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Floating Hotel
St. Eustatius seen from the water, the Quill rising above Oranjestad on the island's green ridge

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.

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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.

The gate of Fort Oranje, St. Eustatius

16 November 1776

A salute crossed the harbour.

250 Years Later

The world returns.

First Salute 250

One island. One historic week.

From 10 to 17 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.

  1. Wake to views of Statia.
  2. Spend your day experiencing the island.
  3. Return to your room on the water.
  4. 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.

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Victory II underway at sunset, the ship serving as the STATIA Floating Hotel
Deluxe oceanview stateroom with private veranda aboard Victory II

More Than a Place to Sleep

Designed around the week.

01

Stay close

Accommodation created specifically to support First Salute 250.

02

Wake up to Statia

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

03

Your own space

Comfortable private accommodation throughout your stay.

04

Part of the experience

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

Stay Facts

The Ship
Victory II · 286 ft · 190 guests · 95 staterooms · 80 crew · 5 guest decks · built 2001, refurbished 2024.
Stay
Accommodation package options include:
  • 7-night package from Tuesday 10 November to Tuesday 17 November
  • 4-night package from Tuesday 10 November to Saturday 14 November
Check-in
From 12:00 to 23:59 on 10 November in Statia, or from 11:00 to 17:00 on 11 November in St. Maarten.
Check-out
  • 4-night packages: check-out by 10:00 on 14 November
  • 7-night packages: check-out by 10:00 on 17 November
St. Maarten day trip
On 11 November, Victory II sails to St. Maarten (SXM) to collect the guests joining there. Guests who embarked in Statia on 10 November sail along, and this round trip is included in the package as a day visit. The ship is back in Statia the same evening.Plan your day in St. Maarten
Location
The ship is scheduled to remain dockside in Statia, except for the day trip to St. Maarten on 11 November and a brief operational departure on the morning of 15 November, when the ship will be away from the dock for a few hours to support Statia Day preparations.
Meals
Breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner are available onboard Victory II at additional cost.

Rooms & Rates

Choose your stateroom.

Rates shown below for the seven-night and four-night packages are per room for up to two guests sharing with breakfast included.

Seven-night and four-night package prices per room category aboard Victory II
Room category7-night package / room10–17 November 20264-night package / room10–14 November 2026
Outside Stateroom DDeck 1 · Main Deck · 146–158 sq ftUSD 2,750Not available
Outside Stateroom CDeck 2 · Saloon Deck · 146–158 sq ftUSD 3,250Not available
Outside Stateroom BDeck 3 · Cabin Deck · 146–158 sq ftUSD 3,250Not available
Outside Stateroom ADeck 3 · Cabin Deck · 185 sq ftUSD 3,250Not available
Deluxe Outside StateroomDeck 4 · Observation Deck · 161 sq ftUSD 4,250USD 1,750
Owner's SuiteDeck 3 · Cabin Deck · 335 sq ftUSD 6,250USD 2,550

Rates cover the full stay from 10 to 17 November 2026 for 7-night packages and from 10 to 14 November 2026 for 4-night packages; individual nights or revised dates of stay are not available. Lunch and dinner are available onboard Victory II at an additional cost. A mandatory tourist tax of USD 3 per person per night is additional, as is a reservation fee of USD 25 per person plus approximately 4% payment-processing charges on the total.

Deck plans

Deck plans for Victory II. Decks 1 to 3 hold the Outside Staterooms — category D on Deck 1, C on Deck 2, and B and A together with the Owner's Suite on Deck 3. Deck 4 holds the Club Level Deluxe Outside Staterooms alongside the Terrace and The Grill, and Deck 5 is the open Sun Deck. Category, deck and size for each room are listed in the table above.
Victory II, decks 1 to 5. Stateroom numbers are shown for orientation; your own stateroom is assigned on arrival.
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Aerial view of historic Oranjestad with The Quill rising behind it

Imagine waking up to this.

For one week, this is home.

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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.

Fort Oranje, St. Eustatius
Hikers on the trail into The Quill
Historic Oranjestad, seen from above
Statian culture and community celebrations
Discover Statia

1776 → 2026

The salute that travelled through history.

  1. 16 Nov 1776

    The American brig Andrew Doria enters the roadstead of St. Eustatius flying the flag of the newly declared United States.

  2. Fort Oranje

    The vessel fires a salute. Fort Oranje responds.

  3. The First Salute

    The exchange becomes remembered as the First Salute to the flag of the young United States by a foreign power.

