Why Charleston??

[cbhbutler]

Ive been out of charleston 4 times and will again in september to make 5... charleston can be a PITA, but there is easy ways around the fuss... if you drive into port, its a pain, (every time) and parking is usually around $75.. if you get shuttled in (like thru a hotel park/cruise package that is $115 and u get a night in a room b4 the cruise) its very easy to get on the boat as they will drop you off exactly where u need to be..seems like once you actually get inside the terminal its very quick. ive never waited more than 20 minutes to get on the boat... i always use self debark as i can tote the luggage to get off the ship and that makes it very easy.. just watch the tv till your deck is called and go...one day the people of charleston will quit with the fuss and carnival will donate to improve the port.. ONE DAY...

[Seago2]

LOL! and I love Baltimore super easy. driving 9 hours on Thursday to sail out of Charleston on Friday. 2nd time so at least I already know what to expect. I get there early and leave super early (for the long drive home)

 

Have fun! We leave the 18th. 12 hour drive and then staying at a Holiday Inn and taking their shuttle to the port. Bon Voyage! :)

[terrygbennett]

if you drive into port, its a pain, (every time) and parking is usually around $75.. if you get shuttled in (like thru a hotel park/cruise package that is $115 and u get a night in a room b4 the cruise) ...

 

Just one note - If you have a handicap sticker (my father-in-law traveled with us last time) - parking is free in Charleston!

[missdebi]

Looks like I am in the minority love Charleston and do not see all the fuss.....yes it is a totally different process but the end result is the same you are on a cruise. The port is very small and in a congested area but once you do it it makes sense. The reason for the shuttles--- if you notice you pass over a body of water to get to the actual port facility that is the reason for the shuttle federal regulations. The port parking is testy because again congested area they must empty it before they can fill it. We always go down the night before and taxi over- much easier. And I do agree every other port we have sailed from is easier but that does not factor into our cruise decisions. Now having a cruise facility here in Wilmington.......that would be nice but it will never happen.

[cruzeluver]

the silent debark (has nothing to do with the terminal it's a CCL thing)

 

The silent debarkation is done because there are people who live very, very close to the port and did not like hearing all of the debarkation announcements starting at 7:00 in the morning.

[Eng23]

"I don't understand the (very few) people in Charleston who are against Carnival building a new state of the art terminal to replace the eyesore that is currently there!"

 

 

Because those very few people do not want Carnival or any other cruise line in Charleston period! They prefer to keep their "eyesore" there in hopes the cruise industry will leave their city for good. If I was Carnival I would make their wish come true and pull out and go to a port that wants Carnival's business!

[Eng23]

I think the cruises out of Charleston are more expensive because the taxes and fees are higher than other ports. At least that's what I've read/heard. I can't wait for our cruise on the Fantasy this October. Who cares if it's a bit of a hassle getting on board. Once you are on the boat, you are on vacation!

 

It's also due to a lack of competition. No other cruise lines are based out of Charleston. Other lines do occasionally stop there as a port call but they do not have cruise's that are based out of there.

[Eng23]

Charleston makes more money. That is a good sign for security for a cruise ship there regardless what some here may say.

 

This is considered a "monopoly". And no it is not always a good sign of security for a cruise ship. If taxes and fees the cruise line has to pay stay high or go higher the cruise line will say bye bye and go somewhere else to maximize their profit.

 

Example: Mobile, Alabama.

Edited August 6, 2014 by Eng23

[kybluecruiser]

This is considered a "monopoly". And no it is not always a good sign of security for a cruise ship. If taxes and fees the cruise line has to pay stay high or go higher the cruise line will say bye bye and go somewhere else to maximize their profit.

 

Example: Mobile, Alabama.

 

True but from my searches the fare is higher. A higher fare means there is demand. If you look at cruises that use to leave from mobile and the fare was quiet bit lower then Nola or Tampa. If you do a mock booking the port taxes look about the same.

[Ship's Wake]

I can see Charleston being just another Carnival cast off in a few years. They need to think long and hard before they lay out huge sums for a new terminal.

 

Agreed. Carnival has demonstrated in the past that they will drop a departure port at a whim.

[Ship's Wake]

No competition there .

 

 

 

That's also the reason they use their oldest ship there - no other options for customers to choose from.

 

No way the put the Fantasy in a more competitive market like FLL/MIA.

Edited August 6, 2014 by oysterdam

[NCTribeFan]

I honestly don't know what you people are talking about. The port is NOT horrible.

 

I've sailed on her several times from Charleston and I've never had an issue with either embarking or disembarking. I've used drop off, hotel shuttles, and parking on various occasions.

