House boat

Private Yacht - On The River - In Heart of Downtown

Houseboat in Wilmington, 4-minute walk to Riverwalk

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

Docked at an ideal spot in the marina.
No other boats port or starboard.
Beautiful views of the Cape Fear River.
See the Battleship North Carolina in the distance.
Fabulous sunsets.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Outdoor space
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View map
Wilmington, NC
  • Place, Riverwalk
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Live Oak Bank Pavilion
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Wilmington Convention Center
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Airport, Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.)
    ‪7 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. 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 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.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Water view

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House Rules

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

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

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

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Turn off the lights and return the keys
Please leave sheets and blankets on the bed.
Hang any used towels in the bathroom.
Lock the salon door, close the windows, and leave the key & parking pass under the cutting board on the aft deck. Close the side wing doors. Leave the hvac running. Thanks!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
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.

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 Downtown Wilmington, a neighbourhood in Wilmington. Brooklyn Arts Center at St. Andrews and City Stage Theatre are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Children's Museum of Wilmington and Port of Wilmington. Wilmington Railroad Museum and Carolina Heights are also worth visiting. Looking to get your feet wet? Power boating, surfing/body boarding and fishing adventures can be found near the property.
Map
Wilmington, NC

What's nearby

  • Riverwalk - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Live Oak Bank Pavilion - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Wilmington Convention Center - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Cape Fear Community College - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Battleship North Carolina - 6 min drive - 4.9 km

Getting around

  • Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.) - 11 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Brunch Thyme - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Eagle's Dare - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Bonita Latin Fusion - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Tequila Comida & Cantina - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Marina Grill - ‬2 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 Downtown Wilmington, 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. 99 out of 99 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 99 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 99 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 99 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 99 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Amy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We were looking for a unique place to stay for our 30th anniversary and The Southern Cross was perfect!! Christa and Lee were delightful and gave us a wonderful orientation of the yacht and checked in on us to make sure everything was going well. The location was fantastic and easy walking distance to downtown Wilmington and many great restaurants. I highly recommend this property!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joanie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Magnificent classic yacht -- marvelous experience! From beginning to end, our stay was amazing. We would highly recommend it to family and friends. Hosts were very friendly and kind & went over and above to make sure our stay was flawless.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevin L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Boat stay

We enjoyed our stay on the boat for a week. It’s in a great location.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing

Top notch experience. From beginning to end, our stay was amazing. We would highly recommend it to family and friends. Hosts went over and above to make sure our stay was flawless.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tricia M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

PERFECT!!!

Everything about this stay was amazing!!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Craig S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome

My wife and I had a very fun and relaxing weekend on Southern Cross The Host went above and beyond location perfect restaurants scenery boat everything was great !!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

tom g.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

We had a wonderful experience. I highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 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

Foster G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Delightful and cozy

This was one of the best stays I've ever had. The boat was absolutely perfect, and we all had a blast. This was for father's day / my dad's birthday, and he said it was an amazing trip. Lee and Christa were absolutely wonderful and made the trip an entire step better than any of us expected.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marc S., Where do you live?

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Stay

We loved staying aboard Lee and Christa’s Southern Cross. Well appointed, comfortable, and accommodating (we own a boat, so are familiar with the smaller spaces aboard ). Communication with the owners was excellent. With a wonderful front row seat on the river and situated very close to downtown and all of the restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and shops, we felt we were in the best place to stay in Wilmington.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

John B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique experience

This was a great location at the marina. Perfect for watching 4th of July Fireworks. Enjoyed a relaxing, peaceful time watching all the different boats passing by and all the different waterfowl, especially the pelicans. Lee and Christa's personal attention was above and beyond what is normally expected. Would highly recommend a stay on the Southern Cross!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ivannna A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Adventure

Our time on the Southern Cross far exceeded expectations! Lee and Christa are warm and welcoming and their love for this vessel and for sharing it with others is obvious through their attention to detail. The yacht is well stocked and the boat slip is the best in the harbor! The location is convenient to dining, the river walk, the trolley and the NC Battleship. I wish I could add a picture of the stunning sunset that topped off this wonderful aventure! We look forward to our next stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique Experience, Awesome Location

