​Immerse yourself in new experiences with EmeraldPLUS

Taking you into the heart of local life, our included EmeraldPLUS excursions and experiences provide a fascinating insight into the authentic customs and traditions along the rivers of Europe and Southeast Asia.

Our journey planners have sought out hidden gems that you may not have discovered without a local expert. Providing a rare insight into each destination these included experiences are certain to be one of the highlights of your Emerald Cruises river cruise.

EmeraldPLUS experiences will take you deeper into the local culture. You'll enjoy exclusive social events with the locals, tours of significant landmarks, as well as special on board performances and workshops, and much more.

Explore Europe with EmeraldACTIVE

Perfect for guests who like a faster pace, our exclusive - and included - EmeraldACTIVE program provides river cruising guests with the opportunity to experience each destination from a different perspective. Join guided hikes, bike rides, and canoeing experiences, and see a new side to each destination. Explore rolling vineyards, and cobblestone streets, and take to the water by canoe. It's all available at no extra cost on our Europe river cruise collection.

On board, you’ll also have access to your Star-Ship’s wellness and fitness centre, and on selected sailings, you’ll have the opportunity to join your on board wellness team for guided fitness classes.

Wellness experiences on board your European Star-Ship

Our activity managers and wellness coaches will elevate your river cruising experience, working closely with their cruise directors to enhance the EmeraldACTIVE program, leading daytime classes on board, like yoga, Pilates, and aqua aerobics.

You'll also have access to bicycles, used on your guided cycling tours and also available for independent exploration. For our guided hikes, or independent strolls, you’ll find trekking poles in your suite or stateroom.

Head to the innovative indoor heated pool^, complete with a retractable roof, allowing you to enjoy the river breeze on warmer days, and a propulsive current, enabling you to swim for as long as you like. And on the Sun Deck, sharpen your golfing skills at the putting green^, and get your steps up as you take in the views of the surrounding riverbanks from the walking track..

^Emerald Radiance on the Douro River does not have an indoor heated pool or putting green. Instead, you’ll find the spa-style Serenity Pool on the Sun Deck.

​Immerse yourself in new experiences with EmeraldPLUS

Taking you into the heart of local life, our included EmeraldPLUS excursions and experiences provide a fascinating insight into the authentic customs and traditions along the rivers of Europe and Southeast Asia.

Our journey planners have sought out hidden gems that you may not have discovered without a local expert. Providing a rare insight into each destination these included experiences are certain to be one of the highlights of your Emerald Cruises river cruise.

EmeraldPLUS experiences will take you deeper into the local culture. You'll enjoy exclusive social events with the locals, tours of significant landmarks, as well as special on board performances and workshops, and much more.

Each marvellous itinerary features included excursions and experiences designed to showcase the best of the city or town. Hand-selected by Emerald Cruises & Tours Journey Designers, these shore excursions are led daily by expert local guides providing meaningful insight and authentic experiences in thoughtfully sized groups. Explore vibrant cities and medieval towns, visit World-Heritage listed landmarks and ancient ruins, and be awed by towering cathedrals and riverside vineyards.

Delve deeper and DiscoverMORE

Every aspect of our river cruise DiscoverMORE programme is designed to bring you closer to the heart of local life, discovering hidden gems and rare insights that go beyond ordinary travel encounters.

For those who want to experience even more of each destination, DiscoverMORE provides in-depth excursions and experiences which complement those provided by our EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE programmes. These optional events can either be booked before you go or while you’re on board and are available at an additional cost.

Each one of our cruise itineraries features complimentary experiences in a wealth of destinations, from UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites to insightful walking tours.

Additional to these included experiences, our extra-special collection of DiscoverMORE excursions enable you to explore each location at a deeper level, offering a unique insight into the region and immersing you in local life.

We advise you to book before you travel to secure your place on your chosen excursion or confirm your choice with your tour manager on the day of embarkation. 

Relax, socialise and dance the night away in the contemporary lounge and bar. On selected nights enjoy evening entertainment or simply relax and unwind with your favourite drink from the well-stocked bar. Throughout the day, you can enjoy complimentary tea and coffee, making this an inviting space to pause, connect and take in the on board comforts.

Exclusive to Emerald Cruises Star-Ships cruising Central Europe and France, the innovative heated indoor pool with is a tranquil haven to swim and take in the passing river views by day. As dusk falls, the floor gently rises to cover the pool, and the space transforms into an intimate cinema or Riverside Lounge – a blissful setting to enjoy magical vistas, read, or socialise to gentle music and soft lighting. Morning stretch sessions will also invigorate you, before seamlessly transforming back into a luxurious pool for the day. Enjoy a touch of innovation on board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Central Europe and France with the heated indoor pool. With expansive river views, it is a tranquil setting to relax by day and on select evenings, the space transforms into a cosy indoor cinema.

Sit back and enjoy the inspiring views of Europe from the Sun Deck, an open-air space on the top deck that’s yours to enjoy throughout your cruise. Complete with deck chairs, games area and walking track, it’s a great place to relax and unwind.

From the stunning rooftop deck of our Star-Ships, enjoy panoramic views of the passing landscapes and a selection of activities to keep you entertained.

Practice your putting technique or challenge new friends to a game of noughts and crosses in the dedicated games area. Located on the open-air Sun Deck, it’s the perfect way to spend your downtime on-board. Wellness classes and yoga/Pilates sessions can also be enjoyed on the Sun Deck.

Whether you want to buy a drinks package, learn about our optional excursions or simply talk with our friendly and attentive crew, the reception is the place to go for questions and enquiries during your time on-board.

Designed for Portugal’s warm climate, Emerald Radiance features a luxurious spa-style Serenity Pool on the Sun Deck, ideal for a refreshing dip as sun-drenched landscapes glide by. Morning wellness sessions set a tranquil tone for the day, and on movie nights this alfresco retreat transforms into an open-air cinema, with films playing beneath a canopy of stars.

A space dedicated to mind, body, and soul. Stay active on board with a fitness session in the well-equipped gym, or indulge in a blissful range of relaxing and invigorating spa treatments (at an additional cost).

A relaxing massage

Unwind with a massage courtesy of our expertly trained masseuses.

A dedicated space

Settle into a professional massage therapy room designed around serenity.

Every thoughtful detail

From soft gowns to luxurious ESPA toiletries, you’ll enjoy unparalleled comfort.

Your well-equipped gym

Keep up your workout regime in our well-equipped, modern gym.

In need of a quick trim during your travels? On-board the Emerald Astra, you can treat yourself at any point during your cruise with our dedicated hairdressers – perfect if you’re looking to get spruced up for a special evening.

Take a stroll, stretch those legs and drink in the views on our dedicated walking track. Spanning the perimeter of the ship, it’s there to help you stay active on-board.