MS Joy

When you make your way onto ms Joy, climb to the top deck and take a moment to look over the rails and glance out as the riverbanks pass you by. Then, turn around and join back into the festivities, grabbing a cool drink and enjoying the company of loved ones and new friends, ready for the adventures that await... 

Maintaining Tauck's high standards for quality and comfort, ms Joy cruises exclusively for Tauck on the Danube River as part of our Destination Fleet. With a maximum of 130 guests, the 443-foot riverboat and her sister ships continue our tradition of providing more space per guest on Europe's inland waterways, transporting fewer passengers than most longships (135 meters). Her deck plan is innovative; with a total of 67 cabins, our most popular cabins tend to be our largest... so we have used the added ship length to offer twenty-two 300-square-foot Tauck Suites – the most of any river cruise ship on any European river. To increase the amount of natural sunlight on the lower deck, we've created 8 loft cabins that extend from the first to the second decks, providing guests with an additional view; all windows in these loft cabins open.


Accomodation Types

You'll notice the difference the moment you step inside. Nearly two-thirds of our cabins are 225 square feet or larger, with uninterrupted river views. Our fleet includes the largest collection of 300-square-foot Tauck Suites on Europe's waterways – with walk-in closets, full-size bathrooms, and double French balconies. You won't find just one or two suites onboard – you'll find as many as 20. And with innovative loft cabins and no single supplement on select staterooms, every traveler can enjoy spacious comfort, their way.

Category 7 | Diamond Deck

Private Balcony:

French

Beds:

2 European twin beds that can slide together; 200 cm x 180 cm (two beds 200 cm x 90 cm each when separate); 79" x 71" (two beds 79" x 35"); 4 pieces of luggage can be stored under beds

Stateroom Furnishings:

Padded headboard with reading lamps, Walk-in closet with built-in shelves, Pull-out sleeping sofa 190 cm x 110 cm – 75" x 43" (triple & quad capacity; quads for children only), Storage / drawers, 400 thread count cotton linens / white duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling

Private Bathroom:

Yes, with shower

Bathroom Amenities:

Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive, Terry-cloth bathrobes plus slippers, Full-size bathroom featuring enhanced lighting, additional storage and a hair dryer, Large shower featuring rainfall shower head (note: no bathtub)

Stateroom Amenities:

Two floor-to-ceiling French balconies, each 98 inches x 75 inches with one sliding door that opens, 32" LED TV, Safe, Minibar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks, replenished daily, Coffee maker, Breakfast room service, Iron plus ironing board, 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom, Easy under-bed luggage storage, Telephone and individual climate control, Onboard wi-fi available, a shipboard credit (one per stateroom) is provided to be used onboard for spa services, gift shop purchases, etc


Category 6 | Ruby Deck

Private Balcony:

French

Beds:

2 European twin beds that can slide together; 200 cm x 160 cm (two beds 200 cm x 80 cm each when separate); 79" x 63" (two beds 79" x 31.5"); 4 pieces of luggage can be stored under beds

Stateroom Furnishings:

Padded headboard with reading lamps, Storage / drawers, Large closet, 400 thread count cotton linens / white duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling

Private Bathroom:

Yes, with shower

Bathroom Amenities:

Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive, Terry-cloth bathrobes plus slippers, Full-sized bathroom featuring enhanced lighting, additional storage and hair dryer, Large shower featuring rainfall shower head

Stateroom Amenities:

One floor-to-ceiling French balcony (98 inches x 75 inches) with one sliding door that opens, 32" LED TV, Full-sized window (98 inches x 37.5 inches), Minibar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks, replenished daily, Safe, 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom, Easy under-bed luggage storage, Telephone and individual climate control, Onboard wi-fi available


Category 5 | Ruby Deck

Private Balcony:

French

Beds:

2 European twin beds that can slide together; 200 cm x 160 cm (two beds 200 cm x 80 cm each when separate); 79" x 63" (two beds 79" x 31.5"); 4 pieces of luggage can be stored under beds

Stateroom Furnishings:

Padded headboard with reading lamps, Large closet, Storage / drawers, 400 thread count cotton linens / white duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling

Private Bathroom:

Yes, with shower

Bathroom Amenities:

Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive, Terry-cloth bathrobes plus slippers, Full-size bathroom featuring enhanced lighting, additional storage and hair dryer, Large shower featuring rainfall shower head

Stateroom Amenities:

One floor-to-ceiling French balcony (98 inches x 75 inches) with one sliding door that opens, 32" LED TV, Safe, Minibar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks, replenished daily, 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom, Easy under-bed, luggage storage, Telephone and individual climate control, Onboard wi-fi available


Category 5 | Diamond Deck

Private Balcony:

