Excursion Choice: Devin Castle, Iron Curtain and Bunker
Drive to nearby historic Devin Castle, dating back to the 9th century, and overlooking the Danube and Morava rivers. Continue to the border of Austria and see ruins of a WW2 bunker which also coincide with the the former Iron Curtain area. The tour will conclude by Bratislava Old Town where you can reunite with fellow travelers.
Bratislava is the capital and largest city of Slovakia, located in the southwestern part of the country along the Danube River. As of 2021, the city has an estimated population of 433,000 inhabitants.
Historically, Bratislava was known as Pozsony when it was part of the Kingdom of Hungary, and later as Pressburg when it became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The city has a rich history and has been influenced by various cultures, including Hungarian, German, and Czech.
Today, Bratislava is a vibrant city with a mix of historic and modern architecture. The charming Old Town boasts number of those landmarks, including the Bratislava Castle, St. Martin's Cathedral, and the Primatial Palace.
Bratislava is one of the few capital cities in the world that borders two independent countries - Austria and Hungary. In fact, the city is only about an hour's drive from Vienna, making it an ideal day trip destination. There is a regular speed boat connection between the two capitals.
Slovak culture is diverse and each region is proud of its own customs and traditions. Namely traditional folk music and dance are an essential part of the country's heritage, and visitors can experience this culture at various festivals throughout the year.
Slovak cuisine features hearty dishes, such as bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese) and goulash.
Additionally, Slovakia is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the High Tatras mountain range and the Danube River.
DAY 1
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
DOCKING LOCATION
Entre os Rios, Portugal (AM)
Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal (PM)
WEATHER
Partly Cloudy
Precipitation: 10%
Low: 34°F / 1°C
High: 60°F / 15°C
IMPORTANT DETAILS:
Ship: MS Joy
Phone: +31 655 453 853
Cruise Director: Abraham Haq
Hotel Manager:Nebojsa Milosevic
Captain: Alexandru Morinecu
ALL ABOARD!
5:00pm
CHEF'S SIGNATURE DINNER
On board sparkling event: this evening, you will enjoy a 6-course dinner in the European style - dining with new friends and old, enjoying wine and conversation around the dinner table. Our chef and his kitchen team take pleasure in presenting the “Chef’s Signature Dinner” in the Compass Rose dining room. We will all dine at the same time this evening. You may like to dress up for tonight’s festivities. Please note that due to our special dinner, Arthur's will be closed for dining after 4:00pm today.
MANDATORY DISEMBARKATION BRIEFING
Before we depart on the tour, please join Abraham in the Panorama Lounge for a short Disembarkation Briefing. We will discuss the disembarkation process and your final departure details. One member of each traveling party should attend.
LAST DAY FOR LAUNDRY
Please Note: Today will be the last day to have laundry service if you wish to have it done by the end of the cruise. Please see your cabin attendant for laundry bags and price lists.
ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT - FUNNY FELLOWS
Prepare for a lively and energetic musical highlight - humorous soiree in the style of the 20's - 30's of the last century. Old-time jazz and swing band founded in 1987.
DEPARTURE LETTERS
After your tour today, you will find a TRANSFER LETTER in the mailbox outside your cabin. This letter contains details pertaining to your departure in Budapest. If you find any discrepancies, please see Abraham. Keep this letter with your travel documents.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
These are kept to a minimum, especially in the afternoons and evenings, so that we do not disturb you while resting. Please refer to your daily program for events.
ARTHUR’S BISTRO
Here you will find 24-hour tea, hot chocolate and coffee, delicious cookies, and healthy snacks. In the morning, enjoy a light continental breakfast offering, and during the day, enjoy casual a la carte dining. Bar service is available on request.
BICYCLES / GOLF PUTTERS
We have a fleet of low-step-through, 7-gear bicycles with handbrakes. Please note a waiver must be signed for the bikes and the provided helmets must be worn. There is a putting green on the Sun Deck, aft. See the Reception Desk to reserve a bike or collect golf putters and balls.
FITNESS ROOM
Open 6:00am - 10:00pm, Deck 1. Out of respect for your fellow guests, please refrain from jogging on the Sun Deck. Guests must be over the age of 18 or accompanied by an adult to use the fitness center.
IN-CABIN SAFE
There are instructions for programming your cabin safe on the door of your safe. Call the Reception Desk (dial 9) for further assistance.
