Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
© 2025 cruisebite.com All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
Does Emerald Cruises offer shore excursions?
When you set sail with Emerald Cruises, your journey is about more than just life aboard a luxurious river or yacht cruise — it’s about the remarkable destinations you explore along the way. For travelers seeking immersive experiences, Emerald Cruises offers a rich variety of shore excursions designed to connect you with local cultures, landscapes, and traditions. Whether cruising Europe’s iconic rivers or navigating the azure waters of the Mediterranean, Emerald ensures that every port brings new opportunities for exploration.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll uncover everything you need to know about Emerald Cruises shore excursions, including what’s included, the types of tours offered, how they’re organized, and how you can make the most of each experience.
1. Overview: Shore Excursions with Emerald Cruises
Emerald Cruises is known for delivering exceptional travel experiences with a focus on value, inclusivity, and authenticity. When you book a river or yacht cruise, you’re not just getting onboard luxury — you’re also receiving a curated selection of guided shore excursions that are already included in your fare.
These excursions are carefully designed to showcase the best of each destination. From guided walking tours in Europe’s historic towns to adventurous DiscoverMORE excursions, Emerald ensures guests can immerse themselves in local life and culture.
The cruise line divides its onshore experiences into three main categories:
EmeraldPLUS – Exclusive, immersive cultural experiences.
EmeraldACTIVE – Activities for guests seeking physical engagement and adventure.
DiscoverMORE – Optional, premium excursions available at an additional cost.
Together, these programs allow travelers to tailor their journey according to their interests and comfort levels.
One of Emerald Cruises’ most distinctive features is its EmeraldPLUS program. These experiences are unique, authentic, and often exclusive to Emerald guests. They go beyond standard sightseeing, offering opportunities to meet locals, taste regional cuisines, and witness cultural traditions firsthand.
A Private Concert in Vienna: Enjoy an intimate performance of classical music in a European palace, evoking the city’s rich musical heritage.
Home Visit in Croatia: Meet a local family, tour their home, and share a traditional meal, learning about life in rural Croatia.
Portuguese Wine Tasting: Visit a local vineyard in the Douro Valley, savoring rich Port wines while overlooking scenic river valleys.
Cultural Dance Shows: Witness authentic folk performances, from Spanish flamenco to Vietnamese water puppetry.
Each EmeraldPLUS experience is included in your fare, ensuring you gain deeper insights into each destination without worrying about additional costs.
For guests who prefer a more energetic approach to exploration, Emerald Cruises offers EmeraldACTIVE excursions. These are designed for those who enjoy staying active even while on vacation — ideal for cyclists, hikers, and fitness enthusiasts.
Guided Bike Tours: Pedal along Europe’s scenic riverbanks or through charming medieval towns like Dürnstein or Melk.
Hiking Adventures: Trek to breathtaking viewpoints such as the ruins of Dürnstein Castle or the vineyards of the Rhine Valley.
Canoeing & Kayaking: Paddle down tranquil rivers like the Moselle or through picturesque Croatian bays.
Guided Fitness Walks: Explore cities on foot with a focus on exercise and sightseeing combined.
These excursions are included in your cruise package and are guided by knowledgeable local experts. The groups are typically small, ensuring personal attention and a safe, enjoyable experience.
For those seeking even deeper exploration, Emerald Cruises offers DiscoverMORE, a curated collection of optional excursions available at an additional cost.
DiscoverMORE experiences allow travelers to personalize their journey with activities that match their specific interests — whether historical, culinary, or adventurous.
Cooking Classes in Provence: Learn regional recipes from a French chef using local ingredients.
Helicopter Tours in Monaco: Experience the glittering Riviera from the skies.
Safari Excursions in Africa: Spot wildlife on a guided jeep tour during an Emerald yacht cruise in the Seychelles.
Winery Visits in Bordeaux: Enjoy in-depth tours and tastings at prestigious châteaux.
Ancient Site Explorations: Visit ruins and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Pompeii or Ephesus.
While these experiences come at an additional cost, they add remarkable depth to your voyage — perfect for travelers wanting to elevate their adventure.
Upon boarding your ship, you’ll receive a detailed daily itinerary outlining all scheduled shore excursions. Guests can sign up for DiscoverMORE activities either before the cruise (via the online portal) or onboard through the cruise director or excursion desk.
Emerald ensures a seamless process — from transportation arrangements to expert guides and local logistics. Every tour is thoughtfully timed to fit the day’s schedule, so you can enjoy your excursions without worrying about missing the ship.
To ensure quality and personal engagement, most excursions feature small, guided groups. This allows for more interaction with guides and a more immersive experience overall.
Emerald Cruises strives to accommodate guests of all mobility levels. While some tours may require moderate physical activity, there are gentle-paced options available for those preferring relaxed exploration.
One of the best aspects of sailing with Emerald is knowing that a wide range of excursions are included in your cruise price. This all-inclusive philosophy enhances value and makes planning easier.