French

Beds:

2 European twin beds that can slide together; 200 cm x 160 cm (two beds 200 cm x 80 cm each when separate); 79" x 63" (two beds 79" x 31.5"); 4 pieces of luggage can be stored under beds

Stateroom Furnishings:

Padded headboard with reading lamps, Large closet, Storage / drawers, 400 thread count cotton linens / white duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling

Private Bathroom:

Yes, with shower

Bathroom Amenities:

Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive, Terry-cloth bathrobes plus slippers, Full-size bathroom featuring enhanced lighting, additional storage and hair dryer, Large shower featuring rainfall shower head

Stateroom Amenities:

One floor-to-ceiling French balcony (98 inches x 75 inches) with one sliding door that opens, 32" LED TV, Safe, Minibar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks, replenished daily, 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom, Easy under-bed luggage storage, Telephone and individual climate control, Onboard wi-fi available

Category 4 | Ruby Deck

Private Balcony:

French

Beds:

2 European twin beds that can slide together; 200 cm x 160 cm (two beds 200 cm x 80 cm each when separate); 79" x 63" (two beds 79" x 31.5"); 4 pieces of luggage can be stored under beds

Stateroom Furnishings:

Built-in closet and drawers, 2 chairs, 400 thread count cotton linens\white duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling

Private Bathroom:

Yes, with shower

Bathroom Amenities:

Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive, Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers, Bathroom with larger showers with rainfall shower heads, enhanced lighting, and under-sink storage space

Stateroom Amenities:

One floor-to-ceiling French Balcony (98 inches wide x 75 inches high) with one sliding door that opens, Minibar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily, 32" LED TV, 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom, Easy under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, safe and individual climate control, Onboard wi-fi available


Category 3 | Emerald Deck

Private Balcony:

No

Beds:

2 European twin beds that can slide together; 200 cm x 160 cm (two beds 200 cm x 80 cm each when separate); 79" x 63" (two beds 79" x 31.5"); 4 pieces of luggage can be stored under beds

Stateroom Furnishings:

Padded headboard with reading lamps, Closets, Storage / drawers, 4 steps up to loft area, Railing, Built-in closet with drawers, 400 thread count cotton linens / white duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling

Private Bathroom:

Yes, with shower

Bathroom Amenities:

Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive, Terry-cloth bathrobes plus slippers, Full-sized bathroom featuring enhanced lighting, additional storage and a hair dryer, Large shower featuring rainfall shower head

Stateroom Amenities:

Innovatively designed 225 sq. ft. "split-level" loft cabins, One-and-a-half deck window that opens at the top, electronically controlled, Loft sitting area, Safe, Minibar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks, replenished daily, 32" LED TV , Window (98 inches x 114 inches) can be partially opened, 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom, Easy under-bed luggage storage, Telephone and individual climate control, Onboard wi-fi available


Category 2 | Ruby Deck

Suite Dimensions:

150 sq. ft.

Private Balcony:

French

Beds:

2 European twin beds that can slide together; 200 cm x 156 cm (two beds 200 cm x 78 cm each when separate); 79" x 61" (two beds 79" x 31"); 4 pieces of luggage can be stored under beds

Stateroom Furnishings:

Built-in closet with drawers, 2 chairs, 400 thread count cotton linens\white duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling

Private Bathroom:

Yes, with shower

Bathroom Amenities:

Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive, Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers

Stateroom Amenities:

One floor-to-ceiling French Balcony (98 inches wide x 75 inches high) with one sliding door that opens, Minibar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily, 32" LED TV,220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom, Easy under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, safe and individual climate control, Onboard wi-fi available


Category 1 | Emerald Deck

Private Balcony:

No

Beds:

2 European twin beds that can slide together; 200 cm x 156 cm (two beds 200 cm x 78 cm each when separate); 79" x 61" (two beds 79" x 31"); 4 pieces of luggage can be stored under beds

Stateroom Furnishings:

Built-in closet with drawers, 2 chairs, 400 thread count cotton linens\white duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling

Private Bathroom:

Yes, with shower

Bathroom Amenities:

Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive, Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers

Stateroom Amenities:

Two 2' by 3' fixed windows, Minibar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily, 32" LED TV, 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom, Easy under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, safe and individual climate control, Onboard wi-fi available



Deck Plans

You'll notice the difference the moment you step inside. Nearly two-thirds of our cabins are 225 square feet or larger, with uninterrupted river views. Our fleet includes the largest collection of 300-square-foot Tauck Suites on Europe's waterways – with walk-in closets, full-size bathrooms, and double French balconies. You won't find just one or two suites onboard – you'll find as many as 20. And with innovative loft cabins and no single supplement on select staterooms, every traveler can enjoy spacious comfort, their way.

