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Business Profile

Tourist Attractions

Charleston Tours & Events

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

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Complaints

Customer Complaints Summary

  • 1 complaint in the last 3 years.
  • 1 complaint closed in the last 12 months.

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The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

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  • Initial Complaint

    Date:07/09/2025

    Type:Service or Repair Issues
    Status:
    Resolved
    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    July 4, 2025 for “July 4th Fireworks Cruise on The Charleston Princess”
    Paid $339.20 ($80 per ticket plus tax) for 4 People
    Advertised as: Celebrating the 4th from the water with views of many locations including Fort Sumter, The Battery, and White Point Gardens; Light Snacks; Cash bar; Live DJ with patriotic music; and Front-row seats to Patriots Point Fireworks (https://www.********.com/******************************************************************************************************/****************/ // https://www.*************.******************************************************************************************************************************_ )
    The company called shortly beforehand to say to location of the dock was being moved to the edge of town and it “may not go out” due to the incoming tropical storm (though other tours were out on the water). Once we were onboard, it became clear there was no plan to leave the dock. There were no snacks, the DJ was a man on an iPad playing random music, there were no "locations," and limited views of fireworks due to the boat being stationary and full (visible for only those along one side from a specific angle) at the edge of town.
    The company policy states “What happens if the weather is bad? We operate rain or shine, but if severe weather, a mechanical breakdown, or lack of participation arises, you’ll be notified about rescheduling or refunds.” (https://*************************************************************/)
    However, the company claims “the event was held” because there was just a bar and music and technically fireworks went off in the distance. We paid for a boat cruise with views of the locations, snacks, and great views of the fireworks. We would never have paid over $300 just to attend a noisy bar with our kids.

    Business Response

    Date: 07/10/2025

    The link provided was from the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau, not our company.  We did not advertise snacks included in this event anywhere directly.  If old information was found, that is not our responsibility, but we have never offered included snacks or food on our fireworks cruises.  As for the weather, every vessel on the harbor is different and currents and wind conditions are different.  Our vessel was unfortunately unable to safely get off the dock, however, we did offer and exclusive viewing platform for the fireworks directly across the harbor, not in the distance.  We had plenty of open space for viewing.  What you are describing as the DJ, is how all DJ's operate.  A digital system with speakers and lights.  The DJ we used is highly regarded in Charleston and has worked in entertainment for more than 25 years.  We also offered an additional complimentary drink per person as well as 50% off future bookings for all of our other tours and events.  We are able to offer a 50% refund instead of that.  We will go ahead and process that refund and consider this matter resolved.  

    Customer Answer

    Date: 07/11/2025

    I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is not satisfactory to me, but we have no other options. We paid a ton of money for bad views. We had to leave the boat since there was no AC on the boat and we couldn't even see the fireworks. 



    Sincerely,
    Timothy M

Charleston Tours & Events is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.

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