INTERNET
Please bring your devices to Reception to be connected to our complimentary internet service. Please connect to the TauckSpot_Savor wifi system and enter the code TauckSpot and when you have the page showing a QR code please bring your device to reception to be scanned and activated.
LAUNDRY
Find the services list and laundry bag in the bottom drawer in your cabin closet. Call the Reception Desk or ask your room attendant about pick-up.
LISTENING DEVICES
Be sure your “Vox” – personal audio device – is in the charger in your cabin. Please be sure it remains in the charger overnight throughout the tour. Extra earpieces are available at the Travel Desk.
LUGGAGE STORAGE
There is space to store your luggage under your bed. Ask your cabin attendant if you require assistance.
MASSAGE
See the Reception Desk for details and appointments.
MEDICATION ONBOARD
Due to local laws, onboard staff are not permitted to provide/sell medication to passengers, even over-the-counter medication. Your Tauck Team can assist you in locating a pharmacy.
ONBOARD INCIDENTALS
Please take a moment to register your credit card at the Reception Desk between 9am and 9pm to settle any onboard incidentals you may have incurred throughout the tour.
ONBOARD SAFETY VIDEO
Please view our Safety Video on your cabin television - Channel 4. We will play the video continuously throughout the cruise. If you have any further questions regarding safety procedures please see the Reception Desk.
RECEPTION
The Reception Desk is open everyday from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Please dial 9 in order to contact the reception staff (or the night watch outside of these hours). Wake-up calls are available upon request.
REFRESHMENTS
A water / ice dispenser is located on the Deck 2 foyer, beside the public washrooms. Tauck provides a reusable water bottle in your cabin for use throughout the tour and to take home with you. Additionally, snacks are available at any time, anywhere on the ship, via our "Bite to Eat" menu, which can be found in the black folder in your cabin. Order at the bar or by dialing the Reception.
SHIP SECURITY
All exterior ship doors are locked at all times when docked. Place your cabin keycard against the black sensor pad beside the jamb to open. Please always swipe your keycard with the reception or the sensors by the doors so that we know who is on and offboard at all times. Additionally, for your stateroom security, ensure that your balcony doors are shut and locked at all times when you leave your stateroom.
TELEPHONE
Room to room – simply dial the cabin number. For an international line please contact the Reception Desk for an outside line (dial 9). 1.00€ per minute.
Excursion Choice: Devin Castle, Iron Curtain and Bunker
Drive to nearby historic Devin Castle, dating back to the 9th century, and overlooking the Danube and Morava rivers. Continue to the border of Austria and see ruins of a WW2 bunker which also coincide with the the former Iron Curtain area. The tour will conclude by Bratislava Old Town where you can reunite with fellow travelers.
Bratislava is the capital and largest city of Slovakia, located in the southwestern part of the country along the Danube River. As of 2021, the city has an estimated population of 433,000 inhabitants.
Historically, Bratislava was known as Pozsony when it was part of the Kingdom of Hungary, and later as Pressburg when it became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The city has a rich history and has been influenced by various cultures, including Hungarian, German, and Czech.
Today, Bratislava is a vibrant city with a mix of historic and modern architecture. The charming Old Town boasts number of those landmarks, including the Bratislava Castle, St. Martin's Cathedral, and the Primatial Palace.
Bratislava is one of the few capital cities in the world that borders two independent countries - Austria and Hungary. In fact, the city is only about an hour's drive from Vienna, making it an ideal day trip destination. There is a regular speed boat connection between the two capitals.
Slovak culture is diverse and each region is proud of its own customs and traditions. Namely traditional folk music and dance are an essential part of the country's heritage, and visitors can experience this culture at various festivals throughout the year.
Slovak cuisine features hearty dishes, such as bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese) and goulash.
Additionally, Slovakia is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the High Tatras mountain range and the Danube River.
DAY 1
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
DOCKING LOCATION
Entre os Rios, Portugal (AM)
Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal (PM)
WEATHER
Partly Cloudy
Precipitation: 10%
Low: 34°F / 1°C
High: 60°F / 15°C
IMPORTANT DETAILS:
Ship: MS Joy
Phone: +31 655 453 853
Cruise Director: Abraham Haq
Hotel Manager:Nebojsa Milosevic
Captain: Alexandru Morinecu
ALL ABOARD!
5:00pm
CHEF'S SIGNATURE DINNER
On board sparkling event: this evening, you will enjoy a 6-course dinner in the European style - dining with new friends and old, enjoying wine and conversation around the dinner table. Our chef and his kitchen team take pleasure in presenting the “Chef’s Signature Dinner” in the Compass Rose dining room. We will all dine at the same time this evening. You may like to dress up for tonight’s festivities. Please note that due to our special dinner, Arthur's will be closed for dining after 4:00pm today.
