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 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 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 conveniences 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

Tips and Tricks for getting the best rental home experience:

Get the most from your budget:

• June, July, and August are high season in the Wilmington, NC area. To get the best rental for your budget, we suggest reserving in Fall or Spring. You'll benefit from lower rates, greater selection, gorgeous weather and the absence of giant crowds at popular attractions and restaurants. Speaking of the off-season, don't overlook Winter holidays for a Wilmington, NC vacation! Who wouldn't love a holiday vacation near the ocean? Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years are great times to gather with family and friends at your favorite beach.
• Book your vacation rental as early as possible. Rental schedules generally open 12 months in advance (or in September just after the Summer season ends). Many families reserve their Summer rentals during Winter holiday get-togethers. 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 manager whether your group qualifies for a price reduction.
• Property managers usually offer guests an option to add trip insurance. Trip insurance, which usually will cost you anywhere between 1% - 5% of the booking price, offers visitors reimbursement of costs for any missed trip time as a result of personal medical-related issues or weather, as well as ensuing additional hurricane evacuation costs or charges, such as an unexpected hotel or extra gas expenses. Trip insurance can be a a bank account-saver if the unforeseen occurs. Ask the property owner for details.
• Find a copy of your local visitors guide when you arrive at the rental property. If your rental home doesn't have one, you can find them at local grocery stores, shopping centers, and visitor centers. In addition to great local articles, travel guides contain money saving offers on local shops and restaurants.

Planning, selecting, and booking the bestrental:

• Select your vacation dates and budget.
• Determine how many bedrooms and the configuration your family requires. Private Yacht - On The River - In Heart of Downtown has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.
• Specific descriptions of bedrooms and bed sizes & counts is often available on booking pages. If you don't see them listed, contact the host before you book your rental. Remember that most listings specify the maximum guest capacity, which often includes pull-out couches and bunk beds. You will need to work out what is suitable for your vacation group.
• If there's an individual Wilmington, NC destination you are crazy about, look for properties that are either nearby, or those that cater especially to your needs.
• Suitable accessibility amenities can make or break a vacation for persons with a disability. .
• Some rental properties allow pets, and others do not. Allowable types of dog or cat, weight and breeds may be restricted, and additional costs may apply. Ask the host about your furry family members before booking.

During your stay:

• Store the manager's contact information in your smartphone.
• Make a record of any issues with the property upon arrival, and immediately send them to the owner. We specifically recommend e-mails and text messages, as they usually contain built-in time stamps that are very helpful if damages are assessed.
• Property managers are available to help! Don't be shy to ask any questions during your stay.
• Respecting late-night quiet hours and parking regulations can make a stay more pleasurable. You will enhance your chance to make local friends, and resident neighbors are usually a great source for finding the best local beaches and restaurants.
• Don't forget to... Ask a local! Neighbors can typically point you in the right direction. Who better to ask where to find the best seashells, have a great night out, or the best spots for BBQ?
• Ensure you protect the owner (and your things!) by locking and securing the home while you are away, just like you would back home.
• Re-check the property to confirm that you've packed all of your family's items on check-out day. Remember to check bathrooms, dressers, and closets for hidden items. Clean the refrigerator and take or dispose of leftovers.
• Please make sure to walk through the property one final time and keep an eye out for any damage. We recommend inspecting the property with the host whenever possible. If the manager isn't available, ensure that you take video of the rental to record its condition.
• Leave feedback! Property owners rely on excellent feedback to stimulate future reservations. They'll be grateful for your feedback. Alternatively, if something went wrong, other vacationers will appreciate that you share your experience find their best rental home. Please be objective. If something fell short of expectations, consider whether the manager had any control over the issue, and if so, whether they responded quickly to remedy it.