In 1192, Richard the Lionheart was returning to England from the Third Crusade when he was captured by the Duke of Austria, Leopold V, who had formed an alliance with Richard's enemy, Philip II of France. Leopold saw an opportunity to gain leverage over the English king and demanded a substantial ransom for Richard's release from his captivity in Durnstein Castle that lasted for several months. The English people eventually paid the ransom, which was a vast sum of 150,000 marks and was said to be equivalent to the entire revenue of England for one year.
There is a legend that tells of Richard's loyal troubadour, Blondel, who helped to secure his release. The story goes that Blondel wandered through Europe, singing a particular song that he and Richard had composed together, hoping to hear Richard's voice in response. Eventually, Blondel heard Richard singing the song from his prison cell in Durnstein Castle, and was able to alert his allies to his whereabouts.
The story of Blondel and Richard's song has been retold in various forms over the years and has become a symbol of loyalty and friendship.
DOCKING LOCATION
Entre os Rios, Portugal (AM)
Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal (PM)
WEATHER
Forecast: Cloudy
Precip: 0%
Low: 39 °F // 4 °C
High: 48 °F // 9 °C
IMPORTANT DETAILS:
Ship: MS Joy
Phone: +31 655 453 853
Cruise Director: Abraham Haq
Hotel Manager:Nebojsa Milosevic
Captain: Alexandru Morinecu
ALL ABOARD!
12:00pm
EXCURSION CHOICE: DURNSTEIN WALKING TOUR
Depart by coach for a guided walking tour of scenic Durnstein. A medieval town famed for the capture and imprisonment of Richard the Lionheart in 1192.
CYCLING THROUGH THE WACHAU VALLEY
Explore the valley by bicycle, cycling past vineyards and fruit trees. This ride is 8km / 5 miles, and predominantly flat.
RIVER COMMENTARY: WACHAU VALLEY
Join your Tauck Director, Cindy, for commentary delivered from the Wheelhouse. The broadcast is audible in the Panorama Lounge, on the Sundeck and on the info channel in your cabin.
HIGH TEA
This afternoon, enjoy a High Tea in the Panorama Lounge. Our fantastic Galley team prepared a savory to sweet eye catching feast for you!
GREIN HISTORIC THEATRE VISIT
Arrive in the typically picturesque riverside village of Grein, Austria, for a guided walk to the Grein Theatre – since 1791 the oldest operating theatre in Austria. The visit to the theatre includes a little musical performance.
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. Feel free to arrange a wake up call!
ARTHUR’S BISTRO
Here you will find 24-hour tea, hot chocolate, coffee, delicious cookies, and healthy snacks. In the morning, enjoy a light continental breakfast offering, and during the day, enjoy casual a la carte meal.
BICYCLES / GOLF PUTTERS
See the Reception Desk to use. 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 24/7, Deck 1. Out of respect for your fellow guests, please refrain from walking or jogging on the aft deck until after 8:30am. 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 device(s) to the Reception Desk to connect to our complimentary wi-fi service. First, connect to the TauckSpot_Savor network and enter the code TauckSpot when prompted. When the QR code appears on your screen, your device is ready to be scanned and activated at the Reception Desk. Your device(s) will remain connected to our network for the remainder of the cruise. No password necessary.
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.
ONBOARD INCIDENTALS
Take a moment to register your credit card at the Reception Desk at your earliest convenience, for any onboard incidentals incurred throughout the tour.
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 SAFETY VIDEO
While unpacking your belongings please be sure to view our Safety Video on your cabin television - Channel 3. 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 11:00 PM. Please dial 9 in order to contact the night watch outside of these hours. Wake up calls are available upon request.
REFRESHMENTS
A water / ice dispenser is located in the foyer on Deck 2, beside the public washrooms. Tauck provides reusable water bottles for use throughout the tour - it's yours to keep at the end of the cruise. See our "Bite to Eat" menu for snacks - available from 10am - midnight, anywhere on the ship. Find the menu in the black folder in your cabin or at the bar. You may order at the bar or by dialing the Reception Desk for delivery.
