charleston ?s

[sgrissom]

We'll be spending the day in Charleston during our Oct cruise. We prefer to do excursions on our own but occasionally take those that are ship-sponsored.
Wondering what others have enjoyed doing in Charleston. We enjoy history, shopping, and active pursuits. We'd really like to see Ft Sumpter and wonder if this is something we should attempt on our own given that it involves a boat trip.
Any and all advice is appreciated.
Thanks.

Galaxy 10/04
Galaxy 3/04
Summit 3/03
Spirit 3/02
Magic 8/00
Magic 8/99
Magic 8/98

[Loop]

Try this site. [url]http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g54171-Activities-Charleston_South_Carolina.html[/url]

[geocruiser]

Hi,

We were on the Galaxy a couple of years ago which was a ten night round trip from Charleston. If they still dock at the same pier you will be very close to every thing.
You should be able to walk to the boat which goes to the Fort. There is alot to see. Most of it you can do your self by foot.

[url="http://www.charlestoncvb.com/visitors/index.shtml"]http://www.charlestoncvb.com/visitors/index.shtml[/url]

Geo

[This message was edited by geocruiser on 04-07-04 at 12:24 AM.]

[sgrissom]

Thanks Loop and Geo

Galaxy 10/04
Galaxy 3/04
Summit 3/03
Spirit 3/02
Magic 8/00
Magic 8/99
Magic 8/98

[excitedofharpenden]

sgrissom

Last year we took a trip to the Boone Plantation and really enjoyed the house there and listening to the stories about the cotton trade and the slave labour. The trip wasn't too long and this gave us time to walk into Charleston for a beer and a look around the shops. We thought Charleston was a smashing place. I'm sure you'll enjoy it [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Phil

Mercury Western Caribbean November 2002
Galaxy Eastern Caribbean November 2003

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;11;13;18;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600[/img]
Until Galaxy Panama Canal Out Of Galveston
13th November 2004

[JOE I]

Charleston is my favorite city.We go about 5 times per year and my wife went to college there.Here is a little advice.The Galaxy will dock right downtown in the historic district.
Fort Sumter: the tour boats leave from the new complex at the SC Aquarium (very nice). This is up East Bay Street and probably about 2 miles. you can easily take a cab or the DASH Shuttle.Keep in mind them their Yankees blew the fort to pieces during the War of Northern Agression so yo will only see parts of the original fort.But , Hey it is History!

The historic district: Walk a block or 2 to the Market.the Market is full of small shops, restaurants, craft stalls, and the Confererate Museum.Carriage tours alsl leave from the Market and are a neat way to see Charleston.Most of the historic streets run south to the Battery from the Market. Walking is the best way to see the "real' Charleston and dont worry about getting lost. All of the locals will help you-Charleston is ALWAYS voted the most mannerly city in the nation.Walk down historic Meeting Street--tour St. Michael's church and the beautiful Nathanel Russel House Museum. Meeting ends at the Battery and White Point Gardens.The Edmonston Alston Museum House is at the Battery.Walk back up beautiful little Church Street.Tour the Heyward Washington House Museum, Dock Street Theatre, and St. Phillips Church and graveyard.There are many parks, restaurants and shops throughout the historic district just waiting to be discovered.Try luch at Hymans Seafood, Bocci (Italion) or 82 Queen (low country).Charleston will be beautful in October.One word of warning---Many people find themselves HOOKED on the Holy City after just one visit.Enjoy,
Joe

Commodore Caribe 9/89
Oceanic 11/95 10/96 10/97 10/98
Dolphin 4 11/98
Sovereign 10/99 3/00
Monarch 11/01
Sensation 9/02
Galaxy 2/03
Zaandam 3/03
Grand Princess 11/03
Horizon 9/04

[sgrissom]

