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11-night The Blue Danube Westbound Cruise/Land Package

Budapest/Prague
11-night The Blue Danube Westbound Cruise/Land Package
September 20, 2025
Tauck - Cruise Division: ms Joy for Tauck
Budapest/Prague
Vacation Offer ID 1543269
Reference this number when contacting our travel specialist.
Overview
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Ship Info
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Activities & Services
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Staterooms
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Deckplans

Cruise Inclusions

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

  • TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Private Imperial Evening at a palace in Vienna featuring a gala dinner and Viennese performers
  • TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Private aperitif and dinner in Prague at Lobkowicz Palace, Prague Castle
  • TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – A private tour of Prague's Baroque libraries, Strahov Monastery

 TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

  • All gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director
  • All private Tauck shore excursions – $3,438 Value
  • Two nights in Prague at a hotel centrally located in the heart of the city
  • Choice in Vienna: Schönbrunn Palace or the Imperial Apartments at the Hofburg 
  • Included/escorted bicycle rides
  • Choice of a full day in Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov
  • Evenings of local performing artists and classical music aboard the riverboat
  • Unlimited complimentary beverages aboard ship include regional wine, beer and premium spirits in addition to specialty coffee, water and soft drinks.
  • Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
  • 30 meals, select meals in local restaurants; service charges, taxes, porterage, and applicable fuel surcharges

Available Add-Ons

Optional roundtrip airfare from your city
Pre or post cruise hotel stay
  • Destination Guide
  • Suggested Shore Excursions
Destination Arrival Departure
Budapest
09/20/2025 09/21/2025
Budapest

Budapest 09/22/2025

Head up to Castle Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the Danube on the Buda side of the city, for sightseeing and lunch at a local café. See Fisherman's Bastion, with its Neo-Romanesque design, and admire the stained-glass windows and centuries of history in the 14th-century late-Gothic Matthias Church (may be closed on some days due to services). Board your riverboat this afternoon in Budapest, and meet your crew at the welcome reception followed by dinner this evening, as you begin to cruise the Danube River aboard ms Joy or ms Savor, bound for Bratislava, Slovakia.,
09/22/2025 09/22/2025
Bratislava

Bratislava 09/23/2025

Our resident expert takes you inside contemporary Slovakia and Bratislava for a look at the region's politics, economy, religion, social order, preservation, and emergence of the arts. After lunch aboard the riverboat, you'll have a choice of exploring Bratislava's cobblestoned vehicle-free historic city center on a walking tour — seeing 17 centuries of history eloquently chronicled in its 13th-century Old Town Hall, Baroque Habsburg-era palaces, Opera House, Slovak Philharmonic Hall, and Hviezdoslav Square — or setting off on a bicycling excursion through the city's "Iron Curtain Area". Back onboard the riverboat, dinner tonight introduces you to a glimpse of daily life in Slovakia with a taste of regional cuisine and an a performance by a talented troupe of Slovak dancers.,
09/23/2025 09/23/2025
Vienna

Vienna 09/24/2025

Your riverboat arrives this morning in Vienna, Austria, where an introductory tour of this former capital of the old Habsburg Empire — and its grand boulevard, the Ringstraße — precedes a walking tour focusing on your choice of either medieval Vienna or the Jewish district of old Vienna, or on a bike ride in the city. The rest of the day is yours to explore this famous city as you please. Later, nothing compares to the royal treatment and pageantry you'll experience tonight at our private Imperial Evening in the opulent Palais Pallavicini, a private Baroque palace in Vienna that film buffs may have spotted in the 1940s film noir classic The Third Man. Welcome cocktails and dinner precede an unforgettable spectacle of beautiful ball gowns and a musical performance celebrating the legacy of Mozart.,
09/24/2025 09/24/2025
Vienna

Vienna 09/25/2025

A choice of sightseeing this morning features a tour of the Habsburgs' Schönbrunn Palace, an architectural masterpiece and Austrian cultural treasure, or Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, one of the world's most acclaimed art museums located in a palatial building on the historic Ringstraße. Then, shuttles are at the ready to bring you back to the riverboat before we cruise the Danube River through Austria's Wachau Valley; glide past castles and abbeys as you set off for medieval Dürnstein this evening.,
09/25/2025 09/25/2025
Duernstein
09/25/2025 09/25/2025
Duernstein

