Charleston gets year-round cruises

Carnival Fantasy will operate year-round cruises from Charleston, S.C., a first for the city, beginning in May of 2010. The cruise line expects to carry more than 140,000 passengers from Charleston, which will become Carnival’s 20th North American homeport and the 12th that offers year-round service.

Charleston’s centralized location in the southeastern U.S., combined with the city’s appeal as a tourist destination, contributed to Carnival’s decision to launch the year-round service. Carnival previously operated seasonal cruises from the city.