South Carolina Ports Ends Carnival Cruise Line Partnership After 14 Years
After nearly 14 years of collaboration, Carnival Cruise Line is officially ending its status as a homeport in Charleston, South Carolina. This week marks the conclusion of a longstanding partnership between Carnival and the South Carolina Ports Authority, with the Carnival Sunshine making its final voyage to and from Union Pier Terminal.
The End of an Era
Carnival Cruise Line began its Charleston operations in 2010, but the contract between the cruise line and the South Carolina Ports Authority will not be renewed. In 2022, both parties agreed to end the agreement to pave the way for redevelopment of the Union Pier Terminal.
The Carnival Sunshine departed from Charleston on Monday for its last voyage, set to return on Saturday.
Impact on Charleston’s Maritime Industry
Liz Crumley, Director of Corporate Communications for the South Carolina Ports Authority, reflected on the significance of this partnership.
“Carnival has been a great customer, and SC Ports is appreciative of the long-term relationship we’ve built. They provided a popular product that positively impacted the maritime industry—not just for the port, but for harbor pilots, the International Longshoremen’s Association, and beyond,” Crumley said.
While Charleston will still see some cruise ships docking for day visits, no cruises will begin or end at Union Pier going forward.
A New Vision for Charleston’s Waterfront
The Historic Charleston Foundation has been actively involved in discussions surrounding the future of Union Pier. Communications Manager Liza Holian expressed excitement about the redevelopment opportunities and the benefits they could bring to the city.
“This change is a chance to reimagine Charleston as a destination that promotes economic growth and sustainability,” Holian said.
Holian highlighted several challenges Charleston faces, such as rising sea levels, frequent flooding, and a housing shortage, emphasizing that using Union Pier as a large parking lot was no longer practical.
“Transitioning from its current use will reduce traffic and free up valuable waterfront property for smarter development. This is a positive step forward for Charleston,” she added.
Looking Ahead
While plans for the redevelopment of Union Pier Terminal remain unclear, the South Carolina Ports Authority is working closely with local buyers, the city, and the community to determine its future use.
Holian noted the potential for Union Pier’s transformation to better support Charleston’s economy and environment.
“This shift aligns with the foundation’s vision for sustainability—economically and environmentally—while ensuring that the benefits of redevelopment stay within Charleston. Reduced traffic, less parking overflow, and a better use of prime waterfront land will improve the quality of life for residents and enhance Charleston’s appeal as a destination,” Holian explained.
The departure of Carnival Cruise Line marks the beginning of a new chapter for Union Pier and Charleston’s historic peninsula, with opportunities to create a more sustainable and vibrant future for the city.