Duernstein 09/26/2025

Wake up in Dürnstein for a closer look at its 16th-century Baroque houses and 13th-century Romanesque church on a walking tour along cobblestone streets; you may also choose to tour a local monastery or take a bicycle ride. Enjoy some free time in this charming riverside town, perhaps taking an invigorating climb up the steps to the ruins of Kuenringerburg, a hilltop castle above the town where Richard the Lionheart was held for ransom during the Crusades. Sample the fruits of the Wachau Valley vineyards during a wine tasting at an authentic Austrian tavern. Back aboard, you'll continue to cruise the Danube River through the Wachau Valley, Austria's lush wine-growing region that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved medieval landscapes, to Linz; after the Chef's Signature dinner onboard, enjoy a show put on by members of the riverboat crew.,
09/26/2025 09/26/2025
Linz

Linz 09/27/2025

Your boat stays docked in Linz today, with a choice of how you spend your day — full-day excursions to Salzburg (Austria), or Ceský Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or remaining in Linz. A setting for The Sound of Music, a Salzburg walking tour explores Old Town, Mirabell Gardens, and Mozart's birthplace.; enjoy time on your own to have lunch and experience the sights as you wish. Alternatively, travel to Ceský Krumlov; graced with an incredibly well-preserved medieval heritage and charming ambiance, the town has earned its coveted designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic importance and physical beauty. A walking tour takes you to part of Krumlov Castle; it's worth climbing the many steps to see firsthand the medieval, Renaissance, and Rococo design found inside, along with the stunning views of the town below. A third option today provides an opportunity to remain in Linz for time explore as you please on your own before returning to the riverboat for dinner followed by an evening performance by classical trio, Donau 3Klang.,
09/27/2025 09/27/2025
Cesky Krumlov
09/27/2025 09/27/2025
Engelhartszell

Engelhartszell 09/28/2025

Wake up this morning in Engelhartszell, a pretty town on the Danube in Upper Austria. After a visit to a local private home (and a taste of local cake, sweets, and coffee), you'll have a choice of a walking tour of town including 18th-century Engelhartszell Abbey and Danube World, or a guided tour of the Jochenstein Lock on the Danube, through which ships navigate through the Wachau Valley. Following lunch aboard the riverboat, you may, if you wish, join us for an optional bicycle excursion along the Danube (a fairly rigorous bike ride, for experienced cyclists only). Take in the views from the sun deck, lounge, or the windows of your outside cabin as your riverboat glides into Germany, bound tonight for your final destination, Vilshofen; enjoy a farewell toast followed by dinner onboard this evening.,
09/28/2025 09/28/2025
Vilshofen

Vilshofen 09/29/2025

Disembark in Vilshofen for a visit to the Bavarian town of Regensburg for a walking tour led by a local guide that visits the Steinerne Brücke (a medieval stone bridge over the Danube), towering Dom St. Peter, and the remains of the town's Roman wall. Enjoy a light lunch and time to explore on your own before driving to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic and the "City of 100 Spires", arriving late afternoon. If you travel to Prague this morning, explore the ancient Hradcany (Castle) district on a guided excursion that includes 1,000-year-old Prague Castle's complex of palaces, courtyards, and gardens, and the grand Baroque libraries of Strahov Monastery where a private tour is a Tauck Exclusive. The remainder of the day is free; the city's many fine restaurants and cafés feature a wide range of cuisines... and some of the best schnitzels, goulashes, strudels, dumplings, and beer the region has to offer.,
09/29/2025 09/29/2025
Cruise Ends (Debarkation)

