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

Carnival’s Mardi Gras Voted Best Overall Cruise Ship of 2021

Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras wins Best Overall Cruise Ship of 2021 in the annual Cruise Ship Awards.

Carnival Celebration is Most Anticipated New Cruise Ship for 2022

Carnival Cruise Line's second Excel-class vessel Carnival Celebration is voted Most Anticipated New Cruise Ship for 2022.

Carnival’s Mardi Gras BOLT Roller Coaster is Voted Best Cruise Ship Feature

BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea featured on Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras cruise ship voted Best Cruise Ship Feature of 2021.

Port Canaveral in Florida Voted Best US Cruise Homeport of 2021

Port Canaveral in Florida is voted Best Cruise Homeport in the United States for the second time in the 2021 Cruise Ship Awards.

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.

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