SHIP SECURITY
We have a Security Officer on board. He is always present when in port. All exterior ship doors are locked at all times when docked. Place your cabin keycard against the black sensor pad beside the door jamb to unlock it. Always swipe your room key / shore pass at the kiosk when exiting / entering the ship. 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)
In 1192, Richard the Lionheart was returning to England from the Third Crusade when he was captured by the Duke of Austria, Leopold V, who had formed an alliance with Richard's enemy, Philip II of France. Leopold saw an opportunity to gain leverage over the English king and demanded a substantial ransom for Richard's release from his captivity in Durnstein Castle that lasted for several months. The English people eventually paid the ransom, which was a vast sum of 150,000 marks and was said to be equivalent to the entire revenue of England for one year.
There is a legend that tells of Richard's loyal troubadour, Blondel, who helped to secure his release. The story goes that Blondel wandered through Europe, singing a particular song that he and Richard had composed together, hoping to hear Richard's voice in response. Eventually, Blondel heard Richard singing the song from his prison cell in Durnstein Castle, and was able to alert his allies to his whereabouts.
The story of Blondel and Richard's song has been retold in various forms over the years and has become a symbol of loyalty and friendship.
DOCKING LOCATION
Entre os Rios, Portugal (AM)
Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal (PM)
WEATHER
Forecast: Cloudy
Precip: 0%
Low: 39 °F // 4 °C
High: 48 °F // 9 °C
IMPORTANT DETAILS:
Ship: MS Joy
Phone: +31 655 453 853
Cruise Director: Abraham Haq
Hotel Manager:Nebojsa Milosevic
Captain: Alexandru Morinecu
ALL ABOARD!
12:00pm
EXCURSION CHOICE: DURNSTEIN WALKING TOUR
Depart by coach for a guided walking tour of scenic Durnstein. A medieval town famed for the capture and imprisonment of Richard the Lionheart in 1192.
CYCLING THROUGH THE WACHAU VALLEY
Explore the valley by bicycle, cycling past vineyards and fruit trees. This ride is 8km / 5 miles, and predominantly flat.
RIVER COMMENTARY: WACHAU VALLEY
Join your Tauck Director, Cindy, for commentary delivered from the Wheelhouse. The broadcast is audible in the Panorama Lounge, on the Sundeck and on the info channel in your cabin.
HIGH TEA
This afternoon, enjoy a High Tea in the Panorama Lounge. Our fantastic Galley team prepared a savory to sweet eye catching feast for you!
GREIN HISTORIC THEATRE VISIT
Arrive in the typically picturesque riverside village of Grein, Austria, for a guided walk to the Grein Theatre – since 1791 the oldest operating theatre in Austria. The visit to the theatre includes a little musical performance.
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. Feel free to arrange a wake up call!
ARTHUR’S BISTRO
Here you will find 24-hour tea, hot chocolate, coffee, delicious cookies, and healthy snacks. In the morning, enjoy a light continental breakfast offering, and during the day, enjoy casual a la carte meal.
BICYCLES / GOLF PUTTERS
See the Reception Desk to use. 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 24/7, Deck 1. Out of respect for your fellow guests, please refrain from walking or jogging on the aft deck until after 8:30am. 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 device(s) to the Reception Desk to connect to our complimentary wi-fi service. First, connect to the TauckSpot_Savor network and enter the code TauckSpot when prompted. When the QR code appears on your screen, your device is ready to be scanned and activated at the Reception Desk. Your device(s) will remain connected to our network for the remainder of the cruise. No password necessary.
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.
ONBOARD INCIDENTALS
Take a moment to register your credit card at the Reception Desk at your earliest convenience, for any onboard incidentals incurred throughout the tour.
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 SAFETY VIDEO
While unpacking your belongings please be sure to view our Safety Video on your cabin television - Channel 3. 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 11:00 PM. Please dial 9 in order to contact the night watch outside of these hours. Wake up calls are available upon request.
REFRESHMENTS
A water / ice dispenser is located in the foyer on Deck 2, beside the public washrooms. Tauck provides reusable water bottles for use throughout the tour - it's yours to keep at the end of the cruise. See our "Bite to Eat" menu for snacks - available from 10am - midnight, anywhere on the ship. Find the menu in the black folder in your cabin or at the bar. You may order at the bar or by dialing the Reception Desk for delivery.
SHIP SECURITY
We have a Security Officer on board. He is always present when in port. All exterior ship doors are locked at all times when docked. Place your cabin keycard against the black sensor pad beside the door jamb to unlock it. Always swipe your room key / shore pass at the kiosk when exiting / entering the ship. 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)