Private Yacht - On The River - In Heart of Downtown
About this docked boat rental
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.
Amenities
Air conditioner
Kitchen / Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Laundry
Balcony / Patio
TV
Map of Wilmington, NC
Docked boat in Wilmington, NC
Reasons to book
People love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Includes essentialsKitchen / Kitchenette, Air conditioner, Internet / Wifi and more
RRRR
Reviews
5.0/5.0
Outstanding(56 Reviews)
5.0
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!!
5.0
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!
5.0
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.
5.0
Great location , owners were very friendly will definitely stay again
5.0
We had a great stay on the Southern Cross despite weathering a tropical storm the first night of our stay! Christa and Lee were incredible hosts attending to every single detail! Our girls trip was relaxing, adventurous, and a "rockin" great time! We enjoyed the Marina Grill and walking to great restaurants and bars. This was an easy Five Star review! We will definitely be back!!! Better than a hotel room for sure!
10.0
Such an awesome experience! Right next to the concert we could walk to it! Can walk downtown, or just relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery on the boat! Such a fun time.
5.0
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.
5.0
The Southern Cross is a wonderfully unique destination, Docked at the best marina in Wilmington it is perfectly located in Wilmington to the best restaurants, bars, breweries and music venues. We look forward to our next visit on this gorgeous 48’ Hatteras yacht.
5.0
Hosts Christa & Lee met us on arrival, gave us a comprehensive tour of the boat, highlighted local attractions/restaurants, and remained on call throughout the duration of our stay. Location is very accessible to quaint downtown boutiques and delicious eateries. We even had unexpected fireworks display over the river one evening. Accommodation was truly a unique to experience and enjoy Wilmington. We look forward to doing it again on our next trip to the area.
5.0
My husband and I stayed on the Southern Cross for 2 nights to attend the Darius Rukus concert. Our experience was perfect! Lee and Christa communicated with us well prior to check-in and met us at the boat to show us around. The tour was thorough, and Lee and Christa were great! Due to the extreme heat this weekend, and their worry about the A/C keeping up, they communicated with us a couple of times to be sure all was going well. The boat was clean, very comfortable, and well stocked. We loved the extra touches provided by the owners to make our stay special. The location was perfect to attend the show, and to walk to historic downtown Wilmington. The sunset from the boat was beautiful! We definitely look forward to a stay here again!
5.0
I can’t begin to explain how much we enjoyed our stay on the Southern Cross! It is definitely a unique experience that I would suggest to any and everyone! Lee and Christa were some of the best, most interesting people we’ve ever met and we cannot wait to come stay again!
5.0
Great hospitality. Unique location. Lee and Christa are great hosts. They made check in a breeze. Facility was clean and inviting. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay!
5.0
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!
5.0
First time visiting Wilmington and could not have chosen a better place to stay. The yacht is so close to everything you might want to do in downtown Wilmington. Easy access to the riverfront walk which is a must to do. After a day of exploring Wilmington it was very relaxing to come back to the boat and spend the evening relaxing on the water, would highly recommend it!
5.0
Our long weekend stay on the Southern Cross was just what we needed to relax and enjoy the ambience around the marina, water and historic Wilmington. The accommodations are very comfortable offering more amenities than one needs, as well as different areas to enjoy morning coffee, afternoon reading and napping, cocktails in the evening and peaceful nights to see beautiful sunsets and listen to music wafting from nearby live venues. The master stateroom was large with a comfortable bed and bathroom. We also enjoyed the convenient location to the Riverwalk with multiple restaurants, the Marina Grill at the end of the pier, and the nearby shuttle providing multiple trips around the Historic downtown area. Thank you Lee and Crista for your kind hospitality and the welcoming toast you provided upon our arrival! We look forward to returning.
5.0
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.
5.0
Everything about this stay was amazing!!
5.0
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
5.0
We loved this unique getaway experience. The boat had plenty of space for our group of 3. You cannot beat the location if you are wanting to spend time in downtown Wilmington. Walking distance to restaurants, bars and the perfect location if attending a concert at Live Oak Pavilion. The hosts were very communicative and answered all questions we had during our stay. Will certainly be back!
5.0
I loved my stay on the boat! The location was terrific!! Anyone staying onboard needs to be nimble and able to manage lots of steps (as with all boats). Welcoming hosts! Nicely supplied with water and snacks. Make sure you adhere to policy of no pets or children; could be dangerous with all the water.
5.0
Christa and Lee were gracious hosts. Afler 32 years Lisa finally said "Yes"... she wants to now live on a boat full time! Once we got settled on the Southern Cross, we immediately became relaxed. It was so peaceful just sitting at the marina. Everything was perfect! We had planned to do a bunch of stuff in town, but we ended just sitting on the boat relaxing. We cannot recommend the Southern Cross enough!
5.0
Our stay onboard Southern Cross is one of the best memorable experience in Wilmington. Very clean and comfortable. First class treatment by our host from check in to check out. A chilled bottle of our favorite spirit is waiting for us when we got on board.
5.0
Such an amazing host and experience. We had a fabulous stay!
