One complimentary shore excursion is offered as part of the Emerald Waterways' fare in each port. Excursions are generally two to four hours long and can be a walking or bus tour, or a combination of both.

Yes, Emerald Cruises is known for providing excellent value by including at least one shore excursion in every port as part of the base cruise fare. These "EmeraldPLUS" excursions typically focus on cultural immersion, such as a guided walking tour of a historic city, a visit to a local vineyard, or a traditional home-hosted tea. For more active travelers, they also offer "EmeraldACTIVE" options like guided bike tours along the Danube or hikes up to castle ruins, also included at no extra cost. While these daily tours cover the highlights, Emerald also offers optional "DiscoverMORE" excursions for an additional fee; these are usually more niche or involve longer travel, such as a full-day trip to a nearby cathedral or a specialized cooking class. In 2026, the cruise line has expanded its included offerings to ensure that even repeat guests have something new to experience without having to reach for their wallets every time the ship docks.