Tauck ms Joy River Cruise Ship Review: My Firsthand Inspection

I had the opportunity to personally inspect Tauck’s ms Joy during the ASTA River Cruise Expo. Ship inspections are an important part of how I evaluate river cruises for my clients.

A deck plan can tell me the dimensions of a cabin. A brochure can tell me what is included. But neither can completely tell me how a ship feels when I walk onboard. That is one reason I continue to personally inspect river cruise ships across different cruise lines.

What stood out to me was not flashiness. It was the combination of elegant materials, warm interiors, spacious accommodations and an intimate atmosphere that made the ship feel refined.

Tauck emphasizes interior living space. The 300-square-foot Tauck Suites provide substantially more room than many standard European river cruise accommodations. When advising a client, though, I do not automatically recommend the largest suite. I consider how much time the traveler spends in the cabin, whether the extra living space matters, cabin location, bathroom configuration, storage, itinerary and budget.

Balcony terminology can also be confusing. A traditional step-out balcony uses some of the ship’s limited width for outdoor space. A French balcony opens the cabin to the river while keeping more square footage inside. Many ms Joy accommodations use French balconies rather than sacrificing interior space. Neither design is universally better — it depends on how you travel.

ms Joy also has an unusual option: eight loft cabins that extend upward from the lower deck for additional height and natural light, with windows in the loft area that open. I like seeing river cruise companies think creatively about lower-deck accommodations.

Tauck’s river cruise product is highly inclusive. Depending on the itinerary, inclusions extend beyond the ship itself to excursions and distinctive experiences ashore.

Onboard ms Joy, complimentary beverages include regional wine, beer, premium spirits, specialty coffee, water and soft drinks. Wi-Fi is complimentary, although — as with virtually any river cruise — performance depends on location.

There is another inclusion travelers sometimes overlook: gratuities. Tauck includes gratuities for Tauck Directors, the Cruise Director, ship staff, local guides and luggage handling. I encourage clients not to compare river cruises on the advertised cabin price alone. Compare what you will actually spend.