Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, is a charming blend of the old and the new, with a rich history and vibrant culture. The city was founded in 1873, as a result of the unification of three separate towns: Buda, Pest, and Óbuda.
The merger of these three towns was a long-awaited event, as it would bring together the two sides of the Danube River - Buda on the west and Pest on the east - which were previously divided by the river. The town of Óbuda, located in the north, was also included in the unification process.
The reasons behind the merger were mainly practical. The towns were growing rapidly, and there was a need to streamline the administration and infrastructure development. The unified city of Budapest became the center of politics, culture, and commerce in Hungary, and was established as one of the most important cities in Europe.
The new city reflected the best of both worlds. The Buda side of the city, with its hills, castles, and thermal baths, was known for its historic charm and cultural attractions. Meanwhile, the Pest side of the city was a bustling hub of commercial and political activity, with a vibrant nightlife and modern infrastructure.
Over time, Budapest has continued to evolve and grow, while maintaining its unique character and identity. Today, it remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, attracting millions of visitors each year with its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant urban life.
DAY 1
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
DOCKING LOCATION
Entre os Rios, Portugal (AM)
Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal (PM)
WEATHER
Chance of Rain
Precipitation: 20%
Low: 45°F / 7°C
High: 57°F / 14°C
IMPORTANT DETAILS:
Ship: MS Joy
Phone: +31 655 453 853
Cruise Director: Abraham Haq
Hotel Manager:Nebojsa Milosevic
Captain: Alexandru Morinecu
ALL ABOARD!
8:00pm
LISTENING DEVICE, 'VOX', RETURN
At the end of the tour, please return your VOX at Tauck travel desk before leaving the ship.
HOPE AND TRUST CARDS
Please hand your completed Hope and Trust cards (comment cards) to one of your Tauck Directors in Prague. You may also leave them on Abraham's desk before disembarking the ship.
EXCURSION: BUDAPEST CITY TOUR
Explore the Pest side of the Danube via coach, then travel over to Buda and up into the Castle Hill District, where you will explore this historic area on foot. Please wear sturdy shoes for the walking portion of the tour. Bring your Vox box.
FAREWELL RECEPTION AND TOAST
We invite you to celebrate the end of your journey onboard with the captain, crew, and your Tauck team. Raise a glass to the journey we have shared together!
TAUCK DIRECTOR PRESENTATION
Join your Tour Director, Andrea, in the Panorama Lounge for a presentation on Hungary and The Hungarians.
BUDAPEST SCENIC SAIL
Everyone will tell you that Budapest is a city best seen from the river. This evening please join us on the Sun deck or the Panorama Lounge for the best views of the sights on the banks of the river.
CHOCOLATE EXTRAVAGANZA
Join us after dinner in the Panorama Lounge for a very special chocolate farewell dessert. Our pastry chef has let loose his inner Willy Wonka and the rest of the galley team came to his aid as true Oompa Loompas would. Enjoy!
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.
Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, is a charming blend of the old and the new, with a rich history and vibrant culture. The city was founded in 1873, as a result of the unification of three separate towns: Buda, Pest, and Óbuda.
The merger of these three towns was a long-awaited event, as it would bring together the two sides of the Danube River - Buda on the west and Pest on the east - which were previously divided by the river. The town of Óbuda, located in the north, was also included in the unification process.
The reasons behind the merger were mainly practical. The towns were growing rapidly, and there was a need to streamline the administration and infrastructure development. The unified city of Budapest became the center of politics, culture, and commerce in Hungary, and was established as one of the most important cities in Europe.
The new city reflected the best of both worlds. The Buda side of the city, with its hills, castles, and thermal baths, was known for its historic charm and cultural attractions. Meanwhile, the Pest side of the city was a bustling hub of commercial and political activity, with a vibrant nightlife and modern infrastructure.
Over time, Budapest has continued to evolve and grow, while maintaining its unique character and identity. Today, it remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, attracting millions of visitors each year with its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant urban life.
DAY 1
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
DOCKING LOCATION
Entre os Rios, Portugal (AM)
Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal (PM)
WEATHER
Chance of Rain
Precipitation: 20%
Low: 45°F / 7°C
High: 57°F / 14°C
IMPORTANT DETAILS:
Ship: MS Joy
Phone: +31 655 453 853
Cruise Director: Abraham Haq
Hotel Manager:Nebojsa Milosevic
Captain: Alexandru Morinecu
ALL ABOARD!
8:00pm
LISTENING DEVICE, 'VOX', RETURN
At the end of the tour, please return your VOX at Tauck travel desk before leaving the ship.
HOPE AND TRUST CARDS
Please hand your completed Hope and Trust cards (comment cards) to one of your Tauck Directors in Prague. You may also leave them on Abraham's desk before disembarking the ship.
EXCURSION: BUDAPEST CITY TOUR
Explore the Pest side of the Danube via coach, then travel over to Buda and up into the Castle Hill District, where you will explore this historic area on foot. Please wear sturdy shoes for the walking portion of the tour. Bring your Vox box.
FAREWELL RECEPTION AND TOAST
We invite you to celebrate the end of your journey onboard with the captain, crew, and your Tauck team. Raise a glass to the journey we have shared together!
TAUCK DIRECTOR PRESENTATION
Join your Tour Director, Andrea, in the Panorama Lounge for a presentation on Hungary and The Hungarians.
BUDAPEST SCENIC SAIL
Everyone will tell you that Budapest is a city best seen from the river. This evening please join us on the Sun deck or the Panorama Lounge for the best views of the sights on the banks of the river.
CHOCOLATE EXTRAVAGANZA
Join us after dinner in the Panorama Lounge for a very special chocolate farewell dessert. Our pastry chef has let loose his inner Willy Wonka and the rest of the galley team came to his aid as true Oompa Loompas would. Enjoy!
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.