The Victory I will serve as a floating hotel during the First Salute 250 commemorations on the Caribbean island of St. Eustatius (Statia).
The ship was chartered by the Statia Government to create more accommodation during the event celebrating the 250th anniversary of what is considered the first recognition of America’s independence by a foreign power.
According to a statement from the Caribbean Tourism Organization, the 95-stateroom ship will be available to accommodate up to 190 guests November 10-17, 2026, covering Statia Week and Statia Day on November 16.
The vessel will operate primarily from Statia during the week, making a scheduled day visit to St Maarten on November 11 to pick up additional guests before returning to Statia that evening.
Prices for a seven-night stay aboard the Victory I start from $2,750 per room for up to two guests.
“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 Statia Government Commissioner Rechelline 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.”
On November 16, 1776, the American brig Andrew Doria entered the island’s harbor flying the flag of the newly declared United States and fired a salute.
The island’s Fort Oranje answered the salute, with the exchange 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.
