Port of Charleston — Local services in Charleston

Visiting the Port of Charleston and stepping aboard the magnificent Oceania Vista was truly an unforgettable experience. From the very first moment, it was clear that everything about this journey was designed to impress, delight, and inspire.

The Port of Charleston was exceptionally well organized — clean, efficient, and welcoming. The staff were professional, attentive, and made the entire process effortless. The warm hospitality of the port staff truly set the tone for the refined experience that awaited on board.

As for the Oceania Vista, it is absolutely breathtaking — a true floating masterpiece of elegance and sophistication. Every detail, from the stunning decor to the impeccable service, exudes luxury. I was immediately captivated by the ship’s design: modern yet timeless, inviting yet impossibly grand. The Vista perfectly balances contemporary beauty with an atmosphere of relaxed luxury, and it’s clear that every element was thoughtfully curated for discerning travelers.

One detail that truly captured my heart was the dining experience. Meals were served on authentic Versace plates, adding a level of opulence that is rare to find even in the finest hotels and restaurants around the world. Every dish was a work of art, offering not only outstanding flavor but also impeccable presentation. It’s these types of thoughtful touches that elevate Oceania Cruises to the very top tier of luxury experiences.

And for those who appreciate the finer things — a little hidden gem: you must try the “Crema” coffee with a shot of espresso. This off-the-menu treat was a revelation: rich, smooth, and truly indulgent. It’s the kind of special touch that isn’t widely advertised but feels like a secret among those “in the know,” and it perfectly embodies the understated elegance that Oceania offers. I savored every sip and can honestly say it was one of the best coffee experiences I’ve ever had.

The staff aboard the Vista were exceptional — warm, polished, and truly dedicated to making every guest feel special. Every interaction, whether in the lounges, dining rooms, or cafés, was marked by genuine kindness and attention to detail.

If you are seeking an experience that blends world-class service, breathtaking beauty, and true luxury, I cannot recommend the Port of Charleston and Oceania Cruises highly enough. Every moment spent aboard the Vista is a moment spent wrapped in luxury and grace. I will be enthusiastically recommending this experience to my business partners, friends, and family, and I am already dreaming of returning for...

Not really a review but an experience , after disembarking from the carnival ship everyone was getting on a shuttle to the parking area ...i was informed by a gentleman that i needed too hand over a bag so it can be placed in the storage ....my wifes cpap was connected too the bag i informed the person that i need to carry this with me instead of under the bus ....while i was talking, to my side i hear "welcome to charleston city" ....i brush it off because i need to explain to the guy this bag needs to go with me ...i reach down to unhook the bags conected to each other ....yet again i hear " welcome to charleston city" so i hand the bag over to the gentleman and hold on to my cpap and turn as i am turning i hear again " welcome to charleston city" i look the person in the eyes confused and i look down and noticed dollars bills in his hands displayed like a japanese fan that i guess he uses to fan himself ....he says again " welcome to charleston city again" while im looking at the dollar bill fan.

At this point i had no idea who this clown was , i never saw him touch a bag of any kind and have no idea what he thought he did to deserve getting a tip .

So i just walked off.

On the other side of the shuttle trip ,he was walking around doing nothing but walking up to people waving his dollar bill fan .

All i can gather is he somehow stowed abroad from nassau,and was trying to make alittle cash before...

We personally did not have any problems at/with the Port of Charleston when cruising on the Carnival Sunshine. However, there was a fellow cruise passenger who had they’re SUV run over by a train in the parking lot because they were parked on the tracks. I don’t understand how this happened since there were attendants in the parking lot directing us where to park. Why didn’t someone notice the vehicle on the track before we set sail since there were people there responsible for us on where to park our cars $21/day. There were no issues with us, but I saw the damaged SUV that had been pushed off the tracks by the train with the front end and left side all smashed as I was leaving the port to go home. Other than that, we had nor saw any other issues at the port. Oh, the price to park is only a few dollars more than local parking garages and is convenient to the cruise terminal for embarking and...