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 attractively 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 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

Strategies to get the best vacation property experience:

Get the best value:

• In the Wilmington, NC area, The earlier you can book a rental home, the easier your search will be. The most desirable rental properties are booked very early. Reserving your rental six to twelve months before your vacation dates is recommended. Winter holidays are excellent times to search for and reserve your rental.
• Summer months are high season in Wilmington. To book the most suitable vacation home within your budget, we highly recommend booking in the Spring or Fall. You'll enjoy lower rental rates, better selection, warm weather and the absence of large crowds at popular attractions and restaurants. Many vacationers use this strategy to reserve larger homes, or to reserve an oceanfront rental that would otherwise be unavailable during the Summer. Speaking of the off-season, don't overlook Winter holidays for a Wilmington, NC vacation! Who wouldn't love a holiday vacation on the coast? Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years are great times to gather with loved ones at your favorite beach.
• Active Duty and veterans of the US Armed forces may be qualified for special discounts. Be sure to ask your prospective property owner if your group qualifies for a special rate.
• Management companies and individual rental owners usually offer renters an option to obtain vacation insurance protection. Trip insurance, which commonly costs anywhere between 1% - 5% of the base stay price, offers visitors reimbursement of their vacation costs for any missed days as a result of personal medical-related catastrophes or weather, as well as ensuing additional hurricane evacuation costs or charges, such as an unexpected hotel overnight or additional gasoline expenses. Trip insurance might be a a life-saver if the unforeseen happens. Ask the property owner for program terms and fees.
• Many property management companies and vacation rental houses supply Wilmington, NC area visitors guide magazines that include money-saving offers, either offered independently by local businesses, or through a relationship with the management company and the business itself. You can also find Wilmington, NC visitors guide and coupon books at local gas stations and shopping centers.

Planning, selecting, and booking the perfect Wilmington, NC rental home:

• Choose a group leader, select your dates, and select a maximum budget.
• Determine how many beds and the bed configuration your family requires. 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 Wilmington, NC rentals search.
• Specific descriptions of bedrooms and bed sizes & counts is normally available on booking websites. If they are not listed, contact the property manager before booking the property. Note that most property listings specify maximum guest capacity, which typically includes pull-out couches. You'll need to determine what configuration is right for your vacation group.
• Some rentals allow pets, and others don't. Acceptable types of dog or cat, weight and breeds may be restricted, and added fees may apply. Ask the host about allowable breeds and types before booking.
• If there's a certain Wilmington, NC destination you love, keep an eye out for rentals that are either nearby, or those that cater especially to your needs.
• Suitable accessibility amenities can make or ruin a vacation for those with limited mobility. .

More tips for your visit:

• Add the host's contact info to your smartphone. Understand and take a copy of arrival/departure procedures.
• Ask questions. You may want instructions for a fireplace, elevator or kitchen appliance. Contact your property manager. They are there to help! A brief phone call can prevent lots of difficulties.
• Ensure you protect the property owner (and your stuff!) by locking the property when you are out, just like you would at home.
• Note any issues with the rental upon arrival, and immediately e-mail them to the host. We specifically recommend e-mails and text messages, as they usually contain built-in time stamps that can be very helpful if a dispute is filed.
• Be respectful. Frequently, surrounding homes are occupied by permanent residents. Respecting late-night quiet hours and parking regulations can make a stay significantly more pleasurable.
• Speaking of neighbors... Ask a local resident! Locals can often help you find exactly what you're looking for. Who better to ask where to get the best seafood, have a great night on the town, or the best spots for shopping?
• Just before checking out, complete a walk-through to confirm you did not forget anything. Check closets, dressers, garages, and bathrooms for hidden belongings. Clean the refrigerator and take any leftovers home.
• Record a video to document the condition of the property.
• Did your group have a terrific stay? Most rental managers make it easy for travelers to provide comments. If your rental property and/or property management company was great, they would love to hear it. If anything was wrong and they failed to correct it within reason, or if the vacation rental wasn't described correctly, you'll want to make a note as part of your review.