5.0
We initially chose this place strictly for the location, but will be back because of the overall experience. Christa and Lee did not miss one detail to make this a comfortable stay away from home. They make sure everything is perfect for you. From the location and the beautiful views, to the experience of staying on a boat, this place covers it all. What an awesome weekend!!!!
5.0
This was one of the most beautiful and exciting experiences we’ve had in a while. Christa and Lee were most gracious and helpful hosts. The accommodations were exceptional. Very clean and inviting. Well appointed kitchen and the bath was stocked with necessities you might have forgotten! Probably the most relaxed atmosphere we’ve experienced in a while. The gentle rocking of the boat made for a very restful night sleep! Convenient to Riverwalk, fabulous restaurants and great shopping. Let’s not forget the beautiful view of the battleship just across the river. Could not have asked for more! Thanks for the memorable experience!
5.0
My friend and I are soooo glad we decided to become "yacht people" for a long weekend in Wilmington. What a cool place to stay, especially if you are looking for something different from a hotel or house/condo. Christa and Lee are such great hosts; we were originally scheduled to visit in late September, but Hurricane Ian had other plans, and they were very flexible in letting us choose another weekend at the last minute. Of course, as luck would have it that other weekend was during the remnants of Nicole, but Lee and Christa greeted us upon arrival and helped move our stuff in, even in the pouring rain; they also provided a good orientation for people who aren't familiar with the workings of boats. The boat itself is great, plenty of room to spread out, and everything you could possibly need, and the location can't be beat, right on the upper end of the Wilmington River Walk. Christa was very communicative, answering questions and giving advice/recommendations when requested. I don't think you'll find hosts who seem to get so much enjoyment from sharing their special spot. I highly recommend the Southern Cross!!
5.0
🛑 Look no further, book it, you will not be disappointed. My husband and I live in Wilmington and were looking for a local getaway for our 35th Anniversary. Christa was an amazing host she even met us with a bottle of champagne to start our celebration 🥂 This is a hot spot to stay on the water and yet be walking distance to beautiful downtown and delicious restaurants⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5.0
Fantastic stay,great hosts and highly recommended.
5.0
This was one of the most enjoyable adventures. Christa and Lee met us on the boat and were the best. They had everything set up and communicated very well. The marina is very well situated, a short walk to downtown. We were able to enjoy the live music from the Marina Grill and the Amphitheater from the boat, also a great spot to watch the fireworks. We will definitely stay again
5.0
It was great staying on a boat instead of a hotel. It was our home base for exploring Wilmington and the surrounding beaches. Lee and Christa were the best!
5.0
Great weekend
5.0
Fantastic boat and very clean
5.0
Wonderful getaway
The owners make sure you feel like you are pampered!
5.0
Loved it!!
We couldn’t have asked for a better getaway for the weekend! Lee and Christa were so accommodating and the boat was stocked with some basic supplies, waters, snacks and condiments which was super nice! The boat was in a wonderful spot and there’s a nice view of the marina and the USS battleship! Highly recommend!!
5.0
Water calming VRBO
The hosts, Lee & Christa, could not have been more hospitable. They provided all the information we needed for an extraordinary vacation. The location was near everything and easy to navigate. This will not be a one-time-only visit. We absolutely LOVED it!!
5.0
Luxury on the Waterfront
This Yacht was just marvelous. It was beautifully appointed and stocked with all you need for the stay. Towels, sheets shampoo.and soap. Even had welcome beers in the fridge. Owner met us at the dock and gave us a tour of the boat and showed us where everything was and made great recommendations for dining in the area. Would stay again if given the chance.
5.0
Nice place with a very scenic view
Unique place to stay that is very well maintained.
5.0
A perfect place to relax for a few days. Our Host could not have been nicer! Highly recommend.
5.0
Awesome weekend getaway!
Lee and Christa were so welcoming and super nice. The boat was in an ideal spot for listening to music at the marina, the amphitheater, and Cloud 9 rooftop bar. We easily walked downtown and really enjoy sitting on the bow with coffee in the mornings and wine in the evenings. The boat is super comfortable and clean. We highly recommend the Southern Cross!
5.0
Heaven on a boat
This was awesome. I came to Wilmington for a wedding. I never wanted to come to Wilmington. Ever. This stay made the trip. Views are fabulous, the boat is comfortable, and we even ended up passing on some family activities to just hang out and enjoy a lovely night on the river sipping cocktails and watching all the traffic go up and down the river. We enjoyed it so much, we even wanted to stay longer and next time we're on a coastal trip, we're going to look for another boat to stay on. This was fabulous.
FAQs
How much does this docked boat cost compared to others in Wilmington?
The average price for a rental in Wilmington is R 3,942 per night. This rental is R 111 less expensive than the average.
Is parking included with this docked boat?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Private Yacht - On The River - In Heart of Downtown. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this docked boat?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this docked boat. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Private Yacht - On The River - In Heart of Downtown pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this docked boat is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Private Yacht - On The River - In Heart of Downtown?
We found 7 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, kitchen / kitchenette, internet / wifi, parking, and laundry.