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. ONE NIGHT RENTALS ARE AVAILABLE FOR LIVE OAK PAVILION CONCERTS. Send an inquiry for more details.
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, and - Main salon sleeper sofa.
While there is ample room for more, we recommend three guests for maximum comfort (only four guests, 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 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, 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.
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Flexible check-in available (contact host in advance of arrival)
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
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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 charge per night for a 4th guest, allowed only on a case-by-case basis.
While there are not a lot of steps on the boat, they are steep. Guests need to be reasonably fit with no knee, hip or other mobility issues.
While check-in time is flexible, we would greatly appreciate your arriving no later than 6:00 pm in order for us to give the orientation.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 2607028vb
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
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. Live Oak Bank Pavilion and Wilmington Railroad Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Brooklyn Arts Center at St. Andrews and Cape Fear Museum of History and Science. 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.
Wilmington Convention Center - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
Cape Fear Community College - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
Getting around
Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.) - 11 min drive
Restaurants
Hell's Kitchen - 18 min walk
Beer Barrio - 18 min walk
Eagle's Dare - 15 min walk
Copper Penny - 17 min walk
Java Dog Coffee House - 14 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.
How much does it cost to stay at Private Yacht - On The River - In Heart of Downtown?
As of 27 Aug, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Private Yacht - On The River - In Heart of Downtown on 4 Nov, 2026 start from S$776, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Private Yacht - On The River - In Heart of Downtown?
On-site parking is available at the 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 5-minute walk of Riverfront Park and Riverwalk. Live Oak Bank Pavilion and Wilmington Convention Center are also within 10 minutes.
About the host
Hosted by Phillip Lee Murray
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