Guided city tours with local experts
Transportation and transfers to/from the ship
Admission fees to museums, cathedrals, or historical sites
Cultural performances and demonstrations (EmeraldPLUS)
Active adventures (EmeraldACTIVE)
Use of onboard e-bikes (on select ships and itineraries)
DiscoverMORE excursions, being optional, are not included, but they’re reasonably priced considering the exclusivity and depth of experience offered.
Emerald Cruises sails across multiple continents, from Europe’s storied rivers to the Caribbean and Asia’s exotic coastlines. Each itinerary features regionally inspired excursions designed to showcase the local essence.
Walking tours through medieval cities like Regensburg and Cologne
Wine tasting in the Douro Valley, Portugal
Visiting the Benedictine Abbey in Melk, Austria
Exploring Avignon’s Palais des Papes in France
Visiting floating markets and Buddhist temples in Vietnam
Touring Cambodia’s Royal Palace in Phnom Penh
Local craft village visits and cooking demonstrations
Guided walks through Dubrovnik’s Old Town
Wine tastings in Santorini or Mykonos
Snorkeling and kayaking in the Aegean Sea
Exploring Italian coastal villages such as Portofino
Coral reef snorkeling and beach picnics
Cultural visits to island communities
Rainforest hikes and eco-tours
Each itinerary blends cultural, scenic, and recreational experiences, ensuring that every guest finds something that resonates with their travel style.
Emerald Cruises emphasizes sustainable and responsible tourism in all its excursions. The cruise line partners with local guides and small businesses to support communities and minimize environmental impact.
Eco-conscious excursions: Activities like biking and walking tours are promoted to reduce carbon emissions.
Local sourcing: Culinary excursions and home visits highlight regional, sustainable food sources.
Education: Guests are encouraged to learn about local conservation efforts, traditions, and heritage preservation.
By focusing on sustainability, Emerald helps ensure that the destinations it visits remain vibrant and preserved for future generations.
To make the most of your Emerald Cruises excursions, consider these expert tips:
Plan Early: Research ports and pre-book DiscoverMORE tours before embarkation.
Stay Hydrated & Comfortable: Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and dress appropriately for the climate.
Engage with Guides: Ask questions — Emerald’s local guides are a treasure trove of cultural insights.
Balance Activity & Relaxation: Mix active tours with relaxed ones to avoid fatigue.
Be Open to New Experiences: From tasting unfamiliar foods to learning local dances, embrace every opportunity.
These tips will help enhance your onshore adventure and ensure every moment is enjoyable and memorable.
There are countless cruise lines offering tours, but Emerald Cruises stands out for the way it integrates cultural depth, comfort, and flexibility.
Inclusive Pricing: Many high-quality excursions are already part of your fare.
Authenticity: Emphasis on local culture through EmeraldPLUS programs.
Adventure: Active options for fitness-oriented guests.
Choice: DiscoverMORE gives freedom to personalize your journey.
Expert Guides: Handpicked professionals ensure insightful commentary.
Luxury Meets Exploration: Balanced blend of relaxation onboard and adventure onshore.
This well-rounded approach makes Emerald Cruises an ideal choice for travelers who want both comfort and cultural discovery.
To illustrate what a day might look like, here’s a sample itinerary on the Danube River:
Morning:
Disembark in Vienna for a guided walking tour (included).
Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the State Opera House.
Afternoon:
Participate in an EmeraldPLUS experience — private Mozart concert in a Viennese palace.
Evening:
Optional DiscoverMORE excursion: Viennese cooking class with a local chef.
Return to the ship for dinner and sunset sailing.
This combination of guided exploration, cultural immersion, and optional personalization defines the Emerald experience.
While many luxury cruise lines offer shore excursions, Emerald Cruises differentiates itself through its balance of inclusivity and variety.
Compared to Viking River Cruises: Emerald includes more active excursions and experiential activities at no extra cost.
Compared to Scenic Cruises: Emerald’s excursions are slightly less formal, offering a relaxed and social atmosphere.
Compared to Avalon Waterways: Emerald offers better value through included EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE programs.
These differences highlight why Emerald is particularly appealing to travelers who value a mix of culture, activity, and comfort.
Yes, most EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE excursions are included. DiscoverMORE excursions come at an extra cost.
You can pre-book DiscoverMORE excursions before departure or sign up onboard. Included tours are automatically arranged.
Yes. Emerald offers a range of excursions — from gentle-paced walking tours to high-energy biking and hiking adventures.
Absolutely. You are free to explore independently, but group tours provide added convenience and expert insight.
Most last between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the itinerary and destination.
Emerald Cruises has crafted a shore excursion program that perfectly balances luxury, inclusivity, and authentic discovery. Whether you’re savoring a regional delicacy through an EmeraldPLUS experience, biking along the riverbanks on an EmeraldACTIVE outing, or indulging in a once-in-a-lifetime DiscoverMORE adventure, you’ll find each experience designed to deepen your appreciation of the places you visit.
From the Rhine to the Mekong, and from the Adriatic to the Caribbean, Emerald Cruises ensures every shore stop becomes a highlight of your journey — a chance to engage, learn, and create lasting memories.
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
© 2025 cruisebite.com All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
