Private Yacht - On The River - In Heart of Downtown - Vacation rental home in Wilmington, NC

About this Property

• Sleeps 5
• 2 Bedrooms
• 2 Bathrooms
• House boat

This charmingly furnished 48' Hatteras yacht offers a unique experience to stay directly on the Cape Fear River. In the heart of historic downtown Wilmington, it is on the famed "River Walk" and appealingly located between the Convention Center and the new Live Oak Pavilion Amphitheater at Riverfront Park. Walk to stores, eateries, bars and live music.

Boasting one of the best docks in the private Port City Marina, you will have an unprecedented view of the river and the Battleship North Carolina. Sit on the aft deck and watch spectacular sunsets. The upper helm provides open air, lofty vistas and can be closed in inclement weather.

Onboard, you will appreciate all the amenities of home and far more amenities than a hotel room including a main salon (living room), full galley (kitchen) with glassware, dishes, full size refrigerator, microwave, stove and coffee maker. Boat includes ample storage/closet space, "shore power" (i.e., full electricity), AC and heat, hot/cold water, and linens/towels. There are three TVs with DVDs (master, aft-deck and salon) and two Firesticks.

There are multiple options for sleeping arrangements:
- The aft captains' quarters with a queen bed,
- Forward V-berth with 2 bunk beds,
- Aft deck sleeper couch with privacy curtains and
- Main salon sleeper couch.

While there is ample room for more, we recommend three guests for max. comfort. Only a total of four guests (five on a case-by-case basis with pre-approval) are allowed to sleep aboard. An additional fee of $50 per person per nighttime is added for a fourth or fifth guest.

It is imperative that we meet guests at the boat to give an orientation. Therefore, we kindly ask you arrive no later than 6:00 pm. We realize things can come, so we ask for refreshed ETA's on day of arrival.

While there are not a lot of steps on the Southern Cross, they are STEEP. It helps to be fit and flexible. If you have any knee, hip or other mobility issues, we recommend you choose other accommodations. When booking, if you would please include a note indicating "Yes, we are in good physical condition", we will be much quicker in accepting the reservation.

Port City Marina is just a short 10 mile drive to Wrightsville Beach and the ocean. Less than an hour drive to Fort Fisher, the NC Aquarium, South Port and so much more! Something for everybody!!

Guests will have full access to all areas of the yacht, but please do not touch any of the dials, knobs or instruments on the helm. We do not allow the boat to be taken out of the slip. Your rental is specifically for staying aboard overnight. Several boat charters are available close by.

The dock is located at the end of a pier so there are no boats on either side, offering unusual privacy. We ask that you limit the number of guests on the boat and/or dock to 8 (overnight guests 4; 5 with special permission). There is ample space off the boat for friends and family to gather close by. The boat is not suitable for kids. No guests allowed under the age of 16. Please note the boat is on water so seasickness can happen.

There are two heads (bathrooms) on board each with a toilet and sink. The captain's quarters also has a shower. The marina has a brand-new owner's lounge with bathrooms and showers. We ask (and savor) guests using the marina facility when possible to reduce the need for pump out of the boats onboard holding container.

About the Area

Located on the waterfront, this houseboat is in Downtown Wilmington, a neighborhood in Wilmington. Live Oak Bank Pavilion and Wilmington Railroad Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Children's Museum of Wilmington and Carolina Heights. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College or Legion Stadium. With motor boating, surfing/body boarding, and fishing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.

Special Instructions

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Pet Policy

Note from host: Non-shedding pets approved on a case-by-case basis

Strategies for getting the best Southport vacation property experience:

Getting the best rental home value:

• June, July, and August are high season in Wilmington. Booking in the Fall or Spring shoulder seasons is one of our best tips for saving money on your vacation. Rates are lower, and you'll find a larger selection of acceptable properties.
• Book your vacation rental as soon as possible. Rental schedules usually become available 12 months in advance (or in September just after Summertime ends). Many groups reserve their Summer rentals during holiday gatherings. Reserve before these holidays for best selection.
• Veterans and Active Duty Military members may qualify for special discounts. Be sure to ask your prospective property owner if your vacationing group qualifies for a special promotion or discount.
• Property management companies often offer guests an option to add trip insurance protection. Trip insurance, which costs 1% - 5% of the base stay price, offers visitors reimbursement of costs for days missed as a result of personal medical-related issues or weather, as well as ensuing additional evacuation charges, such as an unexpected hotel stay or extra gasoline expenses. Trip insurance is definitely a life-saver if the unforeseen happens. Ask your host for specifics.
• Many property management companies and vacation rental houses supply Southport area visitor guide magazines which often include special offers, either offered directly by local companies, or through a relationship with the rental management company and the business itself. You can also find Southport visitors guide magazine and coupon books at local grocery stores, shopping centers, and visitor centers.

Filter your rental search:

• Choose a designated group leader, select your vacation dates, and select a maximum budget.
• Note the number bedrooms and the configuration your family requires. Private Yacht - On The River - In Heart of Downtown has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
• Precise information regarding bedrooms and bed sizes & counts is regularly accessible online. If not, email the property management company before booking your home. Remember that most properties list the maximum guest capacity, which oftentimes includes pull-out couches.
• If there's a particular Southport destination you crave, browse homes that are either near by, or those that cater especially to your needs.
• Appropriate accessibility amenities can make or ruin a vacation for guests with disabilities. Make certain to ask about specialized equipment and wheel chair accessibility.
• Some rentals allow pets, and others don't. Allowable types of dog or cat, size and breeds may be restricted, and additional charges may apply. Ask your host about your furry family members before booking.

More considerations for your visit:

• Add the property manager's information to your smartphone. Take a copy of arrival/departure procedures.
• To make sure damages aren't linked to your stay, inspect the property for any problem areas during check in. Get in touch with the rental manager immediately to document any issues. If there is a dispute about legal responsibility later, having the recorded issues and contact attempts will be very helpful.
• Ask questions. You may want instructions for a hot tub, intercom or kitchen appliance. Contact your property manager. They are there to help! A brief telephone call can prevent a lot of issues.
• Be a good neighbor! You wouldn't like obnoxious vacationers disrupting your peace. Employ the golden rule for common sense. Happy residents may even recommend great local food and places you would have not otherwise known!
• Speaking of neighbors... Ask a local! Local residents can frequently help. Who better to ask where to book the best tours, have a great night out, or the best spots for fishing?
• Protect the owner (and your stuff!) by locking the property when you are gone, just like you would at home.
• Don't leave anything behind! Just before you drive away, take a walk through the rental property to make sure you've collected all belongings. Re-check closets, dressers, garages, and bathrooms for hidden items. Clean out the refrigerator and take any leftovers home.
• Document the condition of the property at check-out. We recommend taking a video during your final walk-through.
• Did you have a wonderful vacation? Many rental websites make it easy for travelers to provide reviews. If your rental and/or property management company was wonderful, they will likely appreciate your kind words. If anything was inoperable and they failed to correct it reasonably, or if the vacation rental wasn't described correctly, you'll want to make a note as part of your review.