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

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.

Disney Cruise Line Confirms 208,000 Gross Ton Global Dream Purchase

Disney Cruise Line confirms it has purchased the 208,000 gross ton Global Dream cruise ship which will join its fleet in 2025.

Norwegian Cruise Line Cancels Remainder of Voyage After Ship Hits Iceberg

Norwegian Cruise Line cancels Norwegian Sun's Alaskan voyage after the ship hit an iceberg. The vessel is now heading back to Seattle.

Global Dream’s Sister Ship to Be Sold as Scrap

What was to be the sister ship to Global Dream and one of the largest cruise ships in the world is set to be scrapped.

Passenger Overboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras Cruise Ship

Carnival Cruise Line confirms a man went overboard the Carnival Mardi Gras cruise ship while heading back towards Florida.

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