Sun Deck

  • Putting Green
  • Lounge Chairs

Diamond Deck

  • Arthur's
  • Category 7 Suites
  • Category 5 Cabins
  • Panorama Lounge
  • Bar
  • Boutique
  • Reception
  • Tauck Desk

Ruby Deck

  • The Compass Rose
  • Kitchen
  • Engines
  • Category 6 Cabins
  • Category 5 Cabins
  • Category 4 Cabins
  • Category 2 Cabins

Emerald Deck

  • Category 3 Cabins
  • Category 1 Cabins
  • Engines
  • Crew Quarters
  • Fitness Centre
  • Massage
  • Hairdresser


Dining

Open seating in main dining room, The Compass Rose; flexible dining times; vegetarian meals always available

  • Alternate dining venue, Arthur's, offering classic favourites at lunch and dinner and lighter breakfasts in the morning
  • Al fresco dining on Sun Deck, weather permitting
  • In Category 7 Tauck Suites, American breakfast room service available and a shipboard credit (one per stateroom) is provided to be used onboard for spa services, gift shop purchases, etc
  • Complimentary snacks served 10:00 AM – midnight

The Compass Rose

Experience complimentary · Cuisine classic

Wine and dine at The Compass Rose

Dine on fine, freshly prepared cuisine with regional wines and beer included at lunch and dinner onboard, with attentive, friendly service - plus regional treats and tastings - as you enjoy great views of the passing scenery in our panoramic main dining room The Compass Rose.

Arthur's

Experience complimentary · Cuisine casual

Enjoy casual dining offerings at Arthur's

Casual dining venue, Arthur's, serves guests lighter breakfasts in the morning and offers classic favourites for lunch and dinner


Entertainment

Onboard entertainment includes enrichment lectures, piano music nightly, in-room movies, culinary demos, local entertainment and "themed" fun

Panorama Lounge & Bar

The best place to unwind after a day of adventures.

Whether you're looking to make a gala night ashore last just a little longer after your return to the riverboat, swap stories of the day's adventures, or enjoy a nightcap with new friends you just met at dinner, the lounge is a perfect place to kick back and relax.

Lido Bar

Located on the Diamond Deck

Sun Deck

Relax with fellow passengers on the Sun Deck

As you cruise, the riverboat's comfortable public spaces are ideal spots for socialising or simply relaxing as you glide past the remarkable scenery along Europe's rivers - meeting your shipmates for a cocktail. kicking back in the Jacuzzi or chatting as you bask in the sun.

Lobby

The central hub onboard ms Joy

Aboard ms Joy, explore all that the ship has to offer including a large variety of onboard entertainment options such as enrichment lectures, nightly piano music, in-room movies, culinary demos local entertainment and "themed fun.


Enrichment

On a Tauck river cruise, fewer guests means more of everything else. More space to stretch out. More time to soak it in. More quiet moments – and more meaningful ones, too. Smaller ships mean more space to call your own, fewer lines to navigate, and a front-row seat to everything – onboard and ashore.

Fully Guided

Our Tauck Directors and handpicked local guides are more than experts – they're the heart of your journey, offering thoughtful service and deep knowledge that bring each destination to life.

Exclusive Access

From after-hours museum visits to private palace tours, Tauck opens doors that others can't. These behind-the-scenes experiences give you a unique view of Europe's cultural treasures, away from the crowds.

Small Group Excursions

On land, the experience stays personal. Our guests explore in smaller groups, with a thoughtful guest-to-guide ratio of just 15 to 1. Each excursion is carefully timed and orchestrated to avoid the crowds – so you can enjoy Europe's cultural treasures with space to truly appreciate them.

Bikes

Bicycles available aboard for use ashore.


Health & Fitness

Health & Fitness

Fitness centre; massages available; putting green on Sun Deck; Jacuzzi on Sun Deck – available 24 hours

Putting Green & Jacuzzi

There is never a dull moment on board ms Joy

As you cruise, the riverboat's comfortable public spaces are ideal spots for socialising - practice your putt on the on board putting green, kick back in the Jacuzzi with new friends or enjoy a cocktail as you glide past the remarkable scenery along Europe's rivers.


Kids & Teens

Tauck Bridges on the river offers family bonding, adventure, exploration and FUN... in Paris during a scavenger hunt in the Louvre, listening to stories of WW II in Normandy, discovering castles on the Rhine, ascending Mt. Pilatus in Lucerne for breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps, on a canal boat cruise in Amsterdam discovering the Netherland's capital city, aboard a Douro River cruise in Portugal – or aboard a fabulous expeditionary ship in the Galápagos Islands. These are the memories that last lifetimes.

