House boat

Private Yacht - On The River - In Heart of Downtown

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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

  • Parking available
  • Air conditioning
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Outdoor space
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Wilmington, NC
  • Riverwalk
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Live Oak Bank Pavilion
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Wilmington Convention Center
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.)
    ‪11 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.

Property manager

Phillip Lee Murray
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
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
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. 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 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 - 0.4 km
  • Live Oak Bank Pavilion - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Wilmington Convention Center - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Cape Fear Community College - 11 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Battleship North Carolina - 5 min drive - 4.4 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪The Half - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Mellow Mushroom Wilmington - Downtown - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Edward Teach Brewing - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Cape Fear Wine and Beer - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Marina Grill - ‬3 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. 82 out of 82 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 82 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 82 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 82 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 82 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

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

Joel S.

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

Nice boat

Pleasant and clean in a good location with great restaurants close by.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terry M.

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

Terrific Stay on a beautiful boat

The Southern Cross was a great weekend rental in a beautiful setting on the Cape Fear River. Lee and Chris are fabulous hosts full of information on the area and completed a full orientation of the boat when we arrived. I highly recommend this unique experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Glenn S.

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

Great Weekend

This was our 2nd time on the Southern Cross. It’s truly a special, interesting experience. We really enjoyed it 110%. Lee & Christa are excellent at preparing the place as well as making your stay comfortable. Plenty of local restaurants & entertainment.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Amazing! Better than any hotel if you like solitude.

Cant wait to stay there again. Highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

John H.

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

Boat

Great place to stay !
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robin H.

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

Great place to stay

Great location , owners were very friendly will definitely stay again
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heather P.

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

Wilmington Stay

A great experience and stay while moving my son into UNCW. Excellent way to spend family time.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

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

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

Renee B.

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

Amazing location

First time staying on a yacht and will definitely do it again. The hosts were great and can’t wait to come back. A must stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Abby D.

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

Awesome, Unique Stay

This was such a fun stay! The hosts were by far the best we have ever interacted with during a VRBO rental. We want to stay again! Great location, clean, and a beautiful well-cared-for boat.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lynn H.

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

Great Stay

This was a wonderful experience. I thought it would be crowded with 4 people but it was not. Restaurants close by. Walking distance to downtown Wilmington. The check in overview took about 30 mins but very needed and informative for our stay. Host was awesome.
Stayed 3 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

Verified traveller

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

Anniversary Trip

We had the best time during our stay on Southern Cross! The owners were so welcoming and accommodating. The yacht is beautiful! It was the perfect little get away to celebrate our 14 year anniversary! We have already recommended Southern Cross to our friends and family.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sharon S.

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

Southern Cross

Yacht as pictured…. Hosts very attentive…. clean…. location perfect
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Amazing stay with fantastic hosts

We had an outstanding time on the Southern Cross, it felt like home away from home. The hosts, Lee and Christa, were the definition of perfection, hospitality, and friendliness. They worked with us to schedule our stay around Hurricane Helene, and were helpful and friendly throughout our stay. Cannot recommend them highly enough! The boat was in Bristol order and made us want to buy our own.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sumer J.

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

We Had a Lovely Time

Being on the boat makes for a unique stay. I recommend this if you just want something different out of trip.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Samuel M.

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

Vacation

This was once in a life time to be able to stay on a yacht in Wilmington. Created so many memories. I would recommend this to anyone. Owners were very nice.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle N.

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

Relaxing Atmosphere, quiet peaceful

Well marked, great directions with good visuals to find the The boat boat. Host was very friendly and accommodating. Location was ideal, near historic center. The boat swayed ever so slightly for the most amazing sleep ever. Highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew M.

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

A dream come true for my partner

We couldn't have imagined a better birthday getaway for her. This was an experience we'll never forget. 10/10 on all accounts.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melissa W.

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

Concert visit

In town for a concert at Live Oak Pavilion. Could hear the sound check from the boat! Lee and Christa were awesome hosts and give a very thorough check in for those (like us) who are not really boat people. Beautiful sunsets each evening. We will definitely be back!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

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

Doug C.

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

Weekend at Port City Marina

Our weekend on the Southern Cross was perfect from beginning to end. What a cool yacht! Everything you can possibly want is at your fingertips. The owners were super. The atmosphere and location excellent. Live music at the marina, and many establishments have music. You can sit on your deck, look at the stars, sip a glass of wine and hear the music. Awesome!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 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

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