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!
Click here to download this infographic as a PDF
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:
- Cabin
- Entertainment
- Dining
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
- Grand Turk
- Amber Cove
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:
| Room Type | Cost per person |
| Interior Room | $819 |
| Ocean View Room | $929 |
| Balcony Room | $1079 |
| Suite | $1549 |
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:
- Wilmington
- Norfolk
- Michaels
- And more
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:
- Aruba
- Bonaire
- Grand Turk
- 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!
