Schedule
Today APR 16, 2026
Continental Breakfast
Arthur's
6:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Morning Flow Stretch
Panorama Lounge
7:00 AM - 7:30 AM
Join us in the Panorama Lounge for a morning flow of body stretch, start the day ahead of others, breath, energize, live. Namaste!
Full Breakfast
The Compass Rose
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Morning Excursion: Antwerp City Tour
Tour
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Depart the ship on foot with your local guides and enjoy a guided walking tour of Antwerp old town. A visit to the Cathedral of Our Lady that houses four great masterpieces by Pieter Paul Rubens is included in the morning tour. Please bring your Voxes!
All day dining in Arthur's
Arthur's
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Our restaurant ARTHUR'S in the back of the ship offers you an additional choice of dining: Besides the Early risers continental breakfast served between 6:00am - 10:00am, you can enjoy Casual dining with lunch menu between 11:00am - 5:00pm and Casual dining with dinner menu including a selection of Asian dishes between 5:00pm - 10:00pm. Arthur's is open 24/7 and is equipped with a coffee machine serving different sorts of coffees and big tea selection. Little snacks like cookies, pretzels and nuts are available to go. 
Lunch Onboard
The Compass Rose
12:15 PM - 1:45 PM
Excursion Choice: Belgian Beer Tasting Tour
Tour
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Visit several local pubs to try several varieties of Belgian beer. Guided walking tour.
Excursion Choice: Visit the Red Star Line Museum
Tour
2:15 PM - 4:30 PM
Step back in time to learn the fascinating history of the emigrants leaving Europe for the USA, Canada and other countries.
Belgian Chocolate Presentation
Panorama Lounge
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Please join us in the Panorama Lounge for a presentation by a local chocolate factory on how chocolate pralines are made. At the end of the presentation indulge in some chocolate tasting.
Farewell Reception and Toast
Panorama Lounge
6:30 PM
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!
Dining: Dinner à la Carte
The Compass Rose
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Open-seating, à la carte dinner is served in the Compass Rose.
All aboard! Ship departs
Ship
7:30 PM
Dessert in the Lounge - Cherries Jubilee
Panorama Lounge
8:30 PM
Join us in the Panorama Lounge for a Cherries Jubilee dessert prepared for you by our galley team.
Lounge music with our musician Paulo
Panorama Lounge
8:30 PM
Ship arrives Brussels
Ship
2:00 AM
Important Info
Today APR 16, 2026

Morning Flow Stretch

Join us in the Panorama Lounge for a morning flow of body stretch, start the day ahead of others, breath, energize, live. Namaste!

Morning Excursion: Antwerp City Tour

Depart the ship on foot with your local guides and enjoy a guided walking tour of Antwerp old town. A visit to the Cathedral of Our Lady that houses four great masterpieces by Pieter Paul Rubens is included in the morning tour. Please bring your Voxes!

Excursion Choice: Belgian Beer Tasting Tour

Visit several local pubs to try several varieties of Belgian beer. Guided walking tour.

Excursion Choice: Visit the Red Star Line Museum

Step back in time to learn the fascinating history of the emigrants leaving Europe for the USA, Canada and other countries.

Belgian Chocolate Presentation

Please join us in the Panorama Lounge for a presentation by a local chocolate factory on how chocolate pralines are made. At the end of the presentation indulge in some chocolate tasting.

Dessert in the Lounge - Cherries Jubilee

Join us in the Panorama Lounge for a Cherries Jubilee dessert prepared for you by our galley team.

 

EMIGRATION TO AMERICA

As one of the most important transit ports in Europe, Antwerp was a major embarkation point for those seeking a better life and the American Dream. The phenomenon of emigration as a whole can be viewed as it relates to two significant groups. The first of these is represented by pioneers who left in sailing ships from as early as the 17th century onward. They were sometimes at sea for months, at the mercy of disease and storms.

 

During the 18th century and at the beginning of the 19th century, the departure of emigrants from Antwerp gradually subsided due to its bad reputation as a departure port.

 

The second and most important group of emigrants left on board steamers. The crossing had been reduced to a few weeks and by this time drastic changes had been made in the areas of medical provisions and safety. This group was well represented at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th.

 

The setting up of the Red Star Line in 1872 and the new ships, a combination of sail and steam, was the reason that emigrants once again began to choose Antwerp as a port of departure. From 1843 to 1905, a total of 1,086,153 emigrants, drawn from the whole of Europe departed from the port of Antwerp – many bound for the United States and Canada.

 

DOCKING ANTWERP

Scheldekaaien

 

WEATHER

Mostly Sunny

Precipitation: 0% 

Low: 46°F I 6°C

High: 54°F I 10°C

 

 

 

IMPORTANT DETAILS

Ship: MS Joy

Phone: +31 655 453 853

Captain: Peter Schmidt

Hotel Manager: Nebojsa Milosevic

Cruise Director: Maggie Chada 

HOPE AND TRUST CARDS

Please bring your Hope and Trust Card, our evaluation form, along this evening and either hand it to one of your Tour Directors or leave it at the Tauck Travel Desk. Thank you!

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. 


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.

