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

About this Property

• Sleeps 5
• 4 Bedrooms
• 3 Bathrooms
• House boat

This delightfully 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 attractively 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

Rental property booking tips and tricks:

Sticking to your rental budget:

• The earlier you can reserve a vacation home, the better your selection will be. The best rental homes are reserved early. Booking your rental property up to twelve months before your vacation is recommended. Holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving are excellent times to plan and reserve your vacation rental.
• To find the most suitable rental within your budget, we highly recommend reserving in Spring or Fall. You'll enjoy lower rates, better selection, gorgeous weather and the absence of giant crowds at your favorite Wrightsville Beach restaurants and activities. Speaking of the off-season, don't overlook the holidays for a Wrightsville Beach vacation! Who wouldn't love a holiday vacation on the coast? Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Years Eve are great times to gather with friends and family at your favorite beach.
• Some property management companies offer discounts for veterans. Make sure to check with your property manager to see if special discounts are available for your family before you book.
• Property management companies often offer customers an option to purchase vacation insurance. Trip insurance, which generally costs 1% - 5% of the stay price, offers visitors reimbursement of their vacation costs for any missed days as a result of personal medical-related emergencies or weather, as well as hurricane evacuation costs, such as an unanticipated hotel or extra gasoline expenses. Trip insurance can be a a life-saver if the unforeseen occurs. Ask the property owner for specifics.
• Look for your local Wrightsville Beach visitors guide upon checking in. If your rental home doesn't have a copy, you can find them at local shops and visitor centers. In addition to great local stories, travel guide magazines contain money saving offers on local restaurants, attractions, and tours.

Selecting the perfect vacation home in Wilmington:

• Choose vacation week and max budget.
• Note the number bedrooms and the bed configuration your family needs. Private Yacht - On The River - In Heart of Downtown has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. If you need a larger or smaller rental, use our vacation rental search.
• Specific information about bedrooms and bed counts & types is often available online. If not, email or call the property management company before you book the rental. Note that most properties list maximum guest capacity, which often includes sofa beds in living rooms.
• Some rentals allow pets, and some do not. Acceptable types of dog or cat, weight and breeds may be restricted, and additional fees may apply. Ask the property management company about allowable breeds and types before booking.
• If there's a specific Wrightsville Beach destination you long to visit, search for homes that are either close by, or those that cater especially to your requirements.
• Suitable accessibility can make or break a vacation for persons with disabilities. Confirm all necessary amenities are included before booking

More considerations:

• Add the property manager's contact information to your smartphone. Print and take a copy of arrival/departure procedures.
• Ask questions. You may need instructions for a hot tub, television set or washer/dryer. Contact your host. They are there to help! A brief text message can prevent lots of issues.
• Lock your rental while you are out and about. Keep your property safe!
• Make a record of any damages to the rental during check in, and immediately send them to the owner. We especially recommend e-mails and text messages, as they usually contain time stamps that are very helpful if damages are assessed.
• Be a good neighbor! You wouldn't like disagreeable vacationers bothering your quiet neighborhood. Practice the golden rule for common sense. Happy residents may even recommend great beaches and attractions you would've not otherwise known about!
• Speaking of neighbors... Ask a local! Residents can usually help you find the best spots in town. Who better to ask where to launch your kayaks, have a great night out, or the best spots for BBQ?
• Don't leave anything behind! Before you drive away, take a walk through the property to make sure you've collected all of your things. Remember to check garages, decks, and cabinets for hidden items. Clean the refrigerator and take or dispose of leftovers.
• Document the condition of the property at check-out. We recommend taking a video during your final walk-through.
• Remember to leave a review! Property owners rely on excellent ratings to inspire new reservations. They'll be much obliged for your review. Alternatively, if something went awry, other vacationers will be thankful you shared your experience find their best vacation home. Please be objective. If something fell short of expectations, consider whether the manager could control the issue, and if so, whether they responded reasonably to fix it.