Cruise Ends (Debarkation) 09/29/2025

Disembark in Vilshofen for a visit to the Bavarian town of Regensburg for a walking tour led by a local guide that visits the Steinerne Brücke (a medieval stone bridge over the Danube), towering Dom St. Peter, and the remains of the town's Roman wall. Enjoy a light lunch and time to explore on your own before driving to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic and the "City of 100 Spires", arriving late afternoon. If you travel to Prague this morning, explore the ancient Hradcany (Castle) district on a guided excursion that includes 1,000-year-old Prague Castle's complex of palaces, courtyards, and gardens, and the grand Baroque libraries of Strahov Monastery where a private tour is a Tauck Exclusive. The remainder of the day is free; the city's many fine restaurants and cafés feature a wide range of cuisines... and some of the best schnitzels, goulashes, strudels, dumplings, and beer the region has to offer.,
09/29/2025 09/29/2025
Regensburg

Regensburg 09/29/2025

Disembark in Vilshofen for a visit to the Bavarian town of Regensburg for a walking tour led by a local guide that visits the Steinerne Brücke (a medieval stone bridge over the Danube), towering Dom St. Peter, and the remains of the town's Roman wall. Enjoy a light lunch and time to explore on your own before driving to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic and the "City of 100 Spires", arriving late afternoon. If you travel to Prague this morning, explore the ancient Hradcany (Castle) district on a guided excursion that includes 1,000-year-old Prague Castle's complex of palaces, courtyards, and gardens, and the grand Baroque libraries of Strahov Monastery where a private tour is a Tauck Exclusive. The remainder of the day is free; the city's many fine restaurants and cafés feature a wide range of cuisines... and some of the best schnitzels, goulashes, strudels, dumplings, and beer the region has to offer.,

Optional Private Excursions

Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!

Private walk of romantic Regensburg city center
Highlights:
 
Meet our experienced local team member at your ship and tailor your explorations according to your interests and expectations
 
Walk over the medieval stone bridge from 1135, that the knights of the 2nd and 3rd crusade used to cross the Danube on their way to the Holy Land
 
Visit the historic city center with its famous gothic Cathedral containing numerous 15th century artifacts
 
Explore the Adler-Pharmacy, founded in 1610 with its exquisite authentic interior and historical vessels
 
See castle Thurn und Taxis still inhabited by the royal Thurn and Taxis family, depending on interest visit the splendid chambers of this princely residence
 
Visit remains of the Roman fortress' walls including the Porta Praetoria and the St. Emmeram's Abbey.
 
Stroll along the charming cobble stone alleys of historic city centre and enjoy a special Regensburg Bratwurst or stop at the oldest café in Germany (founded 1868) continuously serving the most tempting treats before heading back to the ship
 
Tour Duration: 2 hours
Tour can operate: All day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light walking tour

Inclusions:
  • Touring with one of our excellent local insiders
  • All taxes
Not Included:
  • Meals
  • Optional admissions and museum licensing fees
  • Tipping at your discretion
09/29/2025 09/29/2025
Prague

Prague 09/29/2025

Disembark in Vilshofen for a visit to the Bavarian town of Regensburg for a walking tour led by a local guide that visits the Steinerne Brücke (a medieval stone bridge over the Danube), towering Dom St. Peter, and the remains of the town's Roman wall. Enjoy a light lunch and time to explore on your own before driving to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic and the "City of 100 Spires", arriving late afternoon. If you travel to Prague this morning, explore the ancient Hradcany (Castle) district on a guided excursion that includes 1,000-year-old Prague Castle's complex of palaces, courtyards, and gardens, and the grand Baroque libraries of Strahov Monastery where a private tour is a Tauck Exclusive. The remainder of the day is free; the city's many fine restaurants and cafés feature a wide range of cuisines... and some of the best schnitzels, goulashes, strudels, dumplings, and beer the region has to offer.,
09/29/2025 09/29/2025
Prague

Prague 09/30/2025

Start today's exploration of Prague with a choice of walking tours through Prague's ethereal Old Town, choosing between a one-hour introductory tour, a "walk through the centuries" including a visit to St. Agnes Convent, or the city's poignant Jewish sites in Josefov — the historic Jewish Quarter (ask at booking about dates that cannot visit inside the Jewish Heritage sites as they are closed Saturdays and on Jewish holidays; in those cases, alternate sightseeing will be offered). You have a choice of either a free afternoon or a visit to Strahov Monastery. Tonight, cap a memorable trip with a truly royal evening that's another Tauck Exclusive; enjoy a farewell reception, tour, and dinner at 16th-century Lobkowicz Palace at Prague Castle. Immerse in an evening of classical cultural treasures — and see for yourself how music and art played an important role in the aristocratic world of the Lobkowicz family.,
09/30/2025 09/30/2025
Prague

