Welcome
Sabbatical is a privately-owned houseboat in Port City Marina nestled among the Cove Villas. It is centrally located between the Wilmington Convention Center and the new City Park and Live Oak Bank Pavilion Amphitheater. It is a rare opportunity to stay not near the water but ON the water. Amazing views not only of the Cape Fear River but also of the beautiful yachts that visit and call Port City Marina home. Beautiful layout with 2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms.
First floor includes full kitchen, dining room, living room, one of the bedrooms and full bathroom that includes a washer and dryer. The second floor includes the master bedroom with a full bathroom and additional living room with sectional couch that includes a pullout queen sofa bed. The views from the spacious second floor outdoor patio will have you planning your next visit.
Port City Marina is also a center for entertainment and dining along Downtown Wilmington's Riverwalk, popular Front Street and the Historic District. If you love music, Downtown Wilmington is the place to be. There are concerts at Marina Grill, the Marina Pier and the Live Oak Bank Pavilion Amphitheater, all riverfront.
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If you have a question about your vacation rental or about the Wilmington area, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.
336-558-9695
Your next escape starts with a Sabbatical!
10 Harnett Street, Wilmington, North Carolina 28401, United States
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at kpatterson9901@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
How do I book a reservation?
To make an online reservation, please click one of the booking options on our main page. Click the “Book Now” button. You will then be prompted to choose VRBO or AIRBNB booking platform to enter your desired dates and number of guests. Current rates will be displayed for you to review and select.
What are your rates?
Rates for Sabbatical vary throughout the year based on the time of year, day of the week, holidays, local events, and availability. For the most up-to-date pricing, simply enter your preferred dates on our booking section on our Home page to see the rate for your stay.
Do you have a nightly minimum requirement?
Minimum stay requirements for Sabbatical vary throughout the year based on the season, demand, and special events.
Most weekdays are available with a 1-night minimum, while weekends typically require a 2-night stay. During holidays, festivals, concerts, and other popular dates, a longer minimum stay may apply.
Looking for just one night? If you don't see availability, try searching for two nights instead. Some dates may become available once the minimum-stay requirement is met.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that plans can change. For cancellations made 14 days or more before check-in, you’ll receive a full refund. Cancellations made 7–13 days before check-in are eligible for a 50% refund. Unfortunately, cancellations made less than 7 days before arrival are non-refundable.
If you’re making a reservation within 14 days of your arrival, please keep in mind that the reservation falls outside the timeframe for a full refund under this policy's item.
How many occupants are allowed on the houseboat?
Sabbatical comfortably accommodates 4–6 overnight guests. The houseboat features two bedrooms, with additional sleeping space available on the pullout sofa.
For the comfort and safety of all guests, a maximum of 6 overnight guests is permitted. Please be sure to include all overnight guests when making your reservation.
Are pets allowed?
Sabbatical is a pet-free houseboat, and pets are not permitted. This policy helps us provide a clean, comfortable environment for all of our guests, including those who may have allergies or sensitivities to animals. We appreciate your understanding and consideration of future guests. The Cove offers some houseboats that are pet friendly.
Is Sabbatical accessible for guests with mobility limitations?
Sabbatical is not designed with ADA accessibility features, and access to the houseboat may be difficult for guests with limited mobility. Reaching the boat requires navigating ramps, floating docks, and stairs, and the interior does not have features such as widened doorways or other accessibility modifications.
Because every guest’s needs are different, we encourage you to contact us before booking if you have accessibility concerns. We’re happy to answer questions about the layout and access to help you determine whether Sabbatical will be a comfortable fit for your stay.
Who manages Sabbatical?
Sabbatical is privately owned and independently operated, located within The Cove houseboat community. While The Cove manages any marina-related questions and offers shuttle service to and from the Skyline Garage to our houseboat, the overall property, Sabbatical, is individually owned and managed by us.
The Cove has a front desk and on-site team available to assist with marina-related questions and general information about the property. However, there is no front-desk check-in for Sabbatical. We provide self check-in and handle everything related specifically to your stay aboard Sabbatical, including reservations, access, houseboat amenities, questions, and any issues with the houseboat itself.
Think of The Cove as the community, and Sabbatical as your privately owned houseboat within it. We’re always just a message or phone call away throughout your stay.
Will I feel the houseboat moving?
Sabbatical is securely moored at the dock, so you can expect very little movement. You may occasionally feel a gentle sway when boats pass by or when the wind picks up, but it’s generally subtle and easy to get used to.
Most guests find that they quickly settle into the experience of being on the water. If you are especially sensitive to motion or prone to motion sickness, you may notice the movement more than others.
Where do I park?
Guests staying at Sabbatical have one complimentary parking space at the Skyline Garage, located at 155 Brunswick Street, directly across from the Skyline Center.
We’ll take care of registering your vehicle online before your arrival. To complete the registration, please provide the make, model, color, license plate number, and state for the vehicle you’ll be parking.
