CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) – The South Carolina Ports Authority has said it will not extend the Charleston homeport cruise contract beyond 2024.

SC Ports spokeswoman Kelsi Brewer said the decision will “provide more space for Union Pier Terminal redevelopment” and open up a “transformative opportunity” for the city.

Brewer says the port will continue to accommodate Charleston calls and adhere to the Voluntary Cruise Management Plan.

“Since 2010, Carnival has been a great business partner and has worked alongside our maritime community to benefit our global maritime commerce mission,” said Brewer. “As we look to the future, SC Ports will continue to assess the market and look forward to continued partnerships and opportunities.”

Carnival Cruise Line released a statement on the decision Wednesday morning.

“It is amazing to see the continued growth of Charleston’s tourism economy, and Carnival has been proud to be a part of it since 2010. While exciting for the future of Charleston, the redevelopment of Union Pier Terminal will sadly mean that Carnival is no longer homeporting a ship in Charleston beyond 2024. We will work with the Port Authority to explore future opportunities in Charleston. In the meantime, business continues as usual and we look forward to it. to see our guests aboard Carnival Sunshine through 2024.”

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