Thanks, Phil, the plantation sounds interesting.
Boy, Joe, I really hit the gold mine with you!! Thanks for all the advice. When you say to "walk a block or two to the historic district" do you mean from the Ft Sumpter shuttle dock or from the cruise ship dock? Walking's no problem, just trying to get my bearings. I suppose I should get a map!
And is the confederate museum the one that's run by the Daughters of the Confederacy? That sounds great too.
And what sort of cuisine is "low country?" How about a restaurant with great southern cooking?
Thanks again to everybody.
Sally

Galaxy 10/04
Galaxy 3/04
Summit 3/03
Spirit 3/02
Magic 8/00
Magic 8/99
Magic 8/98

[geoherb]

We had lunch at SNOB--Slightly North of Broad. It was wonderful.

[url="http://www.charleston.net/top20/"]Here's a link[/url] to the top 20 restaurants in Charleston. A co-worker loves Magnolias.

We spent three days there after Christmas a couple of years ago. We enjoyed walking tours, the South Carolina Aquarium, and going to Middleton Place--one of the plantations about 15 miles from Charleston. Our lunch there was also wonderful.

Another day trip from Charleston was our visit to [url="http://www.mepkinabbey.org/"]Mepkin Abbey.[/url]

[JOE I]

Sally,
The cruise ship dock is right in front of the US Customs House (large gray building).The Market area is right behind the Customs House,about a 2-3 block walk from the ship.The boats to Sumter are at the new SC Aquarium,about 2 miles up East Bay Street-walkable but I would just hop on the DASH shuttle (looks like a trolley) for a buck.The boat ride to Sumter is neat but if i was short on time, I would spend it in the Historic district.Yes, The Confederate Museum is run by the Daughters of the Confederacy and is a must see for Civil War buffs.It is now back home in Market Hall at the end of the Market and Meeting Street.Hugo did a number on the building and it took years to restore.Our favorite "Low Country: restaurant is 82 Queen on Queen Street(naturally). They are always voted the best city restaurent in the South by Southern Living.Walk down Meeting Street to Queen St. at the Mill's House Hotel.Go right on Queen, and 82 Queen is just past Elliot House Inn (our little spot in Charleston).You can dine in the courtyard or in one of the dining rooms in one of the old homes.My wife loves the She Crab soup and crab cakes.I love the BBQ shrimp and grits. Lunch should be about $14 each.You can pick up a Dining Guide all around town that will have a coupon for free She Crab with your entree.Elliot House will have them in the office and 82 Queen is usually inside the front cover. Touring the museum homes runs about $6-8 each.I would walk to the Battery and make sure to walk back up Church Street (the prettiest street in America).Every home and building is pre Civil War.Be sure and visit the churches. Most are open and only require a small donation.St Michaels and St Phillps are must sees.Maps are available everywhere downtown and if you are lost-just ask anyone for directions. You will never be more than 10 blocks or so from the ship.The Historic District is very safe for walking.Get out and explore and fall in love with Charleston!
Joe

Commodore Caribe 9/89
Oceanic 11/95 10/96 10/97 10/98
Dolphin 4 11/98
Sovereign 10/99 3/00
Monarch 11/01
Sensation 9/02
Galaxy 2/03
Zaandam 3/03
Grand Princess 11/03
Horizon 9/04

[JOE I]

Sally,
There are basically only 4 main streets running North and South in Historic Charleston.They are East Bay,Church, Meeting, and King.South on any of them will eventually end up at the Battery at Charleston Harbor.I believe the ship docks just off Concord Street and East Bay is the next street.You will find the Exchange Building at East Bay and Broad and the world famous Rainbow Row is only about a block down from the Exchange Building.Broad and Queen Streets run diagonally across the Historic District and cross East Bay, Church, Meeting, and King.Shopping is great on King Street and in the Market.Just pick up one of the many free maps available in the Market area and go see Charleston.
Joe

Commodore Caribe 9/89
Oceanic 11/95 10/96 10/97 10/98
Dolphin 4 11/98
Sovereign 10/99 3/00
Monarch 11/01
Sensation 9/02
Galaxy 2/03
Zaandam 3/03
Grand Princess 11/03
Horizon 9/04

[MISSYLOU]

Thanks to all of you for the info. Charleston sounds wonderful. The historic district will be our choice. I am so glad this port is on our cruise.

