Coaches depart for Bruges
Board the coaches for our excursion to beautiful Bruges. Please bring your Vox along! Your Tour Directors will go over the day's program on the way to Bruges.
Coach departs for Ghent tour
Board the coach for a short drive to Ghent city center. After the city tour you will have free time for lunch in town. Please bring your Vox!
Dining: Chef's Signature Dinner
Dinner tonight will be a multi-course event in the grand European style. We will all eat at a set time, and you may wish to dress up a bit for the event! Please note that Arthur's is closed this evening.
Today you have the choice either to visit the beautiful town of Bruges or Ghent.
BRUGES with its medieval flair and many canals is also referred to as the Venice of the North. Upon arrival you will engage in a guided walking tour to see the main sights of Burges. After the walking tour you have some free time and lunch is on own, Tauck will provide you with lunch money.
Visiting GHENT feels like a stroll through a outdoor museum with its Flemish architecture. Upon arrival to Ghent you will continue on a guided walking tour and visit the Cathedral of St. Bavo with its famous Ghent Altarpiece known as the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. After the tour you have free time and lunch on own, Tauck will provide you with lunch money.
What is Ghent known for?
Ghent is well known for its large public squares and marketplaces, chief among which is the Vrijdagmarkt (“Friday Market”), the center of the life of the medieval city. Of Ghent's many famous medieval monasteries, the most notable are the ruined 7th-century abbey of St. Bavos.
How did Ghent get its name?
Ghent is a name of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was a name given to a noble or wellborn individual. The surname Ghent originally derived from the Old English word Gente. Nicknames often described the time or season of the birth, baptism or conversion of the original bearer.
Is Ghent medieval?
With nearly 1400 years of history, Belgium's town of Ghent has a lot to offer in terms of tourism. Nowhere else you'll find so much history per square meter in Europe like here.
Mustard Feud
Ghent has two rival mustard companies, Tierenteyn-Verlent (est. 1790) and Tierenteyn (est. 1818). The two families had a feud so long that, until Katrien Caesens Tierenteyn Verlent and Bernard Desrumaux Ferdinand Tierenteyn met in June 2014, their families “had not spoken to each other for two hundred years.”
DOCKING LOCATION
GHENT
Port Company AMPC
Rigakaai
WEATHER
Partly Sunny
Precipitation: 40%
Low: 44°F / 6°C
High: 58°F / 16°C
IMPORTANT DETAILS
Ship: MS Joy
Phone: +31 655 453 853
Captain: Peter Schmidt
Hotel Manager: Nebojsa Milosevic
Cruise Director: Maggie Chada
DISEMBARKATION BRIEFING
Join your Cruise Director Petr for a short disembarkation briefing. We will discuss the disembarkation process and your final departure transfer arrangements in Budapest.
DEPARTURE INFORMATION
When you return to your cabin this afternoon you will find a letter from your Cruise Director in your mailbox - this letter contains arrangements for your departure at the end of tour. Please read through this letter and reach out to your CD if any information is missing or incorrect.
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_Esprit 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
Any onboard incidentals incurred throughout the tour will be charged to your onboard account. At the end of the cruise, you will receive an invoice in your cabin. Please scan the QR code on that invoice and proceed with the online payment using your credit card. You can also choose to pay directly at the reception desk in cash or credit card.
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)
Coaches depart for Bruges
Board the coaches for our excursion to beautiful Bruges. Please bring your Vox along! Your Tour Directors will go over the day's program on the way to Bruges.
Coach departs for Ghent tour
Board the coach for a short drive to Ghent city center. After the city tour you will have free time for lunch in town. Please bring your Vox!
Dining: Chef's Signature Dinner
Dinner tonight will be a multi-course event in the grand European style. We will all eat at a set time, and you may wish to dress up a bit for the event! Please note that Arthur's is closed this evening.
Today you have the choice either to visit the beautiful town of Bruges or Ghent.
BRUGES with its medieval flair and many canals is also referred to as the Venice of the North. Upon arrival you will engage in a guided walking tour to see the main sights of Burges. After the walking tour you have some free time and lunch is on own, Tauck will provide you with lunch money.
Visiting GHENT feels like a stroll through a outdoor museum with its Flemish architecture. Upon arrival to Ghent you will continue on a guided walking tour and visit the Cathedral of St. Bavo with its famous Ghent Altarpiece known as the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. After the tour you have free time and lunch on own, Tauck will provide you with lunch money.
What is Ghent known for?
Ghent is well known for its large public squares and marketplaces, chief among which is the Vrijdagmarkt (“Friday Market”), the center of the life of the medieval city. Of Ghent's many famous medieval monasteries, the most notable are the ruined 7th-century abbey of St. Bavos.
How did Ghent get its name?
Ghent is a name of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was a name given to a noble or wellborn individual. The surname Ghent originally derived from the Old English word Gente. Nicknames often described the time or season of the birth, baptism or conversion of the original bearer.
Is Ghent medieval?
With nearly 1400 years of history, Belgium's town of Ghent has a lot to offer in terms of tourism. Nowhere else you'll find so much history per square meter in Europe like here.
Mustard Feud
Ghent has two rival mustard companies, Tierenteyn-Verlent (est. 1790) and Tierenteyn (est. 1818). The two families had a feud so long that, until Katrien Caesens Tierenteyn Verlent and Bernard Desrumaux Ferdinand Tierenteyn met in June 2014, their families “had not spoken to each other for two hundred years.”
DOCKING LOCATION
GHENT
Port Company AMPC
Rigakaai
WEATHER
Partly Sunny
Precipitation: 40%
Low: 44°F / 6°C
High: 58°F / 16°C
IMPORTANT DETAILS
Ship: MS Joy
Phone: +31 655 453 853
Captain: Peter Schmidt
Hotel Manager: Nebojsa Milosevic
Cruise Director: Maggie Chada
DISEMBARKATION BRIEFING
Join your Cruise Director Petr for a short disembarkation briefing. We will discuss the disembarkation process and your final departure transfer arrangements in Budapest.
DEPARTURE INFORMATION
When you return to your cabin this afternoon you will find a letter from your Cruise Director in your mailbox - this letter contains arrangements for your departure at the end of tour. Please read through this letter and reach out to your CD if any information is missing or incorrect.
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_Esprit 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
Any onboard incidentals incurred throughout the tour will be charged to your onboard account. At the end of the cruise, you will receive an invoice in your cabin. Please scan the QR code on that invoice and proceed with the online payment using your credit card. You can also choose to pay directly at the reception desk in cash or credit card.
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)