 

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)

Opening Hours
Bar

Panorama Lounge
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Entertainment

Sun Deck
6:00 AM - 6:00 AM
Tour
6:00 AM - 6:00 AM
Guest Services

Reception Desk
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Main Venues

Arthur's
6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Panorama Lounge
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Ship
6:00 AM - 6:00 AM
The Compass Rose
6:00 AM - 6:00 AM
Tour
6:00 AM - 6:00 AM
Transportation
6:00 AM - 6:00 AM
Restaurant

Arthur's
6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
The Compass Rose
6:00 AM - 6:00 AM
Tauck Guest Services

Transportation
6:00 AM - 6:00 AM
Today
APR 16, 2026
Continental Breakfast
Arthur's
6:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Morning Flow Stretch
Panorama Lounge
7:00 AM - 7:30 AM
Join us in the Panorama Lounge for a morning flow of body stretch, start the day ahead of others, breath, energize, live. Namaste!
Full Breakfast
The Compass Rose
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Morning Excursion: Antwerp City Tour
Tour
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Depart the ship on foot with your local guides and enjoy a guided walking tour of Antwerp old town. A visit to the Cathedral of Our Lady that houses four great masterpieces by Pieter Paul Rubens is included in the morning tour. Please bring your Voxes!
All day dining in Arthur's
Arthur's
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Our restaurant ARTHUR'S in the back of the ship offers you an additional choice of dining: Besides the Early risers continental breakfast served between 6:00am - 10:00am, you can enjoy Casual dining with lunch menu between 11:00am - 5:00pm and Casual dining with dinner menu including a selection of Asian dishes between 5:00pm - 10:00pm. Arthur's is open 24/7 and is equipped with a coffee machine serving different sorts of coffees and big tea selection. Little snacks like cookies, pretzels and nuts are available to go. 
Lunch Onboard
The Compass Rose
12:15 PM - 1:45 PM
Excursion Choice: Belgian Beer Tasting Tour
Tour
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Visit several local pubs to try several varieties of Belgian beer. Guided walking tour.
Excursion Choice: Visit the Red Star Line Museum
Tour
2:15 PM - 4:30 PM
Step back in time to learn the fascinating history of the emigrants leaving Europe for the USA, Canada and other countries.
Belgian Chocolate Presentation
Panorama Lounge
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Please join us in the Panorama Lounge for a presentation by a local chocolate factory on how chocolate pralines are made. At the end of the presentation indulge in some chocolate tasting.
Farewell Reception and Toast
Panorama Lounge
6:30 PM
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!
Dining: Dinner à la Carte
The Compass Rose
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Open-seating, à la carte dinner is served in the Compass Rose.
All aboard! Ship departs
Ship
7:30 PM
Dessert in the Lounge - Cherries Jubilee
Panorama Lounge
8:30 PM
Join us in the Panorama Lounge for a Cherries Jubilee dessert prepared for you by our galley team.
Lounge music with our musician Paulo
Panorama Lounge
8:30 PM
Ship arrives Brussels
Ship
2:00 AM
Today
APR 16, 2026

Morning Flow Stretch

Join us in the Panorama Lounge for a morning flow of body stretch, start the day ahead of others, breath, energize, live. Namaste!

Morning Excursion: Antwerp City Tour

Depart the ship on foot with your local guides and enjoy a guided walking tour of Antwerp old town. A visit to the Cathedral of Our Lady that houses four great masterpieces by Pieter Paul Rubens is included in the morning tour. Please bring your Voxes!

Excursion Choice: Belgian Beer Tasting Tour

Visit several local pubs to try several varieties of Belgian beer. Guided walking tour.

Excursion Choice: Visit the Red Star Line Museum

Step back in time to learn the fascinating history of the emigrants leaving Europe for the USA, Canada and other countries.

Belgian Chocolate Presentation

Please join us in the Panorama Lounge for a presentation by a local chocolate factory on how chocolate pralines are made. At the end of the presentation indulge in some chocolate tasting.

Dessert in the Lounge - Cherries Jubilee

Join us in the Panorama Lounge for a Cherries Jubilee dessert prepared for you by our galley team.

 

EMIGRATION TO AMERICA

As one of the most important transit ports in Europe, Antwerp was a major embarkation point for those seeking a better life and the American Dream. The phenomenon of emigration as a whole can be viewed as it relates to two significant groups. The first of these is represented by pioneers who left in sailing ships from as early as the 17th century onward. They were sometimes at sea for months, at the mercy of disease and storms.

 

During the 18th century and at the beginning of the 19th century, the departure of emigrants from Antwerp gradually subsided due to its bad reputation as a departure port.

 

The second and most important group of emigrants left on board steamers. The crossing had been reduced to a few weeks and by this time drastic changes had been made in the areas of medical provisions and safety. This group was well represented at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th.

 

The setting up of the Red Star Line in 1872 and the new ships, a combination of sail and steam, was the reason that emigrants once again began to choose Antwerp as a port of departure. From 1843 to 1905, a total of 1,086,153 emigrants, drawn from the whole of Europe departed from the port of Antwerp – many bound for the United States and Canada.

 

DOCKING ANTWERP

Scheldekaaien

 

WEATHER

Mostly Sunny

Precipitation: 0% 

Low: 46°F I 6°C

High: 54°F I 10°C

 

 

 

IMPORTANT DETAILS

Ship: MS Joy

Phone: +31 655 453 853

Captain: Peter Schmidt

Hotel Manager: Nebojsa Milosevic

Cruise Director: Maggie Chada 

HOPE AND TRUST CARDS

Please bring your Hope and Trust Card, our evaluation form, along this evening and either hand it to one of your Tour Directors or leave it at the Tauck Travel Desk. Thank you!

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. 


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.

 

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)

Bar

Panorama Lounge
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Entertainment

Sun Deck
6:00 AM - 6:00 AM
Tour
6:00 AM - 6:00 AM
Guest Services

Reception Desk
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Main Venues

Arthur's
6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Panorama Lounge
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Ship
6:00 AM - 6:00 AM
The Compass Rose
6:00 AM - 6:00 AM
Tour
6:00 AM - 6:00 AM
Transportation
6:00 AM - 6:00 AM
Restaurant

Arthur's
6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
The Compass Rose
6:00 AM - 6:00 AM
Tauck Guest Services

Transportation
6:00 AM - 6:00 AM