Karen & Paul
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Galaxy B2B 10/04
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Mercury 03/04
Radiance 01/04
Summit 09/03, Infinity B2B Hawaii 03/03,Infinity 10/02,
Maasdam 07/02, Sun Princess 03/02,Maasdam 11/01,Statendam 07/01,Dolphin 1990?

[Lois R]

Hi Karen...I have been through Charleston and stayed there for 2-1/2 days as well...2 summers ago.
It was FABULOUS [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]. The restaurants are some of the best anywhere (well San Franciscan's may say different [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img])....but all I know is the food was outstanding.
And you will be going in Oct right? So it won't be hot...I was there in the summer...it can get blistering.... [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif[/img]. The walk along the river is awesome too.
And, this is just a personal recommendation...my girlfriend and I ate at Blossoms...it is next door to Magnolias.
We had Sunday brunch with champagne[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]. If you have a chance...please try it!..they serve lunch and dinner as well. Oh the food...what was the thread..."its always about the food"... [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

Next up...HORIZON Sept 18th to Bermuda!

See My Century and Mercury Pictures at:
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[brigittetom]

Joe I, You mentioned where the Galaxy docks. Is there something you know that we don't? We did 2 Galaxy cruises out of Charleston last year but didn't think Celebrity was going back. If only they would. A 4 1/2 hour drive to the port was wonderful. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Zenith from Jacksonville
Feb. 13 05

[MISSYLOU]

Thanks for the info Lois. One of my favorite activities anywhere, besides cruising, is to visit quaint areas with a lot of history and antique shops so spending the day in Charleston will be right up my alley. Hubby likes that kind of thing too so I already told him tonight I know what we'll be doing in Charleston. I am his "Cruise Director". [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Briggetom, the Galaxy is sailing out of Baltimore on Oct 18 and the first port is Charleston. We chose this cruise because we have never been to Baltimore or Charleston so it makes it quite different than the normal Eastern Caribbean cruise out of FLL. Also it is a repositioning cruise that ends in San Juan. When Galaxy leaves San Juan it will then sail the Western Caribbean and end in Galveston. So it is a great way to do a back to back.

Karen & Paul
[img]http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/8/8_3_23.gif[/img]
[url="http://community.webshots.com/album/124134511FOjEih"]http://community.webshots.com/album/124134511FOjEih[/url]
Galaxy B2B 10/04
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Mercury 03/04
Radiance 01/04
Summit 09/03, Infinity B2B Hawaii 03/03,Infinity 10/02,
Maasdam 07/02, Sun Princess 03/02,Maasdam 11/01,Statendam 07/01,Dolphin 1990?

[happyonthesea]

Does anyone know if they sell the carta 1-day transportation passes on the ship? Which route is closest to the ship? Looks like an easy way to get around. We liked it that they sold the bus passes for Bermuda on the Zenith.

[tallblonde]

Greetings from Charleston, SC! Just reading all the nice words makes me feel even more thankful to live in Charleston! October is a great time to visit Charleston - the heat is lifting - (although we usually are still wearing shorts around Halloween!) and - best of all - the humidity is down! It's a gorgeous time of year!

Speaking of Boone Hall Plantation (it's about 2 minutes from my house) - if you go - be sure and try the restaurant upstairs over the gift shop for lunch! It's a small restaurant - but the food is outstanding, and the chef - Ashley - is a great lowcountry cook!

There are so many excellent restaurants in Charleston - many of them mentioned above! My personal favorites are SNOB - Magnolia's - Hyman's....Charleston is a "walking city" and you're sure to enjoy your stay!

