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

Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras Voted Best New Cruise Ship of 2021

Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras voted Best New Cruise Ship of 2021 in Cruise Hive's annual Cruise Ship Awards.

Third LNG Carnival Vessel to Be Named Carnival Jubilee and Based in Texas

Carnival Cruise Line unveils the name of the third Excel-class ship as Carnival Jubilee, which will be based out of Galveston in Texas.

First Fantasy-Class Carnival Cruise Ship Receives New Livery

The first Fantasy-class Carnival cruise ship receives the new livery design during dry dock and the eighth overall in the fleet.

Royal Caribbean Announces 274-Night Ultimate World Cruise

Royal Caribbean announces a 274-night Ultimate World Cruise that departs in December 2023 with the Serenade of the Seas cruise ship.

Captain Kate McCue to Take the Helm of New Celebrity Cruise Ship

Captain Kate McCue will take the helm of Celebrity Cruises' third Edge-class cruise ship, Celebrity Beyond.

Former Carnival Ship Purchased by Century Cruises Heads for Scrapyard

The former Carnival Fascination, currently named Century Harmony looks to be heading for the scrapyard in Alang, India.

Sixth Carnival Cruise Ship Receives New Livery and Heading for U.S.

Carnival Liberty becomes the sixth ship in the fleet to receive the new livery during dry dock and is heading back to the U.S.

Cruise Hive’s Annual Cruise Ship Awards Are Back!

Voting opens on the annual Cruise Ship Awards with new categories as the cruise industry makes a comeback.

Construction Begins on First Sphere-Class Princess Cruise Ship

Construction begins on the first of two Sphere-class cruise ships at 175,000 gross tons and LNG powered, scheduled for completion in 2023.

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