MANDATORY DISEMBARKATION BRIEFING
Before we depart on the tour, please join Abraham in the Panorama Lounge for a short Disembarkation Briefing. We will discuss the disembarkation process and your final departure details. One member of each traveling party should attend.
LAST DAY FOR LAUNDRY
Please Note: Today will be the last day to have laundry service if you wish to have it done by the end of the cruise. Please see your cabin attendant for laundry bags and price lists.
ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT - FUNNY FELLOWS
Prepare for a lively and energetic musical highlight - humorous soiree in the style of the 20's - 30's of the last century. Old-time jazz and swing band founded in 1987.
DEPARTURE LETTERS
After your tour today, you will find a TRANSFER LETTER in the mailbox outside your cabin. This letter contains details pertaining to your departure in Budapest. If you find any discrepancies, please see Abraham. Keep this letter with your travel documents.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
These are kept to a minimum, especially in the afternoons and evenings, so that we do not disturb you while resting. Please refer to your daily program for events.
ARTHUR’S BISTRO
Here you will find 24-hour tea, hot chocolate and coffee, delicious cookies, and healthy snacks. In the morning, enjoy a light continental breakfast offering, and during the day, enjoy casual a la carte dining. Bar service is available on request.
BICYCLES / GOLF PUTTERS
We have a fleet of low-step-through, 7-gear bicycles with handbrakes. Please note a waiver must be signed for the bikes and the provided helmets must be worn. There is a putting green on the Sun Deck, aft. See the Reception Desk to reserve a bike or collect golf putters and balls.
FITNESS ROOM
Open 6:00am - 10:00pm, Deck 1. Out of respect for your fellow guests, please refrain from jogging on the Sun Deck. Guests must be over the age of 18 or accompanied by an adult to use the fitness center.
IN-CABIN SAFE
There are instructions for programming your cabin safe on the door of your safe. Call the Reception Desk (dial 9) for further assistance.
INTERNET
Please bring your devices to Reception to be connected to our complimentary internet service. Please connect to the TauckSpot_Savor wifi system and enter the code TauckSpot and when you have the page showing a QR code please bring your device to reception to be scanned and activated.
LAUNDRY
Find the services list and laundry bag in the bottom drawer in your cabin closet. Call the Reception Desk or ask your room attendant about pick-up.
LISTENING DEVICES
Be sure your “Vox” – personal audio device – is in the charger in your cabin. Please be sure it remains in the charger overnight throughout the tour. Extra earpieces are available at the Travel Desk.
LUGGAGE STORAGE
There is space to store your luggage under your bed. Ask your cabin attendant if you require assistance.
MASSAGE
See the Reception Desk for details and appointments.
MEDICATION ONBOARD
Due to local laws, onboard staff are not permitted to provide/sell medication to passengers, even over-the-counter medication. Your Tauck Team can assist you in locating a pharmacy.
ONBOARD INCIDENTALS
Please take a moment to register your credit card at the Reception Desk between 9am and 9pm to settle any onboard incidentals you may have incurred throughout the tour.
ONBOARD SAFETY VIDEO
Please view our Safety Video on your cabin television - Channel 4. We will play the video continuously throughout the cruise. If you have any further questions regarding safety procedures please see the Reception Desk.
RECEPTION
The Reception Desk is open everyday from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Please dial 9 in order to contact the reception staff (or the night watch outside of these hours). Wake-up calls are available upon request.
REFRESHMENTS
A water / ice dispenser is located on the Deck 2 foyer, beside the public washrooms. Tauck provides a reusable water bottle in your cabin for use throughout the tour and to take home with you. Additionally, snacks are available at any time, anywhere on the ship, via our "Bite to Eat" menu, which can be found in the black folder in your cabin. Order at the bar or by dialing the Reception.
SHIP SECURITY
All exterior ship doors are locked at all times when docked. Place your cabin keycard against the black sensor pad beside the jamb to open. Please always swipe your keycard with the reception or the sensors by the doors so that we know who is on and offboard at all times. Additionally, for your stateroom security, ensure that your balcony doors are shut and locked at all times when you leave your stateroom.
TELEPHONE
Room to room – simply dial the cabin number. For an international line please contact the Reception Desk for an outside line (dial 9). 1.00€ per minute.