Tauck Bridges

Tauck Bridges trips are designed for family travelers of all ages and generations to enjoy together. From celebrating different cultures and traditions, discovering natural wonders and learning about history firsthand, these trips help build bridges of understanding between young and old, locals and travelers, all over the world. They are also designed to include interactive experiences that not only invite everyone's participation, they're lots of fun for every age and generation!

Bicycling with Your Family Ashore

A family cycling excursion through the countryside on your Tauck family river cruise

Whether you're cruising the Rhine, Danube, Rhône or Seine, you can stretch everyone's legs a bit with a leisurely family bicycle ride through the countryside on your Tauck family river cruise. It's a perfect way to experience the centuries-old castles, lush vineyards and other unique landscapes along the river you're cruising. Our river cruises offer numerous opportunities for cycling along Europe's rivers; every Tauck riverboats has bicycles aboard for use by guests ashore.

Shipboard Fun for Kids

Onboard fun for everyone on your Tauck family river cruise

There's always something fun for kids of all ages to do onboard a Tauck riverboat, and it's the best place to socialize! Meet local dancers, musicians, and artists who come aboard to demonstrate their

talents. Make local treats with chefs and savor tastings, from crêpes in France to pastries in Austria. Enjoy the putting green, hot tub or plunge pool on the Sun Deck, or the fitness center. Language lessons, song and dance fests, and group games fill your evenings with family fun and new friendships.


Useful Information

Disabled Facilities

Ashore – Guests with restricted mobility may have difficulty managing the pedestrian-only city centers, cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces that exist throughout Old World Europe.

Onboard – Guests may need to walk across narrow gangways and ascend or descend stairs when embarking or disembarking the riverboat due to "double-docking" or the docking location. An able traveling companion who can help guests who require assistance must accompany them throughout their journey.

Dietary Requirements

Many special dietary needs can be accommodated on Tauck journeys with advance notice, but cannot be guaranteed. Different destinations make some dietary needs harder to accommodate than others. Tauck will do everything possible in communicating your requests to hotels and restaurants. Common dietary requests like ‘low sodium’ or ‘vegetarian’ are likely to be accommodated much easier than very special or unique dietary needs. Meals that are full a la carte offer more flexibility for special dietary requests as do some limited a la carte meals. For the occasional ‘set menu’ or ‘buffet meals’ on Tauck journeys, unique dietary needs may prove a bit more challenging.

Dress Code

Typical dress for any Tauck journey is casual attire. Some journeys may include a specific dinner function or an event in which gentleman may be required to have, or feel more comfortable wearing, a sport jacket. But overall the rule of thumb is casual comfortable clothing. The final tour documentation will mention occasions (if any) on a journey in which a sport jacket or dressier clothing is suggested.

Age Restrictions

Based upon our experience with family travelers, for each itinerary we have a minimum recommended age to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. In some cases there may be age restrictions on activities, and all children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 or older to make a reservation. Note: Children age 3 and older at the time of travel are welcome on many Tauck Bridges itineraries. Minimum age for our Tauck Bridges river cruises is 4 years old.

We ask that you use good judgment if considering bringing a young child or children on a Tauck journey. Many of our itineraries do not cater to young children's interests, patience or stamina, and therefore aren't really suited to children of too young an age. Young children's behavior can be unpredictable, and with consideration for all fellow travelers wanting to enjoy their vacation to its fullest, it is important to know and understand that Tauck has the right to ask any tour member who is disruptive to a group to leave the tour whether they are 6 or 96 years of age.

Family travel is important to us. The bond between children and adults as they experience the world together makes for special memories that last lifetimes. It is for that reason we created 'Tauck Bridges' – journeys for the whole family to enjoy together. Each of these kid-friendly family-oriented journeys has a minimum recommended age rating to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all our guests.

What's Included

Just about everything! Virtually every travel expense is included in one up-front price – airport transfers as specified in the itinerary, all hotel and ship accommodations, entertainment, meals as specified in the itinerary, special meals, land and cruise transportation, sightseeing, shore excursions, luggage handling, most taxes, concierge-style services Tauck Directors, services of local guides and more.

Meals are freshly prepared and regionally driven, both on the riverboat and at local restaurants. Complimentary beverages – from specialty coffee, tea, and soft drinks to house wine, beer and premium spirits – are included on the riverboats, all day, every day.

All appropriate gratuities for luggage handling, bellmen, doormen, dining room servers, and ship staff are included. Tauck Tour Director and Tauck Cruise Director gratuities are included on all river cruises.

Over 100 cost components are included on every cruise – which means no hidden costs, no surcharges, no on-tour surprises!