 

They do an excellent job with what they have. Seriously. They do. In fact, the way they shuttle people to the small terminal helps keeps the lines flowing along smoothly. Otherwise, they'd have mobs arriving at once and nowhere to put them. And I absolutely LOVE the silent disembarkation. Do you really need someone yelling at you over the speaker telling you it's OK for you to disembark? You can't read the info that's given to you to see what time your number is listed? :rolleyes:

 

The only thing I don't like is having to drag my bags from the terminal back down to the taxi/shuttle area. But if I weren't so cheap, I could pay a porter to do it. Getting on the shuttle back over to the parking building is simple and quick, too.

 

Considering the fact that she's the oldest ship in the fleet - I think she's in fantastic shape. I love that class ship. I don't need a big tv. I don't need a specialty restaurant. I don't need 2.0 upgrades. But I do appreciate having a port to which I can drive in less than 1/2 a day!

 

Stop whining, people! If you don't like Fantasy or Charleston or the port terminal, sail from somewhere else! I'll happily continue to sail her! In fact, it's been almost a year and I miss her terribly. Had she been included in the Casino offer I just got, I'd be sailing her again soon.

[cruzeluver]

I did not do any price comparison to other ships before booking, so I'm surprised to see that Fantasy is commanding higher fares than other ships in her class. We paid less than $75 a day per person for an ocean view! That is ridiculously inexpensive.

[kybluecruiser]

I honestly don't know what you people are talking about. The port is NOT horrible.

 

I've sailed on her several times from Charleston and I've never had an issue with either embarking or disembarking. I've used drop off, hotel shuttles, and parking on various occasions.

 

They do an excellent job with what they have. Seriously. They do. In fact, the way they shuttle people to the small terminal helps keeps the lines flowing along smoothly. Otherwise, they'd have mobs arriving at once and nowhere to put them. And I absolutely LOVE the silent disembarkation. Do you really need someone yelling at you over the speaker telling you it's OK for you to disembark? You can't read the info that's given to you to see what time your number is listed? :rolleyes:

 

The only thing I don't like is having to drag my bags from the terminal back down to the taxi/shuttle area. But if I weren't so cheap, I could pay a porter to do it. Getting on the shuttle back over to the parking building is simple and quick, too.

 

Considering the fact that she's the oldest ship in the fleet - I think she's in fantastic shape. I love that class ship. I don't need a big tv. I don't need a specialty restaurant. I don't need 2.0 upgrades. But I do appreciate having a port to which I can drive in less than 1/2 a day!

 

Stop whining, people! If you don't like Fantasy or Charleston or the port terminal, sail from somewhere else! I'll happily continue to sail her! In fact, it's been almost a year and I miss her terribly. Had she been included in the Casino offer I just got, I'd be sailing her again soon.

 

Agree!!!! Is charleston differnt? You bet! However it isnt that bad.

[Linerguy]

I was just in Charleston in June and, one day, VISION OF THE SEAS was making a call. Businesses were loving every minute of it as the shops and restaurants were jammed with passengers spending money.

 

The next day the FANTASY was there. Again, the place was booming. I understand that Charleston is a pretty happening city, but one of the vendors I talked to said that most people love the cruise ship business. The only negative thing I saw was a few signs in people's yards that had a picture of a whale tail with a circle and line through it. Other than that, nothing.

[sc_cruizer]

I honestly don't know what you people are talking about. The port is NOT horrible.

 

I've sailed on her several times from Charleston and I've never had an issue with either embarking or disembarking. I've used drop off, hotel shuttles, and parking on various occasions.

 

They do an excellent job with what they have. Seriously. They do. In fact, the way they shuttle people to the small terminal helps keeps the lines flowing along smoothly. Otherwise, they'd have mobs arriving at once and nowhere to put them. And I absolutely LOVE the silent disembarkation. Do you really need someone yelling at you over the speaker telling you it's OK for you to disembark? You can't read the info that's given to you to see what time your number is listed? :rolleyes:

 

The only thing I don't like is having to drag my bags from the terminal back down to the taxi/shuttle area. But if I weren't so cheap, I could pay a porter to do it. Getting on the shuttle back over to the parking building is simple and quick, too.

 

Considering the fact that she's the oldest ship in the fleet - I think she's in fantastic shape. I love that class ship. I don't need a big tv. I don't need a specialty restaurant. I don't need 2.0 upgrades. But I do appreciate having a port to which I can drive in less than 1/2 a day!

 

Stop whining, people! If you don't like Fantasy or Charleston or the port terminal, sail from somewhere else! I'll happily continue to sail her! In fact, it's been almost a year and I miss her terribly. Had she been included in the Casino offer I just got, I'd be sailing her again soon.

I completely agree. I love Fantasy and are going on her for the 4th time in November. We were on the Sunshine in June and we prefer the Fantasy class. I love the fact that there is no BIG screen and no extra specialty bars on lido, to me those took up too much deck space. Charleston is a bit confusing but not bad once you know what is going on. LOVE the Fantasy..Hope she doesn't leave anytime soon. Looking at booking again for Nov. next year.:D

[Buck64]

I honestly don't know what you people are talking about. The port is NOT horrible.