Prague 10/01/2025

Tour ends: Prague, Czech Republic. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the InterContinental Prague to Praha Hlavní Nádraží train station or Václav Havel Airport Prague. Please allow a minimum of three hours for check-in.,
10/01/2025 10/01/2025
Tauck - Cruise Division: ms Joy for Tauck
Maintaining Tauck’s high standards for quality and comfort, ms Joy cruises exclusively for Tauck on the Danube River as part of the Destination Fleet. With a maximum of 130 guests, the 443-foot riverboat and her sister ships continue the 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, the most popular cabins tend to be the largest, so cruise 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, cruise have 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.
Ship Highlights
  • Amenities such as Fitness center, massages and putting green on Sun Deck etc
  • Onboard entertainment includes enrichment lectures, piano music nightly, in-room movies
  • Open seating in main dining room, The Compass Rose
  • Relax with your fellow passengers on Sun deck
Ship Statistics
Registry
Swiss
Built Year
2016
Ship Length
443 ft. / 135 m
Passenger Capacity
130
Number of Crew
39
Internet
Service levels may vary

Dining

Main Dining Room
Open seating in main dining room, flexible dining times, vegetarian meals always available.
The Compass Rose
The main dining area, The Compass Rose, is also fitted with a buffet at one end of the dining room. Filled with a variety of regional dishes as well as some familiar faces (french fries and salad options with a large selection of dressings), it's perfect for those who want to get right into the days adventures.

Bars & Lounges

Bars & Lounges
The Panoramic lounge and bar is the sole lounge. Sporting an extensive cocktail menu, grab a drink and join fellow passengers and sit on one of the many plush chairs and couches, taking in the breathtaking views of the river as it passes by. During cocktail hour, enjoy the soft and relaxing sounds of the piano as a pianist plays live music, radiating throughout the lounge as a perfect compliment to the days events that preceded.

Onboard Activities

Lobby
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.

Outdoor Activities

Putting Green & Jacuzzi
A riverboat's comfortable public spaces are ideal spots for socializing 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.

Wellness

Wellness
Fitness center and massages available.
Shipboard Policies
  • Wheelchair Access & Special Needs
    Tauck regrets that it cannot provide individual assistance to a guest for walking, dining, or other personal needs. Guests needing such assistance must be accompanied by an able companion who will assist them. They cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters; ask at time of booking.
Public Rooms
  • Bar(s)/Lounge(s)
Stateroom Amenities
  • Bath Amenities/Toiletries
  • Bath Robes
  • Complimentary Bottled Water (and/or Other Beverages)
  • Goose-Down Pillows
  • Hair Dryer
  • In-Stateroom Movies
  • Luxury Bedding
  • Minibar and/or Refrigerator
  • Pillow-Top Mattresses
  • Showers and/or Bath Tubs
  • Suites
  • Spacious Closet(s)
Entertainment
  • Internet Access
    Complimentary basic internet is included on riverboats and where available in hotel rooms. Service levels are not guaranteed.

  • Classes and Workshops
  • Educational/Enrichment Programs
  • Guest Lecturers
  • Live Music
  • Local Entertainment
Dining
  • Al Fresco Dining
    Weather permitting
  • Casual Dining Venue(s)
  • Dining Style: Anytime Dining
  • Dining Style: Flexible Dining Options
  • Dining Style: Open Seating
  • In-Room Breakfast Tray
  • Room Service
  • Unlimited Complimentary Beverages
    Includes regional wine, beer and premium spirits, in addition to specialty coffee, water and soft drinks.
Other Facilities
  • Beauty Salon
  • Boutique(s) (duty-free)
  • Laundry Service (nominal fee)
Sports, Health and Fitness
  • Bicycles (for use ashore)
  • Fitness Center
  • Massage Room
  • Putting Greens
  • Spa
  • Whirlpool(s)

