STATIA--With accommodation demand rising sharply ahead of the island’s historic First Salute 250 commemorations, the Statia Government has secured the 95-stateroom Victory I to serve as a floating hotel, creating accommodation for up to 190 additional guests during Statia Week.
Victory I will be available from 10 to 17 November 2026, covering Statia Week and Statia Day on 16 November. The additional capacity will give more Statians living abroad, members of the diaspora and international visitors the opportunity to be on Statia for the 250th anniversary of the First Salute.
The First Salute refers to the cannon salute fired from Fort Oranje on St. Eustatius on November 16, 1776, in response to a salute from the American brig Andrew Doria. Governor Johannes de Graaff ordered an 11-gun salute, which became known as the first formal international acknowledgment of the flag and independence of the newly declared United States.
This year marks the 250th anniversary of that event. St. Eustatius will commemorate it on November 16, 2026, which is also Statia Day, with a wider program of activities scheduled from November 10 through 16 under the theme “The Statia Spirit Perseveres, Saluting 250 Years.”
That is the anniversary King Willem-Alexander was referring to in the Throne Speech when he mentioned the salute from St. Eustatius 250 years ago.
The floating hotel forms part of preparations to respond to exceptional accommodation demand during the anniversary period while keeping Statia at the centre of the visitor experience.
The initiative was pursued under the direction of Island Commissioner Rechelline Leerdam, whose portfolios include tourism, culture and harbour affairs.
“First Salute 250 belongs to Statia and its people, and we want as many people as possible who feel connected to this island and its history to have the opportunity to be here,” said Commissioner Leerdam. “The arrival of Victory I gives us additional capacity during an extraordinary week for Statia and allows more visitors to experience this historic moment where it happened.”
The floating hotel supplements Statia’s existing hotels, guesthouses, villas and other accommodation providers. It is intended to meet additional demand during the commemorative period while encouraging visitors to explore the island, attend Statia Week activities and support local restaurants, businesses and attractions.
Guests staying aboard Victory I will be within reach of the week’s programme and the places central to Statia’s history, including Fort Oranje and Oranjestad. The vessel will operate primarily from Statia during the commemorative period and will make a scheduled day visit to St Maarten on 11 November to pick up additional guests before returning to Statia that evening.
On 16 November 1776, Fort Oranje answered the salute of the American brig Andrew Doria.
The exchange became known as the First Salute and is widely regarded as the first formal acknowledgement by a foreign authority of the flag of the newly independent United States.
Exactly 250 years later, Statia will commemorate that historic event with a week of activities celebrating the island’s history, culture, people and international connections.
The Government of Statia thanks Landry & Kling and Victory Cruise Lines for their cooperation in developing the floating hotel arrangement. Appreciation is also extended to the Executive Council, Island Council, Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, harbour team, government departments, private partners and others who contributed to making the initiative possible.
A seven-night stay aboard Victory I will be offered from 10 to 17 November 2026, with full-week packages starting from USD 2,750 per room for up to two guests. Applicable tourist tax, reservation charges and payment-processing fees are additional.
Full details on accommodation, the sailing programme, boarding arrangements, rates, meals, taxes and reservations are available at www.statiafloatinghotel.com.
