paced activities like online gaming. The only downside is that fiber networks have yet to reach a significant number of U.S. homes. In Charleston, fiber only reaches about 59% of residences.
• Cable: Cable networks have been around longer than fiber, so they’re much more widely available, especially in urban areas. They offer gigabit download speeds, but upload speeds lag far behind. As long as you don’t have 20+ connected devices, cable connections are generally up to the task for most high-speed activities.
• Fixed wireless: Broadband wireless providers are increasingly adding home internet services to their plans, making high-speed 5G connections available for home use. Some of these plans compete with cable speeds, and they’re even available in some areas where cable isn’t. However, high demand in your area at certain times of the day can bog down connectivity.
• DSL: These connections use phone lines to transmit internet data, and they’re much slower than the previous options. Few providers still offer DSL , but AT&T still uses it in Charleston where fiber isn’t yet available.
• Satellite: Like DSL, satellite internet is much slower than options like cable or fiber. Unlike DSL, it’s available almost anywhere, making it the only choice for some customers in remote areas.

Charleston internet FAQs

What is the best internet provider in charleston, s.c..

The best provider in Charleston depends on what you need and what’s available in your particular neighborhood. AT&T offers the fastest and best connection overall, but its fiber services aren’t available everywhere. Because it’s widely available, affordable and reasonably fast, Xfinity will also be a top choice for many Charleston residents.

Does Charleston have Spectrum?

Spectrum has limited internet coverage in Charleston and the surrounding area. For cable internet, providers like Xfinity or WOW! are more widely available.

Does South Carolina have fiber internet?

Yes, you can get fiber from several internet service providers in Charleston. Compare plans from AT&T, EarthLink and Home Telecom.

This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct . The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.

Luke Daugherty is a freelance writer, editor, and former operations manager. His work covers a wide range of topics, including streaming and internet tech, green energy, and personal finance. His work, bylined and ghostwritten, has appeared in The Balance, CNET, CIO Magazine, Entrepreneur, and more.

Hannah Whatley is an editor who enjoys collaborating with writers to offer readers the most relevant, accurate, and up-to-date information for their home purchases. She has previously edited for The Motley Fool, The Modest Wallet, Grammarly, JoinCake.com and SaveOnEnergy.com, gaining expertise in several industries. Hannah has a B.A. in English from Thomas Edison State University. When she isn’t editing, she enjoys studying linguistics and languages.

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