Statia's coastline seen from the water at sunset

STATIA FLOATING HOTEL

Stay Where History Happened.

First Salute 250 · St. Eustatius · 10–17 November 2026

A once-in-250-years stay at the heart of Statia's historic celebration.

Official STATIA Floating Hotel accommodation for the First Salute 250 celebrations

Once in 250 Years

Some anniversaries are worth travelling for.

On 16 November 1776, from Fort Oranje on the tiny Caribbean island of St. Eustatius, cannon fire answered the salute of the American vessel Andrew Doria.

That moment became known as The First Salute.

In November 2026, exactly 250 years later, Statia invites the world back.

For one extraordinary week, history, culture, music, community and international friendship come together on the island where it happened.

This isn't simply somewhere to visit.

It's a moment to be part of.

16 November 1776

A salute crossed the harbour.

250 Years Later

The world returns.

First Salute 250

One island. One historic week.

From 9 to 16 November 2026, Statia comes alive with a programme celebrating its history, culture and community, culminating on Statia Day.

Visitors from Statia, the Caribbean, the Netherlands, the United States and beyond will gather to commemorate the event that connected this small island to a defining chapter in world history.

History

Stand where the First Salute was fired and discover the extraordinary role Statia played in the eighteenth-century Atlantic world.

Culture

Experience Statian heritage, music, food, stories and traditions throughout the celebration.

Community

Celebrate alongside Statians at an event that belongs first and foremost to the island and its people.

Connection

Mark 250 years of history connecting St. Eustatius, the Netherlands, the United States and the wider world.

Explore Your Stay

Your Home for the Celebration

Wake up where history happened.

For First Salute 250, additional accommodation comes to Statia in a remarkable way.

STATIA Floating Hotel will be positioned just offshore, creating a unique base for guests joining the anniversary celebrations.

Wake to views of Statia.
Spend your day experiencing the island.
Return to your room on the water.
And do it all at the centre of a celebration that will not happen again.

Your room. Your base. Your front-row seat to history.

View Rooms & Book

Victory I underway at sunset, the ship serving as the STATIA Floating Hotel

Deluxe oceanview stateroom with private veranda aboard Victory I

More Than a Place to Sleep

Designed around the week.

Stay close

Accommodation created specifically to support First Salute 250.

Wake up to Statia

Start and end your day looking towards one of the Caribbean's most distinctive islands.

Your own space

Comfortable private accommodation throughout your stay.

Part of the experience

Stay alongside other visitors who have travelled to Statia for this historic occasion.

Stay Facts

The Ship: Victory I · 286 ft · 190 guests · 95 staterooms · 80 crew · 5 guest decks · built 2001, refurbished 2024.
Stay: One seven-night package from Tuesday 10 November to Tuesday 17 November 2026.
Check-in: From 15:00 on 10 November. Arrival from approximately 12:00 may be possible, subject to final confirmation.
Check-out: By 10:00 on 17 November.
11 November: The package includes Victory I's day visit to St. Maarten (SXM) for guests embarking in Statia. Guests may alternatively embark in St. Maarten; the ship returns to Statia that evening.
Location: Victory I remains dockside in Statia for the rest of the stay.
Meals: Breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner are not included in the package price but are available onboard Victory I.

Aerial view of historic Oranjestad with The Quill rising behind it

Imagine waking up to this.

For one week, this is home.

Book Your Stay

Beyond the First Salute

Small island. Extraordinary story.

St. Eustatius — Statia to those who know it — rewards curiosity.

Walk through historic Oranjestad.
Stand on the ramparts of Fort Oranje.
Hike into the crater of The Quill.
Dive beneath the Caribbean Sea.
Explore the ruins of an island once known as the Golden Rock.

And discover a place whose influence on history is dramatically larger than its footprint on the map.

Statian culture and community celebrations

Discover Statia

1776 → 2026

The salute that travelled through history.

16 Nov 1776
The American brig Andrew Doria enters the roadstead of St. Eustatius flying the flag of the newly declared United States.
Fort Oranje
The vessel fires a salute. Fort Oranje responds.
The First Salute
The exchange becomes remembered as the First Salute to the flag of the young United States by a foreign power.
250 Years
The story continues across generations, nations and oceans.
16 Nov 2026
Return to where it began.

First Salute 250

History only turns 250 once.

Seven nights aboard Victory I from US$2,750 per room for up to two guests.

Book the complete stay from 10 to 17 November 2026 and join Statia for an extraordinary anniversary.

Book Your Stay

Approximately US$196 per person per night based on two guests sharing. Breakfast included. A mandatory tourist tax of US$21 per person, calculated at US$3 per person per 24 hours, and reservation and payment-processing charges are additional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is STATIA Floating Hotel?

Victory I remains dockside in the harbour of St. Eustatius, except for the St. Maarten day trip on 11 November.

Is this a cruise?

No. Victory I primarily serves as floating accommodation. The experience is centred on St. Eustatius and First Salute 250.

When can I check in and out?

Check-in is from 15:00 on 10 November 2026. Earlier access from approximately 12:00 may be possible, subject to confirmation. Check-out is by 10:00 on 17 November.

Can I embark in St. Maarten?

Yes. Victory I visits St. Maarten (SXM) on 11 November and returns to Statia that evening. Final boarding time and location will be confirmed before travel.

What does my booking include?

The full-week package includes seven nights' accommodation, breakfast and Victory I's 11 November day visit to St. Maarten for guests embarking in Statia. Lunch and dinner are excluded from the price but available onboard. A mandatory tourist tax of US$21 per person (US$3 per person per 24 hours) and reservation and payment-processing charges are additional.

Can I book individual nights?

No. Only the complete full-week package is available.