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

Video Shows Carnival Fantasy Being Beached Ready for Scrapping

Video footage has been captured of the moment the Carnival Fantasy is beached in preparation for scrapping at Aliaga, Turkey.

Royal Caribbean is Replacing the Much-Hated Traditional Safety Drill

Royal Caribbean-owned cruise lines are replacing the traditional safety drill and implementing a new virtual drill that reimagines the process.

Two Former Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships Beached Ready for Scrapping

Two former Royal Caribbean cruise ships have been beached in Turkey ready to be scrapped, new video footage shows the moment.

Seems the Carnival Inspiration is Heading to Be Scrapped

Carnival Inspiration is currently heading towards the scrapyard in Turkey after already being stripped of important items and equipment.

Could These Two Carnival Cruise Ships Be Heading to the Scrapyard?

Heavy equipment is being unloaded from two Fantasy class cruise ships operated by Carnival Cruise Line, possibly a hint that they could be leaving the fleet.

Carnival’s New Mardi Gras Cruise Ship Delayed Until February 2021

Carnival Cruise Line has revealed that the new Mardi Gras cruise ship won't be arriving until February 2021, all cruises until then are cancelled.

Here Are Five Carnival Cruise Ships That Might Be Sold Soon

These are the Carnival cruise ships that might be sold soon due to the impact of the suspension of cruise operations.

Popular Carnival Cruise Line Burger Venue Voted the Best

Guy's Burger Joint which is a popular burger venue across the Carnival Cruise Line fleet has won the 2019 Cruise Ship Awards by Cruise Hive readers.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon-Class is Most Anticipated Future Class Cruise Ship

Royal Caribbean's future Icon-class has won "Most Anticipated Future Class Cruise Ship" of 2019 in this year's Cruise Ship Awards.

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