  4. 250 Years

    The story continues across generations, nations and oceans.

  5. 16 Nov 2026

    Return to where it began.

First Salute 250

History only turns 250 once.

Seven-night and four-night packages aboard Victory II from USD 1,750 per room for up to two guests.

Book your stay and join Statia for an extraordinary anniversary.

Book Your Stay

Rates start at approximately USD 196 per person per night based on two guests sharing. Breakfast included. A mandatory tourist tax of USD 3 per person per night is additional, as is a reservation fee of USD 25 per person plus approximately 4% payment-processing charges on the total.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your stay

Where is STATIA Floating Hotel?

The ship is scheduled to stay dockside in the harbour of St. Eustatius, except for the St. Maarten day trip on 11 November and a brief operational departure on the morning of 15 November.

Is this a cruise?

No. Victory II 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 12:00 to 23:59 on 10 November 2026 in Statia, or from 11:00 to 17:00 on 11 November in St. Maarten. Check-out for 4-night packages is by 10:00 on 14 November, and for 7-night packages by 10:00 on 17 November.

Can I embark in St. Maarten?

Yes. Victory II visits St. Maarten (SXM) on 11 November and returns to Statia that evening. Check-in in St. Maarten is from 11:00 to 17:00, and all guests must be aboard by 17:00. The boarding location will be confirmed before travel.

Visit St. Maarten
What do I need to present at check-in?

A passport valid through at least 17 May 2027, and a credit card for onboard incidentals.

Booking and payment

What does my booking include?

The packages aboard Victory II include:

  • Accommodations for the number of nights reserved
  • The day visit to St. Maarten on 11 November for guests embarking in Statia
  • Complimentary à la carte breakfast during designated hours
  • Standard beverages — water, tea, coffee and soda — throughout the day
  • Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi via Starlink
  • Gratuities for shipboard services, including room attendant and breakfast service
  • Use of the onboard gym, with free weights and machines, 24 hours a day

A mandatory tourist tax of USD 3 per person per night is additional, as is a reservation fee of USD 25 per person plus approximately 4% payment-processing charges on the total.

What is not included?

The following are available onboard or ashore at additional cost:

  • Transport to and from the ship — flights, ground transfers and the like
  • Lunch and dinner
  • Alcoholic beverages during scheduled lounge hours
  • Spa and salon services
  • Items and services of a personal nature, such as shop purchases and medical services
Can I book individual nights?

No. Only the 7-night packages (10–17 November) and 4-night packages (10–14 November) are available.

What are my payment options?

Two payment plans are available: pay in full at the time of booking, or pay a 50% deposit, with the balance charged to the credit card on file on 15 October 2026. Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover are accepted.

Payments are non-refundable. Reservations not deposited at the time of booking, or not paid in full by 15 October 2026, are subject to cancellation, and no refund will be issued.

Do you sell travel insurance?

No, and we do not recommend specific policies. Guests are strongly encouraged to arrange travel insurance against unexpected circumstances that may prevent, delay or interrupt their travel. Selecting, purchasing and managing that cover is the guest's own responsibility.

Onboard services

Can the ship accommodate dietary needs?

Yes. The ship's culinary team caters for a range of dietary needs. Please let us know about any requirements during your reservation.

What is the dress code aboard?

Relaxed, comfortable casual attire is right for the whole week aboard.

Is laundry service available?

Yes, at additional cost.

Do the staterooms have safes?

Yes. Every stateroom and suite has a personal safe.

Good to know

Can the ship accommodate guests with physical disabilities?

Most areas of the ship are accessible by wheelchair, except The Grill on Observation Deck 4 and Sun Deck 5. Guests who need mobility assistance, and guests who are physically disabled, must be accompanied by someone who will take full responsibility for any assistance needed in an emergency.

Is smoking permitted onboard?

Smoking is a safety hazard and is strictly prohibited throughout the vessel, including all staterooms, suites and verandas. It is permitted only in the designated area on Deck 5 aft.

The Master of the vessel reserves the right to disembark any guest, without prior warning, for a violation of this policy. Guests are responsible for all costs of repairing or replacing furnishings damaged by smoking in accommodation areas.

Is there anything I should not bring?

For fire-safety reasons, heating appliances such as irons and clothes steamers are not permitted aboard, nor are open flames such as candles. Guests may also not bring aboard alcoholic beverages, firearms, explosives, flammable materials or other hazardous goods.

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