 

I've sailed on her several times from Charleston and I've never had an issue with either embarking or disembarking. I've used drop off, hotel shuttles, and parking on various occasions.

 

They do an excellent job with what they have. Seriously. They do. In fact, the way they shuttle people to the small terminal helps keeps the lines flowing along smoothly. Otherwise, they'd have mobs arriving at once and nowhere to put them. And I absolutely LOVE the silent disembarkation. Do you really need someone yelling at you over the speaker telling you it's OK for you to disembark? You can't read the info that's given to you to see what time your number is listed? :rolleyes:

 

The only thing I don't like is having to drag my bags from the terminal back down to the taxi/shuttle area. But if I weren't so cheap, I could pay a porter to do it. Getting on the shuttle back over to the parking building is simple and quick, too.

 

Considering the fact that she's the oldest ship in the fleet - I think she's in fantastic shape. I love that class ship. I don't need a big tv. I don't need a specialty restaurant. I don't need 2.0 upgrades. But I do appreciate having a port to which I can drive in less than 1/2 a day!

 

Stop whining, people! If you don't like Fantasy or Charleston or the port terminal, sail from somewhere else! I'll happily continue to sail her! In fact, it's been almost a year and I miss her terribly. Had she been included in the Casino offer I just got, I'd be sailing her again soon.

 

I have nothing against the Fantasy....Loved the ship. Just didn't care for the terminal. Cannot understand why some locals are complaining /fighting against a new terminal.

[my2monkees]

I have nothing against the Fantasy....Loved the ship. Just didn't care for the terminal. Cannot understand why some locals are complaining /fighting against a new terminal.

 

 

It's not the true locals but the notherners who moved their and pretend to be locals. the true locals want the ships. Charleston has ALWAYS been a port city.

[bingo3]

I agree, don't know what all the fuss is about, I did not think it was that bad. I can find things wrong with every embarkation/debarkation I have been on. Why would silent debarkation bother anyone? Really???

 

The bus from parking to the terminal is for security reasons, not allowed to walk. Didn't bother me at all.

 

Oh well, I guess to each his own. I can put up with a few inconveniences to save hours of driving & hotel rooms, or flying for that matter.

I personally thought the Port Canaveral port was awful. After debarkation, was a nightmare trying to find out where to be picked up. People everywhere and mass confusion! We had an easier time in Manhattan! But, as I said, can find issues anywhere.

[OCruisers]

It's not the true locals but the notherners who moved their and pretend to be locals. the true locals want the ships. Charleston has ALWAYS been a port city.

 

Actually, many native born South Carolinians from families who were here before the American Revolution have very mixed feeling about a new port for cruise ships in Charleston.

Certainly, Charleston is and always has been a port city ... for cargo/freight vessels which will always be wanted. Trade and commerce is quite different from tourism.

LuLu

[kybluecruiser]

Actually, many native born South Carolinians from families who were here before the American Revolution have very mixed feeling about a new port for cruise ships in Charleston.

Certainly, Charleston is and always has been a port city ... for cargo/freight vessels which will always be wanted. Trade and commerce is quite different from tourism.

LuLu

 

Maybe true but i cant understand is they rather look at old rusty buildings instead of a new cruise terminal with plenty of green spaces and new parks

[Crunchymom]

How does the shuttle bus work? Are there multiple buses? Running times? How far is parking to the building the bus takes you to?

[kybluecruiser]

How does the shuttle bus work? Are there multiple buses? Running times? How far is parking to the building the bus takes you to?

 

Mutiple buses run until all people are to the ship. Parking buildings are right across the street.

[unc1acc]

If I recall correctly, a judge threw out the case brought against the Port Authority/Carnival so plans for the new terminal could proceed. That was just a few months ago where I read that. Hope that stays true because while I didn't mind the process, it'd be nice to have a new terminal. I've boarded within 15-20 of arriving to terminal and always self-disembark so my luggage is always with me and I'm off the ship as soon as customs allows. Then right off to taxi stand, no problem. I enjoyed the port, especially since Charleston is just a few hours away.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Cruise Critic Forums mobile app

[EZ4]

If I recall correctly, a judge threw out the case brought against the Port Authority/Carnival so plans for the new terminal could proceed. That was just a few months ago where I read that. Hope that stays true because while I didn't mind the process, it'd be nice to have a new terminal. I've boarded within 15-20 of arriving to terminal and always self-disembark so my luggage is always with me and I'm off the ship as soon as customs allows. Then right off to taxi stand, no problem. I enjoyed the port, especially since Charleston is just a few hours away.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Cruise Critic Forums mobile app

 

As I understand it, the lawsuits were thrown out, but the previous EIS was also rendered obsolete, so they have to start from scratch with a new EIS which could take a couple of years to complete. The whole process of studies and approvals has to take place all over again.