Emrys Thakkar

Founder, Managing Editor, Director

The founder of Cruise Hive, Emrys has been reporting on the cruise industry since 2008. Expert insights and tips featured on a number of publications including The Express, Business Insider, Fodor's Travel and more. Worked for Carnival for 8 years and traveled to more than 34 countries and been on over 100 cruises.

How did you get started in cruises?

My first-ever cruise was on the Carnival Glory in 2004 as my sister worked as part of the entertainment department onboard. Since then, I’ve been hooked on all things cruise. I decided to work for Carnival Cruise Line in 2005, with my first ship being the Carnival Sensation. I’ve worked on many cruise ships including bringing out the Carnival Splendor and Carnival Dream from the shipyard.

Take a look at the photos below from during my time as a Carnival crew member:

What makes you a cruise expert?

I’ve not only been a crew member for Carnival Cruise Line for 8 years, but have also cruised as a passenger on multiple cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and MSC Cruises.

Reporting on the cruise industry since 2008 has given me over 15 years of writing just on cruises, a dedicated experience few can match. My education includes an Advanced National Diploma in Media Studies and Journalism.

In addition to being featured across various outlets and working with brands, I’ve also been featured on the BBC One Show when cruising resumed with MSC Virtuosa in May 2021.

You can check my Muck Rack profile here.
You can find me over on the Cruise Boards too!

What’s your favorite cruise line?

As many say in this industry, my favorite cruise line is the next one I’m sailing with! But will always have a soft spot for Carnival Cruise Line, which is where I gained my passion for cruising and met my future wife Haiyan Ma on the Carnival Liberty.

What’s your top tip for new cruisers?

My top tip would be to never arrive for a cruise on the same day unless you live right next to the port of course! Flights can often get delayed and luggage can get lost, so arriving the night before and getting a hotel will provide a buffer, just in case issues arise. The cruise ship won’t wait for you.

You find out more about the Cruise Hive team right here.

2008
Started at Cruise Hive
475
Articles
Expertise
Cruises & Travel, Journalism, Media
100+
Cruises
34
Countries Visited
UK
Location Based

Articles By Emrys

Just How Big is a Cruise Ship?

Ever sat and wondered, “How big is a cruise ship?” You're not alone. Let's find out how big these mega-ships are and how many people they can carry.

Kailua-Kona Cruise Port: Tendering, Getting Around, and What’s Nearby

Visiting Kailua-Kona Cruise Port? Learn all about this exciting cruise port, Kona Village, and the beaches, shops, and restaurants in the surrounding area.

The Former Norwegian Cruise Ships: What Happened to Them?

Let's travel back in time to the former Norwegian Cruise Line ships. Find out what happened to the once popular vessels.

Princess Cruise Ships By Size: Largest to Smallest

Let's take a look at all the Princess cruise ships by size, starting from the largest to the smallest in gross tonnage.

Titanic vs. Modern Cruise Ships: How Do They Compare?

Let's take a look at Titanic vs. modern cruise ships, including how the iconic vessel compares to today's giants of the seas.

Princess Cruise Ships By Age: Newest to Oldest (2025-1998)

Take a look at all the Princess cruise ships by age, listing the newest to the oldest in the fleet.

The Different Norwegian Cruise Line Ship Classes

Explore the different Norwegian Cruise Line ship classes, from the newer Prima class all the way to the much older ships.

Ensenada Cruise Port: Terminals, Getting Around, and What’s Nearby

Have you booked a cruise along the Mexican Riviera? There's a good chance you'll stop at Ensenada Cruise Port. Learn all about it with this guide.

Should You Get a Cruise Line Drinks Package?

Should you really spend money on getting a cruise line's drinks package? Here are the pros and cons!

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