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12-night The Black Sea To Budapest Westbound Cruise

Bucharest/Budapest
12-night The Black Sea To Budapest Westbound Cruise
July 23, 2026
Tauck - Cruise Division: ms Esprit for Tauck
Bucharest/Budapest
Vacation Offer ID 1611516
Reference this number when contacting our travel specialist.
From $7,490
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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 – Reception and dinner at Bragadiru Palace in Bucharest

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

  • All gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director
  • Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $4,355Choices of bicycle excursions in Budapest & Belgrade
  • Dinner at the massive Parliament building (the "People's Palace") in Bucharest 
  • Visit with a Croatian family in their private home in Vukovar
  • A visit to the city of Pécs in Hungary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Passage through the Iron Gate on the Danube River
  • Choice of Romanian excursions exploring the story of Vlad Tepes, 15th-century inspiration for Bram Stoker's "Dracula"
  • In Romania's capital, Bucharest, you have a choice of visits to either the National Museum of Art of Romania or Ceausescu Villa
  • Unlimited complimentary beverages aboard ship include regional wine, beer and premium spirits in addition to specialty coffee, water and soft drinks
  • Airport and trains station transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
  • 30 meals; service charges, taxes, porterage, and applicable fuel surcharge

Available Add-Ons

Optional roundtrip airfare from your city
Pre or post cruise hotel stay
  • Destination Guide
  • Suggested Shore Excursions
Destination Arrival Departure
Bucharest

Bucharest 07/23/2026

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest. A transfer is included from Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport to InterContinental Athéné Palace Bucharest in the heart of the city, located adjacent to Bucharest's monumental Palace of Parliament. Join us this evening for a Tauck Exclusive at the Bragadiru Palace (a.k.a the Palace of Culture). Named after founder Dumitru Marinescu Bragadiru, one of Romania's most important industrialists, the palace was originally used as a brewery and a performance hall before being confiscated in the 1940's (later returning to the descendants of Bragadiru in the early 2000's); attend a special welcome reception at the palace, complete with musical entertainment.  Meals :D
07/23/2026 07/23/2026
Bucharest

Bucharest 07/24/2026

A choice of sightseeing today echoes the legacy of 15th-century Romanian prince Vlad Tepes (a.k.a. "Vlad the Impaler"), thought to be the historical model for Bram Stoker's Dracula. You may choose to take a full-day excursion to Transylvania's 14th-century Bran Castle, which Tepes once used as a fortress during his military campaigns; the excursion includes a visit to the castle and free time in Bran. Alternatively, you can travel on a full-day excursion into the Carpathian Mountains to the mountain resort town of Sinaia and visit a nearby castle. Or, drive to Targoviste to visit the formal royal court of Vlad the Tepes a.k.a. Dracula, and the military barracks museum where the trial and execution of Romania's Communist leader, Ceausescu, took place. Return to Bucharest, where the remainder of the day is free. Meals :B, L
07/24/2026 07/24/2026
Bucharest

Bucharest 07/25/2026

Discover more of Romania's capital on a morning sightseeing tour with our local guides, seeing such sights as Revolution Square and the Triumphal Arch, and ending in Bucharest's Old Town, plus a choice of visiting the National Museum of Art of Romania or the Village Museum. The rest of the day and evening are yours to spend pursuing what interests you most in this fascinating city. Meals :B
07/25/2026 07/25/2026
Mamaia
07/26/2026 07/26/2026
Constanta
07/26/2026 07/26/2026
Ruse
07/27/2026 07/27/2026
Danube River Cruising
07/28/2026 07/28/2026
Vidin
07/28/2026 07/28/2026
Iron Gates (Cruising)
07/29/2026 07/29/2026
Belgrade
07/30/2026 07/30/2026
Vukovar
07/31/2026 07/31/2026
Mohacs
08/01/2026 08/01/2026
Pecs
08/01/2026 08/01/2026
Villány
08/01/2026 08/01/2026
Mohacs
08/01/2026 08/01/2026
Budapest

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!

Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day City Tour of Budapest, 4 hours
This privately guided tour shows you the major sights within on the Pest Side (e.g.the Opera House, St. Stephen's Basilica), as well the Buda Side (Castle Hill). One highlight of this tour is an inside visit of the Fishermen's Bastion and the impressive Matthias Church.

Highlights:
  • Heroe's Square, Vajdahunyad Castle (outside)
  • State Opera (outside)
  • St. Stephen's Basilica (outside)
  • Parliament Buidling (outside)
  • Fishermen's Bastion (entry to upper terrace)
  • Matthias Church (indoor visit)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests.

Tour Duration: 4 hours

Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon

Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:
  • Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
  • Transfer in a private car
  • Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
  • Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church
Not included:
  • Meals
  • Gratuities and personal expenses
  • Entrances other than stated above
Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Full Day City Tour of Budapest, 8 hours
This extended privately guided full day basically covers all major sights and interesting locations within Budapest, also including inside visits of the Fishermen's Bastion, Matthias Church and the Parliament Building.

Highlights:
  • Main sights, e.g. National Museum, State Opera, Heroe's Square, Great Synagogue, Central Market Hall, Gellért Hill, Citatel, Vajdahunyad Castle etc. (outside visits)
  • Various Bridges above the Danube, e.g. Chain Bridge, Liberty Bridge, Elisabeth Bridge etc.
  • Matthias Church (inside visit)
  • Fishermen's Bastion (inside visit)
  • Parliament Building (inside visit)
Your guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests.

