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
478
Articles
Expertise
Cruises & Travel, Journalism, Media
100+
Cruises
34
Countries Visited
UK
Location Based

Articles By Emrys

Do Cruise Ships Have Irons and Ironing Boards?

Do cruise ships have irons, or do you need to bring your own? Find out what's on the cruise ship and how to keep your clothes wrinkle-free!

Do Cruise Ships Provide Towels?

Packing for a cruise can bring up a lot of questions. Do cruise ships provide towels? Keep reading to learn what you need to pack.

Cruise Ship Laundry: What You Need to Know

If you’re getting ready for your first cruise, you might wonder about cruise ship laundry. Learn what you need to know in this article.

Cruise Ship Documentaries You Should Watch

Cruise ship documentaries are a great way to get an insider’s peek into life on these luxury vessels. Tune in here to find out how.

Who Owns Silversea Cruises?

Wondering who owns Silversea Cruises? This article will detail how Royal Caribbean Group came to own the ultra-luxury brand.

How Much of a Cruise Ship Is Underwater?

Ever wonder how much of a cruise ship is underwater? This article gives you the ins and outs of these critical facts.

Secret Codes on Cruise Ships Only Crew Members Know!

It takes dozens of different departments working in sync to ensure harmony aboard a cruise ship. Secret codes on cruise ships help them do that.

How Many Doors on a Cruise Ship?

How many doors on a cruise ship? It’s like guessing how many jellybeans are in a jar – there are so many! Start here for a rough guess.

Who Owns Oceania Cruises and How It’s Operated

If you’re interested in who owns Oceania Cruises, you’ve come to the right place. Find out more in this informative article.

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