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

Where to Buy Disney Cruise Door Magnets

The online marketplace is a shopper’s heaven nowadays – and that’s good news for those wanting to buy Disney cruise door magnets.

Fourth Edge-Class Celebrity Cruise Ship Floats Out at Shipyard

The fourth Edge-class Celebrity Cruises ship, named Celebrity Ascent, floats out onto the water for the first time at the shipyard.

Who Owns Viking Cruises?

Viking Cruises is a leading luxury cruise company based in Switzerland. Discover who owns Viking Cruises and learn more about its history.

Disney Cruise Ship Rescues Man Spotted in Water

The Disney Dream cruise ship comes to a halt for the urgent rescue of a man in the water off the coast of Cuba in the Caribbean.

Celebrity Flagship Rescues Refugees from Styrofoam Boat

The Celebrity Cruises flagship, captained by Kate McCue, has rescued 19 refugees on a styrofoam-made boat in the Caribbean.

New Carnival Cruise Ship Rescues Small Raft in the Caribbean

The Carnival Celebration cruise ship rescued a small raft of refugees in the Caribbean, off the coast of Cuba.

Carnival Cruise Line Specialty Dining Venue Voted Best of 2022

Carnival Cruise Line's Cucina del Capitano has been voted the Best Specialty Dining Venue in Cruise Hive's 2022 Cruise Ship Awards.

Carnival’s Mardi Gras Voted Best Overall Cruise Ship of 2022

Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras is voted as the best overall cruise ship of 2022 in Cruise Hive's annual Cruise Ship Awards.

What is the Best Way to Book a Cruise?

Find out the best way to book a cruise, from the planning stages to using a travel agent or even directly through the cruise line.

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