We love the Wilmington riverfront! This was a very pleasant vacation for us. The accommodations were quite nice, and Lee and Christa were perfect hosts. The description includes warnings for anyone with mobility issues. I would say, take those seriously. Also, for anyone like us who needs a plush sleeping surface, maybe bring a topper. The bed is very firm. Luckily, the recliners were soft and we were able to rest there. We would definitely consider staying here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 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

Edward W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

SPECTACULAR

The only thing better than the experience on the 51 foot yacht “Southern Cross” after the Crosby Stills and Nash song, were the owners of the yacht Lee and Christa! We’ve never been on a boat like this and they met with us for an hour as we checked in and showed us everything about the boat. The experience was absolutely perfect. Location is in the center of town. It really gives you an experience that you’re living on a boat. They were able to help us with so many different decisions. We have stayed at many VRBO properties, but never had such a unique and supportive experience that we will never forget. We cannot think of any property that would’ve given us this type of experience near Wonderful Wilmington where we called it WW.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bette B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Yacht in Wilmington!

Everything was perfect from the time we arrived until we departed. The Yacht was so well appointed and the hosts had everything covered (all those things you always forget to bring). The dock location was excellent - close to all the restaurants & entertainment downtown. We were there to attend our nephews wedding on the Riverfront, so the location worked out super for us. We took Christa's recommendation and ate at the Marina Grill and it was very good and just a short walk from the pier. We were lucky to be able to catch a free concert on the pier which we watched from the boat. It was our first time trying something "different" and we were not disappointed. Lee & Christa were excellent hosts and checked in on us to make sure we had everything we needed. Thanks again and since we have family in the Wilmington area we, will return and will definitely stay at The Southern Cross! Mike & Bette, Virginia Beach, VA
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Leo T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay here was an awesome experience. From our communications with the owners of the beautiful vessel to the location. It was maybe a 10 minute walk to our concert at Live Oak bank Pavilion and about a 10 to 15 minute walk to the heart of the downtown area with plenty of great places to eat, drink and be merry. Lee and his partner Christa were the best hosts one could ever wish for from making the reservation to checkout. Also, the water and coffee were greatly appreciated. The layout of the motor yacht was awesome with plenty of space and the view from the stern seating area with morning coffee or afternoon cocktails cannot be beat. We even saw a little otter poke his head out of the water one morning.
Morning coffee.
Arrival
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paige K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Super beautiful location and property, hosts and generous and very welcoming, great communication and very helpful orientation to the workings of the boat. Such an amazing location, so easy to access fun downtown food and activities. Relaxing and comfortable place to gather, play games, enjoy the river.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melissa D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful yacht, very clean. So close to downtown. We had a wonderful weekend, can’t wait to go back for a longer stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful time celebrating our 25th anniversary on Southern Cross and would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for a truly unique stay in Wilmington. Lee & Christa were fantastic to work with and we looking forward to going back soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

jackie b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice boat, and the owners are extremely nice
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

SHAUNA V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Summer vacation

The hosts were incredibly welcoming and accommodating in everyway! From orienting us to their yacht to sharing their favorite local eats and things to do! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay! 10 out of 10 for sure!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joann E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had great weekend. Christa was wonderful. Showed us around and gave us suggestions. The accomodations were very nice. Would highly recommend. Hope to come back in future.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic stay - Christa met us at the boat and explained everything. Great location, and s well stocked with anything we might need (including snacks :)). It’s clear the owners take great pride in the Southern Cross-and it’s a beautiful vesselWe’ll be back when it’s a bit cooler….10/10 recommend!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathy A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome stay

Mother daughter trip, we had bad weather but the boat was very comfortable. First time for my daughter and I sleeping on a boat. Everything was just as described. The host Christa and Lee were awesome.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

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 and all the downtown happenings.

And there is so much to do in Wilmington! Take a horse drawn carriage ride through downtown, hit any one of the numerous beaches, go to Cameron Art Museum, walk through Airlie Gardens, tour the Battleship North Carolina, take a sunset cruise departing from the Riverwalk and from the Blockade Runner, or eat at any one of the amazing restaurants throughout Wilmington.

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.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests