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

About this Property

• Sleeps 5
• 2 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 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.

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 Wilmington Historic District, a neighborhood in Wilmington. Battleship North Carolina and Live Oak Bank Pavilion are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Wilmington Railroad Museum and Children's Museum of Wilmington. 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 to get the best Wilmington, NC vacation property experience:

Cost saving strategies:

• In the Wilmington, NC area, The sooner your group can book a vacation rental, the easier your search will be. The most desirable vacation rentals are booked early. Booking your vacation rental six - twelve months before your travel dates is recommended. Holiday gatherings are excellent times to plan and book your rental property.
• Reserving a rental home in Fall or Spring is our best tip for saving money on your vacation rental. Rental rates are lower, and you'll find a better selection of suitable properties. Speaking of the off-season, don't overlook the holidays for a Wilmington, NC vacation! Who wouldn't love a holiday on the coast? Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years are great times to gather with friends and family at the beach.
• Veterans and Active Duty Military members may be qualified for special discounts. Be sure to ask your prospective property manager if your family qualifies for a price reduction or discount.
• Booking websites often offer renters an option to obtain vacation insurance protection. Trip insurance, which normally will cost anywhere between 1% - 5% of the reservation price, offers visitors reimbursement of costs for any days missed as a result of medical-related issues or weather, as well as hurricane evacuation charges, such as an unexpected hotel overnight or additional gas expenses. Trip insurance is definitely a welcome relief if the unforeseen happens. Ask the property owner for details.
• Find a copy of your local Wilmington, NC visitors guide when you check-in. If your rental doesn't have one, you can find them at local grocery stores, shopping centers, and visitor centers. In addition to great local information, travel guides have money saving offers on nearby shops and restaurants.

Planning, picking, and booking the right Wilmington, NC vacation home:

• Start by selecting vacation dates and a max budget.
• Note the number bedrooms and the configuration your family needs. Private Yacht - On The River - In Heart of Downtown has 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. If you need a larger or smaller rental, use our search.
• Precise details about bedrooms and bed types is almost always accessible online. If they are not listed, email the property owner before you book the rental. Note that most properties list the max. guest capacity, which frequently includes sofa beds in living rooms. You'll need to determine what bed configuration is best for your group.
• If your group is traveling with pets, you will need a pet-friendly vacation rental. Ask for information on breed, weight, and type requirements. Usually, property managers charge pet deposits and fees.
• Visiting for a specific attraction? If so, use a map search to browse nearby rentals.
• Proper accessibility can make or break a vacation for guests with disabilities. Make certain to inquire about wheel chair accessibility, pool lifts and specialized equipment needs.

Know before you go:

• Be sure you get the host's contact number and check in/check out procedures for your rental property. Put the host's information in your smartphone and wallet.
• Ask questions. You may want instructions for a hot tub, stereo or washer/dryer. Contact your owner. They are there to help! A brief telephone call can prevent a lot of concerns.
• Lock your rental home while you are out and about. Protect your property!
• To make sure that no damages are linked to your visit, make a record of any problem areas upon check in. Speak to the rental manager immediately to report any damages. If there is a dispute about legal responsibility later, having a record of issues and contact attempts will be valuable.
• Don't forget to respect your neighbors. Often, nearby homes are filled by permanent residents. Respecting quiet hours and parking policies can make a stay significantly more pleasurable.
• Speaking of neighbors... Ask a local! Locals can frequently help you find the best spots in town. Who better to ask where to spend a rainy day, have a great night out, or the best spots for crabbing?
• At departure, complete a final walk-through to confirm you have not forget anything. Remember to check closets, dressers, garages, and bathrooms for hidden belongings. 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.
• Remember to leave a review! Property managers rely on excellent feedback to inspire future reservations. They'll be thankful for your review. Alternatively, if something went awry, other vacationers will appreciate that you share your feedback and help them have the best future vacation. Be fair with your review. If something fell short of expectations, consider whether the manager could control the issue, and if so, whether they responded reasonably to solve it.