House boat

Private Yacht - On The River - In Heart of Downtown

Photo gallery for Private Yacht - On The River - In Heart of Downtown

Exterior
Exterior
Interior
Property grounds
Pool
Reviews
10 out of 10 Exceptional
2 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Water view
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Wilmington, NC
  • Popular LocationRiverwalk4 min walk
  • Popular LocationLive Oak Bank Pavilion6 min walk
  • Popular LocationWilmington Convention Center9 min walk
  • AirportWilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.)9 min drive

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Aft Deck

1 Double Futon

Captains Quarters

1 Queen Bed

Main Salon

1 Double Futon

V-Berth

1 Single Bunk Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Marina Owners Lounge

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen

About this property

Private Yacht - On The River - In Heart of Downtown

This beautifully 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 ideally located between the Convention Center and the new Live Oak Pavilion Amphitheater at Riverfront Park. Walk to shops, restaurants, 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 views and can be closed in inclement weather.

Onboard, you will enjoy all the comforts of home and far more amenities than a hotel room including a main salon (living room), full galley (kitchen) with glassware, dishes, full size fridge, 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 sofa with privacy curtains and
- Main salon sleeper sofa.

While there is ample room for more, we recommend three guests for maximum 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 night 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 updated 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 everyone!!

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 nearby.

The dock is situated 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 nearby. The boat is not suitable for children. 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 appreciate) guests using the marina facility when possible to reduce the need for pump out of the boats onboard holding container.

Property manager

Phillip Lee Murray

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Water view
Air conditioning

House Rules

Flexible check-in available (contact host in advance of arrival)
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Adults only

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed
Non-shedding pets approved on a case-by-case basis

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
For maximum comfort, we recommend 3 guests. If approved, there is a $50 per person charge above 3. Five guests allowed only on a case-by-case basis.
No taking boat from dock. No swimming in the river. Fishing is allowed at a nearby pier.
While check-in time is flexible, we would greatly appreciate your arriving no later than 7:30 pm in order for us to give the orientation.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses a grey water recycling system and eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Wilmington

Located on the waterfront, this houseboat is in Wilmington Historic District, a neighbourhood 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 power boating, surfing/body boarding and fishing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.
Map
Wilmington, NC

What's nearby

  • Riverwalk - 4 min walk
  • Live Oak Bank Pavilion - 6 min walk
  • Wilmington Convention Center - 9 min walk
  • Cape Fear Community College - 11 min walk
  • Battleship North Carolina - 5 min drive

Getting around

  • Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.) - 7 min drive

Restaurants

  • The Half - 18 min walk
  • Edward Teach Brewing - 14 min walk
  • Marina Grill - 2 min walk
  • Mellow Mushroom Wilmington - Downtown - 16 min walk
  • Beer Barrio - 18 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Private Yacht - On The River - In Heart of Downtown pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-out at Private Yacht - On The River - In Heart of Downtown?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Private Yacht - On The River - In Heart of Downtown located?

Located in Wilmington Historic District, this houseboat is within a 10-minute walk of Riverwalk, Live Oak Bank Pavilion and Wilmington Convention Center. Wilmington Railroad Museum and Cape Fear Community College are also within 15 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 54 out of 54 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 54 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 54 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 54 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 54 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Richard S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Pictures Don’t Do it Justice
Southern Cross is a beautiful lady(in the Navy, boats and ships are female!). She is much more than her pictures depict. You have to experience her charm and good looks. She is extremely well equipped and her hosts are a delight to work with. You can’t beat the location either. If you want a unique experience, want an optimal spot to explore Wilmington and the Cape Fear area, and want to feel like a Captain of the seas(even though you don’t get underway), we highly recommend the Southern Cross as your destination accommodations.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Glenn S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
TRY IT, WAY BETTER THAN A MOTEL A+A+A+A+A+
This was our first time staying on the Southern Cross, but it will not be the last. Everything you could need is provided in this awesome 48 ft. Private Yacht. So many more amenities than you get from a motel room. This is a really nice boat located at a really nice marina. The host were very thorough in providing an orientation session to familiarize you with all the comforts. Christa & Lee were just a text away if you have any questions. They were very helpful and a pleasure to work with. Walking distance to restaurants, shopping and so much more. Thank You Christa & Lee for an enjoyable, memorable weekend.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shannon C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing experience
This was an amazing experience. The hosts were thorough, great communicators, and helped us feel right at home. It was close enough to walk to several restaurants and shops yet quiet and private at night, with just the sound of the waves. We were able to watch the sun set over the river each night and drink our coffee on the aft each morning. This was an experience of a lifetime.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Highly recommend
Amazing experience and the bests hosts ever. Cannot say enough about views, the location, and all of the extra touches these hosts provided to make sure our stay was perfect!!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Bucket List- checked!
The yacht was clean and full of many amenities. The owner provided meticulous details on how everything works and shirred us if we needed anything and she was just a phone call away. The view was spectacular!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

About the host

Hosted by Phillip Lee Murray

Host profile image
Your host, Lee, is a native of Wilmington. Although he left to become a "surfer dude" in Hawaii and was gone for some 40 years, his heart remained in North Carolina. While gone, he advanced in the ranks of Hilton Grand Vacations and became well versed in property management. His significant other, Christa, spent 25 years working in customer service. Together they will be sure the Southern Cross exceeds your expectations and look forward to making your stay exceptional.

Why they chose this property

Premier location in the private Port City marina with fabulous views of the Cape Fear River; within walking distance of the new Riverfront Park Amphitheater.

What makes this property unique

There are no other boats on the Cape Fear River or places to stay in downtown Wilmington like it -- the Southern Cross is one of a kind.
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