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
484
Articles
Expertise
Cruises & Travel, Journalism, Media
100+
Cruises
34
Countries Visited
UK
Location Based

Articles By Emrys

Virgin Voyages Latest Update: Two Cruise Ships Delayed

Virgin Voyages has announced that two of its cruise ships have been delayed even further due to remaining challenges on resuming operations.

Celebrity Cruises Has No Plans to Offload Ships to Pullmantur

Celebrity Cruises has now denied this and there is no plan on selling or leasing any Celebrity cruise ship to the Spanish-based sister line Pullmantur.

Two Celebrity Ships to Help Bring Cruise Line Back to Business

It's looking like Spanish-based Pullmantur Cruises that is partly owned by Royal Caribbean might be brought back to business.

Carnival Ship Responds to Mayday Call

The Carnival Ecstasy responded to a mayday call in the Bahamas on Tuesday and came to the rescue of an injured crew member from a yacht.

Knut Kloster, Founder of Norwegian Cruise Line Dies Aged 91

Knut Kloster, a legend in the cruise industry and who co-founded Norwegian Cruise Line has sadly died at the age of 91.

Carnival Imagination Beached for Scrapping in Turkey

Carnival Imagination has become the third Carnival cruise ship to be beached in Turkey and will now be scrapped.

Former Holiday-Class Carnival Cruise Ship Put Up for Auction

A former Carnival cruise ship which was known as the Holiday has been put up for auction after Cruise & Maritime Voyages went out of business.

Carnival Inspiration Beached for Scrapping in Turkey

The Fantasy-class cruise ship has been beached ready for scrapping at the ship-breaking facility in Aliaga, Turkey.

Two Retired Carnival Cruise Ship Recycling and Dismantling Details

Carnival has announced details on Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Inspiration dismantling and recycling in Turkey.

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