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2003;05;04;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img] May 4, 2003 Norway Cruise Countdown

Bermuda Star Line, Premier, 1 Carnival Mistake, Crown Majesty, Royal Cruise Lines, NCL, RCCL, Princess, Celebrity

**Hubby went on the 10/26/03 repositioning cruise on the Sea - and I redecorated the Living Room!! :-) **

[JOE I]

I dont know about the CARTA passes.The DASH (Downtown Area Shuttle) serves the historic district.I would not worry about transportation unless you want to see the Plantations or Patriot's Point (Yorktown).A carriage ride is agreat way to see the Historic district or just WALK. When we vist, we park the car in the garage and we dont get it out until we are ready to leave.We walk everywhere or ride bikes.

I am going to Charleston next weekend for the "Last Confederate Funeral".The crew of the Hunley will be laid to rest in Magnolia Cemetery on Saturday 4/17/04.The crew will be carried by 8 horse-drawn caisons and buried with full military honors.We are expecting about 50,000 people to attend the funeral of these brave men.I did some volunteer dive work on the Hunley so this will be a very emotional week end for me.Make sure to visit Magnolia Cemetery to pay your respect or perhaps pick up a book on our little submarine that changed the history of naval warfare when your are in Charleston.
Joe

Commodore Caribe 9/89
Oceanic 11/95 10/96 10/97 10/98
Dolphin 4 11/98
Sovereign 10/99 3/00
Monarch 11/01
Sensation 9/02
Galaxy 2/03
Zaandam 3/03
Grand Princess 11/03
Horizon 9/04

[G_Man]

I was there on a land vacation back in '97. Had a good time. Took the horse drawn tour and visited the market. Definitely a nice city.

Horizon 3/03

[sgrissom]

I can't thank you all enough for all your help. I've got all kinds of great ideas now!
I love these boards!

Galaxy 10/04
Galaxy 3/04
Summit 3/03
Spirit 3/02
Magic 8/00
Magic 8/99
Magic 8/98

[geocruiser]

Hi,

Here is a bus link.

[url="http://www.charleston.worldweb.com/Transportation/PublicTransit/"]http://www.charleston.worldweb.com/Transportation/PublicTransit/[/url]

Dash # Tel: 1 843 724-7420

When we went there, I called them and got bus maps and fare rates. I can't remenber how much the all day pass was. But it was cheap. They were very helpful and nice. It is a GREAT city, you will love it.

Geo

[brigittetom]

MissyLou, Thank you. I knew that was too much to hope for. You will love Charleston. Be sure to walk to the Battery. Those old homes are amazing. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

Zenith from Jacksonville
Feb. 13 05

[cruiseclues]

sgrissom,

Here's our Charleston Dining page with links to more Charleston restaurants than any other page on the internet, plus we have most of the direct [B]MENU[/B] links:

[url="http://islesea.com/charleston/dining.htm"]http://islesea.com/charleston/dining.htm[/url]

Hope it is helpful.

Happy Cruising, Buil, [url="http://cruiseclues.com"]http://cruiseclues.com[/url]
Sitmar, RCCL, Costa, HAL, Princess, Royal Cruise Line, Celebrity, Renaissance, Disney, MSC Lirica
"We cannot change the direction of the wind... but we can adjust our sails"

[sgrissom]

that's a great link, cruiseclues. Thanks!

Galaxy 10/04
Galaxy 3/04
Summit 3/03
Spirit 3/02
Magic 8/00
Magic 8/99
Magic 8/98

[cruiseclues]

sgrissom, you're welcome. We're pleased you feel that way. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Happy Cruising, Buil, [url="http://cruiseclues.com"]http://cruiseclues.com[/url]
Sitmar, RCCL, Costa, HAL, Princess, Royal Cruise Line, Celebrity, Renaissance, Disney, MSC Lirica
"We cannot change the direction of the wind... but we can adjust our sails"