Port of Charleston

Would have checked in here but it wasn’t letting me. Decent port area. Better that it is really close (walking distance) to tons of restaurants and shops.

As I love walking waterfront and port areas, I took a walk around the Port of Charleston. It affords a rather interesting stroll but make no mistake about it. It’s not at all like the Port of Miami or Port Everglades of Fort Lauderdale in that is first of all and primarily a commercial, not a cruise ship port. You won’t see any long lines of vacationers attempting to catch their cruise ships or the stacked rows of cruise ships awaiting passengers. It does handle cruise ships, it just isn’t a standard port of call for them and not all that popular. Though it is the deepest water port in the southeast it only ranks a distant 8^th in cargo value.
I took a boat ride out into the harbor area and found the views rather striking. Some of the areas around it are of great historic interest, but unlike most waterfront areas not exactly bustling with restaurants, souvenir shops or waterfront activities.

First time at this terminal, not really sure what to expect. The check-​in process was a pain, especially after you check-​in from the security guard, and then you have to pass so many check points before getting onto the shuttle bus and finally getting onto the ship itself after putting a credit card on-​file with the staff for any extra charges you will be making on the ship. It is a pain, but it’s for safety issue and everyone all have to do it, not just yourself.
Overall speed was good, much better than going through airport security with TSA. One thing I don’t understand is why you need to have your phones off and you can’t take any pictures?

Came through here for a cruise and was amazed at the efficiency and organization of all involved with getting my family and the 2000+ other cruise ship passengers through security and onboard. Also the luggage handlers here are incredibly nice and helpful, be sure to tip them well! :)

You are going to have to explain this one to me City of Charleston… This is a review of the Port of Charleston for embarking cruises.
Out of my 7 cruises this port made no sense. I think they have their intentions in the right place but please take a field trip to Ft. Lauderdale, Long Beach, Seattle, Galveston… any of the major cruise ports. You are forced to take an extremely round about route to the massive parking lot in front of the ship that is used as a line. Even if you are just being dropped off be prepared to have your valet sit in a 30 minute security line, ID’s checked and snake around a massive blacktop just to get to a tent to unload your luggage.
Now here is the kicker, after you finally get through this very long line and get your luggage out, you walk to a shuttle where you are taken on a 30 second, I really mean 30 SECOND, ride to the very front of the terminal building. It makes no sense, it would be a 2 minute walk. How much is that costing the port and being passed on to the passengers? Once inside security is done first, as opposed to every other port where you check in first so they can get everyone inside the building. Instead of a 5 minute deal for my Aunt to drop us off it was over an hour. Why not just have a drop off lot like the other terminals & airports in the world?
There is talk of Charleston building a new cruise ship terminal and that is an untapped market for the major cruise lines. It is a great city, but you guys need to do some rethinking of this, at least until you hopefully build a new terminal. New terminal = new cruise lines embarking which = millions into the Charleston economy.