Charleston, S.C. residents lose first skirmish in legal battle with Carnival

While dismissing lawsuit claims that Carnival Corp.'s year-round cruises violate Charleston's noise and sign ordinances, the South Carolina Supreme Court wants to hear from attorneys about whether the cruises constitute a public nuisance or violate city zoning ordinances. In a case that has attracted national attention, the Preservation Society of Charleston, the South Carolina Coastal Conservation League and neighborhood groups sued two years ago, seeking to block cruise operations and have the court declare it illegal for the South Carolina State Ports Autho