Oceanview

Cat 1 Emerald Deck (1) $8,790
Cat 1 Emerald Deck
  • Category: 1
  • Square Feet: 150
Size: 150 sq. ft. Private Balcony: Yes. 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.
Cat 2 Ruby Deck (2) $9,190
Cat 2 Ruby Deck
  • Category: 2
  • Square Feet: 150
Size: 150 sq. ft. Private Balcony: Yes. 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.
Cat 3 Emerald Deck (3) $9,640
Cat 3 Emerald Deck
  • Category: 3
  • Square Feet: 225
Size: 225 sq. ft. Private Balcony: No. 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.
Cat 4 Ruby Deck (4) $9,940
Cat 4 Ruby Deck
  • Category: 4
  • Square Feet: 190
Size: 190 sq. ft. Private Balcony: Yes. 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.
Cat 5 Ruby / Diamond Deck (5) $10,540
Cat 5 Ruby / Diamond Deck
  • Category: 5
  • Square Feet: 190-225
Size: 190 sq. ft. Private Balcony: Yes. 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.
Cat 6 Ruby Deck (6) $10,740
Cat 6 Ruby Deck
  • Category: 6
  • Square Feet: 225
Size: 225 sq. ft. Private Balcony: Yes. 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.

Suite

Cat 7 Diamond Deck Suite (7) $11,240
Cat 7 Diamond Deck Suite
  • Category: 7
  • Square Feet: 300
Size: 300 sq. ft. Private Balcony: Yes. 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 $100 credit per stateroom to be used onboard the ship (spa services, gift shop purchases, etc).

Land / cruise price per person, based on double occupancy, includes cruise fare, most meals, port charges, beer and wine with lunch and dinner aboard ship, shore excursions, applicable fuel surcharges, and gratuities to Tauck Directors, Tauck Cruise Director, ship staff, local guides & drivers, as well as on all included meals. Unlimited complimentary beverages aboard ship include regional wine, beer and premium spirits in addition to specialty coffee, water and soft drinks.

 

Itinerary Changes – Although not expected, Tauck reserves the right to alter the sequence of ports or omit or substitute scheduled ports or attractions at any time without prior notice. East and west itineraries are similar. Museums and attractions may be subject to closure due to state, local or religious holidays. This cruise includes a fair amount of walking in each city.

 

Shore Excursion Selection: Tauck will contact guests 90 days prior to departure to assist with shore excursion selections.

 

Note: This cruise contains a fair amount of walking in each city. Activities marked with an asterisk (*) are at your own risk; a signed liability waiver will be required.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

Sun Deck

Deckplan Key

Stateroom Key

  • Cat 7 Diamond Deck Suite (7)
  • Cat 6 Ruby Deck (6)
  • Cat 5 Ruby / Diamond Deck (5)
  • Cat 4 Ruby Deck (4)
  • Cat 3 Emerald Deck (3)
  • Cat 2 Ruby Deck (2)
  • Cat 1 Emerald Deck (1)
Diamond Deck

Deckplan Key

Stateroom Key

  • Cat 7 Diamond Deck Suite (7)
  • Cat 6 Ruby Deck (6)
  • Cat 5 Ruby / Diamond Deck (5)
  • Cat 4 Ruby Deck (4)
  • Cat 3 Emerald Deck (3)
  • Cat 2 Ruby Deck (2)
  • Cat 1 Emerald Deck (1)
Ruby Deck

Deckplan Key

Stateroom Key

  • Cat 7 Diamond Deck Suite (7)
  • Cat 6 Ruby Deck (6)
  • Cat 5 Ruby / Diamond Deck (5)
  • Cat 4 Ruby Deck (4)
  • Cat 3 Emerald Deck (3)
  • Cat 2 Ruby Deck (2)
  • Cat 1 Emerald Deck (1)
Emerald Deck

Deckplan Key

Stateroom Key

  • Cat 7 Diamond Deck Suite (7)
  • Cat 6 Ruby Deck (6)
  • Cat 5 Ruby / Diamond Deck (5)
  • Cat 4 Ruby Deck (4)
  • Cat 3 Emerald Deck (3)
  • Cat 2 Ruby Deck (2)
  • Cat 1 Emerald Deck (1)