The complimentary parking applies to one vehicle per reservation. If you are bringing additional vehicles, you’ll need to register and pay for those separately. The Skyline Garage has QR codes available for registering additional vehicles.
Skyline Garage parking rates include:
- Up to 1 hour: $1
- Up to 2 hours: $3
- Up to 3 hours: $6
- 3–12 hours: $9
- 12–24 hours: $15 maximum
Parking is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
How do I get from the parking garage to the Sabbatical Houseboat?
A complimentary golf cart shuttle service is available through The Cove to make getting from the Skyline Garage to the houseboats easier, especially when you have luggage.
Golf cart attendants are available at 155 Brunswick Street from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily. The shuttle operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so there may be a short wait if an attendant is helping another guest.
If you arrive and don't see an attendant, simply send a text to 910-651-3253 to arrange for someone to meet you.
If you arrive after shuttle hours, your check-in details will provide a walking map and directions from the garage to Sabbatical, so you'll have everything you need to find your way to the houseboat.
How do I access Sabbatical?
Arriving at Sabbatical is easy with our self check-in system. The houseboat is equipped with a smart lock, so there’s no physical key to pick up, carry, or worry about losing during your stay.
Once your reservation is confirmed, your check-in details will include your unique door code, along with everything you need for a smooth arrival. You’ll also receive arrival instructions with a walking map and directions from the parking garage to Sabbatical, making it easy to find your way to the houseboat.
What is included in the houseboat?
Sabbatical comes fully equipped with a variety of amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
- Linens & Towels: Bed linens, bath towels, hand towels, washcloths, and makeup cloths
- Bathroom Essentials: Toilet paper, hand soap, shampoo/conditioner, lotion and hairdryer
- Kitchen Essentials: Paper towels, dish soap, dishwasher pods, cookware, dishes, utensils, glassware, and basic cooking essentials
- Coffee Station: Dual Keurig (pot and single serving), coffee filters, coffee, tea, creamer and sugar
- Laundry: Washer and dryer with laundry detergent.
- Other Conveniences: Iron, ironing board, clothes hangers and fans.
Are there any grocery stores nearby?
While Downtown Wilmington doesn’t have a full-service grocery store, Food Lion on Oleander Drive is just a short drive from the marina. For quick trips or a few essentials, DGX on Water Street is a convenient downtown option for snacks, drinks, and basic grocery items.
Do you offer a grocery delivery service? Is it possible to have the houseboat decorated for a special event prior to guest arrival?
Step aboard to find your groceries already stocked and ready for your stay. Through our partnership with Elite Guest Services, a local luxury concierge company, you can arrange for groceries to be delivered before check-in. It’s a convenient way to start your getaway without the hassle of a shopping trip.
You can contact Elite Guest Services directly to discuss your needs.
Phone: 910-264-5179
Email: elitecapefear@gmail.com
Sabbatical offers satellite internet to help you stay connected throughout your stay. Each room is equipped with a Smart TV, giving you easy access to popular streaming apps so you can unwind with your favorite movies, shows, and entertainment. You’re welcome to log in to your own streaming accounts to access your personal favorites.
YouTube TV is included with your stay, so you can enjoy live TV and a variety of channels during your visit.
Is smoking allowed?
No. Sabbatical is a 100% smoke-free property, including docks and common areas. Smoking of any kind—including cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, vaping, and marijuana—is not permitted anywhere on the property. Guests who violate our no-smoking policy or leave evidence of smoking inside a houseboat will be subject to a $350 smoking fee. Thank you for helping us keep the houseboat clean and enjoyable for all guests.
Can I fish at the marina or off the deck of the houseboat?
No. Fishing is not permitted from the houseboat or anywhere within the marina. If you're looking to fish during your visit, the public Conlon Fishing Pier is located just a short walk away along the Riverwalk and offers a great spot to enjoy fishing on the Cape Fear River.
Does the houseboat have a grill or can I bring one?
No. For safety reasons, a grill is not provided on the houseboat, and personal grills are not permitted anywhere on the property. However, The Cove offers a Blackstone grill located at the end of A Dock that is available for all guests to use on a first come, first served basis. Basic grilling tools are also provided and can be found behind the bar at the end of the dock.
How close is the Live Oak Bank Pavilion Amphitheater?
Live Oak Bank Pavilion Amphitheater is approximately a 7-minute walk from the Sabbatical! It is the perfect home base for concertgoers, allowing you to stroll to and from the venue with ease while enjoying the unique experience of staying aboard your own private waterfront houseboat. Skip the hassle of finding parking and make your concert getaway even more memorable! Four lawn chairs are available for your use.
Are personal boats allowed?
Yes! You’re welcome to bring your boat to Wilmington, but boats cannot be tied to houseboats or docked along A or B Dock. Port City Marina offers separate transient slips for rent. For availability and reservations, contact the marina manager at taylor@portcitymarina.com or call 910-251-6151.