Tour Duration: 8 hours

Tour can operate: Full Day

Physical Activity Level: Moderate

Inclusions:
  • Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
  • Transfer in a private car
  • Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
  • Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion, Matthias Church, Parliament
Not included:
  • Meals
  • Gratuities and personal expenses
  • Entrances other than stated above
Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day Tour Budapest Castle District, 4 hours
During this privately guided tour, you visit the Castle Hill of Budapest, with the Royal and Presidential Palaces, fascinating squares and medieval cobblestone streets. Highlights are inside visits of the Fishermen's Bastion and the impressive Matthias Church.

Highlights:
  • Budapest's Castle Hill
  • Royal and Presidential Palaces (outside)
  • Holy Trinity Square
  • Hess András Square
  • Fishermen's Bastion (entry to upper terrace)
  • Matthias Church of Our Lady (indoor visit)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests.

Tour Duration: 4 hours

Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon

Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:
  • Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
  • Transfer in a private car
  • Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
  • Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church
Not included:
  • Meals
  • Gratuities and personal expenses
  • Entrances other than stated above
 08/02/2026 08/04/2026
Tauck - Cruise Division: ms Esprit for Tauck
Newly redesigned for a more intimate cruising experience, ms Esprit offers a seamless combination of luxury and comfort as you glide along the Danube and Rhine Rivers... enjoy views of fairy-tale castles that line the riverbanks from the Sun Deck... gaze at picture-book villages while you dine at Compass Rose, or simply enjoy the camaraderie of fellow passengers in the lounge before heading out, ready for the adventures that lie ahead...
Ship Highlights
  • Al fresco dining on Sun Deck, weather permitting
  • 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
Ship Statistics
Last Refurbished
2018
Registry
Swiss
Built Year
2010
Ship Length
361 ft (110 m)
Passenger Capacity
98
Number of Crew
36
Internet
Service levels may vary

Dining

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

Outdoor Activities
Enjoy the luxuries of ms Joy while you sail along the river maybe, practice your putt on the sun deck putting green or, if the weather permits, step into the Jacuzzi, or maybe you just want to take in the sights of the passing European landscape from high noon to sunset.

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) $7,490
Cat 1 Emerald Deck
  • Category: 1
  • Square Feet: 150
Size: 150 sq. ft. Private Balcony: No Beds: 62 inches X 77 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration).
Stateroom Amenities: Two 2’ x 3’ windows, Refrigerator 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 Emerald Deck (2) $7,740
Cat 2 Emerald Deck
  • Category: 2
  • Square Feet: 183
Size: 183 sq. ft. Private Balcony: No Beds: 62 inches X 77 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration).
Stateroom Amenities: Refrigerator 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 Diamond Deck (3) $7,890
Cat 3 Diamond Deck
  • Category: 3
  • Square Feet: 150
Size: 150 sq. ft. Private Balcony: French Beds: 62 inches X 77 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration).
Stateroom Amenities: One floor-to-ceiling French Balcony (98 inches wide x 75 inches high) with one sliding door that opens, Refrigerator 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 4 Ruby Deck (4) $8,640
Cat 4 Ruby Deck
  • Category: 4
  • Square Feet: 150
Size: 183 sq. ft. Private Balcony: French Beds: 62 inches X 77 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration).
Stateroom Amenities: One floor-to-ceiling French Balcony (98 inches wide x 75 inches high) with one sliding door that opens, Refrigerator 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 Diamond Deck (5) $9,240
Cat 5 Diamond Deck
  • Category: 5
  • Square Feet: 183
Size: 183 sq. ft. Private Balcony: French Beds: 62 inches X 77 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration).
Stateroom Amenities: One floor-to-ceiling French Balcony (98 inches wide x 75 inches high) with one sliding door that opens, Refrigerator 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 6 Ruby Deck (6) $9,490
Cat 6 Ruby Deck
  • Category: 6
  • Square Feet: 183
Size: 225 sq. ft. Private Balcony: French Beds: 62 inches X 77 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration).
Stateroom Amenities: One floor-to-ceiling French Balcony (98 inches wide x 75 inches high) with one sliding door that opens, Refrigerator 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.

Suite

Cat 7 Diamond Deck Suite (7) $10,190
Cat 7 Diamond Deck Suite
  • Category: 7
  • Square Feet: 300
Size: 300 sq. ft. Private Balcony: French Beds: 62 inches X 77 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration).
Stateroom Amenities: Two floor-to-ceiling French Balconies, each 98 inches wide x 75 inches high each with one sliding door that opens, Quad cabin made possible by pullout couch (only for children), Coffee maker plus mini-bar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily, 32” LED TV, Breakfast room service, Iron plus ironing board, 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom, Easy under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, safe 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.

Special Solo Traveler Savings – No Single Supplement in Category 1:On all departures, the single price in Category 1 is the same as the double price – no single supplement, which means savings of up to 50% for solo travelers!

Solo Travelers also enjoy Savings of $1,000 per cabin in Category 4, 5 & 6: on the April 20, July 23* and 31 departures. Certain restrictions apply; ask at time of booking. (*westbound departures)

Shipboard Credit for Category 7 Staterooms: a €100 shipboard credit (one per stateroom) is provided to guests booked in a Category 7 stateroom to be used for onboard purchases or services (spa, laundry, gift shop, etc.)

Land / cruise price per person, based on double occupancy, includes: cruise fare, most meals, port charges, 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.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

Sun Deck

Stateroom Key

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

Stateroom Key

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

Stateroom Key

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

Stateroom Key

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