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

Carnival Cruise Line Voted Best Cruise Line of 2019

Carnival Cruise Line has been voted as "Best Cruise Line of 2019" in this year's Cruise Ship Awards. Carnival was up against 11 other cruise operators.

Port Canaveral Voted Best Cruise Homeport in the United States

Port Canaveral in Florida has been voted as the best cruise ship homeport in the United States. The port was up against 13 others in this year's Cruise Ship Awards.

Carnival’s Mardi Gras is Most Anticipated New Cruise Ship of 2020

Carnival Cruise Line's new Mardi Gras has come out on top as the most anticipated new cruise ship of 2020. The ship was up against six others.

Carnival Panorama Voted Best New Cruise Ship of 2019

Carnival Panorama has been voted as the best new cruise ship of 2019 according to Cruise Hive readers in this year's Cruise Ship Awards.

Carnival Sunrise Wins Best Cruise Ship Refurbishment of 2019

Carnival Sunrise has come out on top in "Best Cruise Ship Refurbishment" of 2019 according to Cruise Hive readers.

Carnival Cruise Line’s SkyRide Voted Best Feature Four Years in a Row

The SkyRide which is currently on three Carnival cruise ships has been voted as the best cruise ship feature for the fourth consecutive time.

26 Ideal Hotels Near the Los Angeles Cruise Port

We list the most ideal hotels near the Los Angeles Cruise Port in California. Details on shuttles, distance from port and more for your cruise vacation.

Two Carnival Cruise Ships Collide in Cozumel, Mexico

The Carnival Glory and Carnival Legend have collided at the popular western Caribbean cruise port of Cozumel, Mexico.

Carnival Mardi Gras Delivery Delayed, 8 Sailings Canceled

Carnival Cruise Line has announced that the shipyard has delayed the delivery of the new Mardi Gras cruise ship and will now depart on the first cruise in November 2020.

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