CCL Carnival Cruise Line Ends Charleston Homeporting: Sunshine Ship Moves to Norfolk, VA

Carnival Cruise Line has announced the termination of its operations in Charleston, South Carolina, culminating with the final departure of the Carnival Sunshine on December 30, 2024. The ship was first relocated to Charleston in 2019, representing the most modern cruise vessel to have operated from this port.

Initially, Carnival emphasized the strategic significance of Charleston in its operational plan, highlighting its proximity to major urban centers along the East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico. With 20 homeports across North America, Carnival aimed to make cruising accessible, stating that nearly half of the U.S. population is within driving distance of a departure port.

Carnival has been serving Charleston since 2010, but with the expiration of its contract with Port Charleston and the decision by city officials not to renew their agreement, the cruise line made the call to cease operations there. Moving forward, the Carnival Sunshine will be repositioned to Norfolk, Virginia, marking the beginning of year-round sailings from the Half Moone Cruise Terminal.

Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, expressed her enthusiasm for the move, noting the importance of the ship in enhancing services from Norfolk. She mentioned the efforts made to shift from seasonal to year-round operations, aiming to open bookings for 2025 and allow Southeastern USA guests to plan future cruise experiences.

For more information, visit Carnival Cruise Line.

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