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 Dominates Cruise Hive Awards

Carnival Cruise Line dominated the annual Cruise Ship Awards which we recently announced the winners for. Find out what Cruise Hive readers voted on.

7 Carnival Cruise Ships Will Be Upgraded in 2019

It's going to be a busy year for Carnival Cruise Line with seven ship dry docks including a major transformation of Carnival Triumph into the Carnival Sunrise.

Carnival Cruise Line Voted Best Cruise Line of 2018

Carnival Cruise Line has won this year's best cruise line as voted by Cruise Hive readers. Carnival received more votes than nine other major cruise lines.

Carnival Panorama Wins Most Anticipated New Cruise Ship for 2019

Carnival Panorama has been voted as the most anticipated new cruise ship for 2019 in the fifth annual Cruise Hive Cruise Ship Awards.

Norwegian Bliss Wins Best Cruise Ship Hull Artwork 2018

Norwegian Bliss has come out on top as having the best cruise ship hull artwork in the 2018 fifth annual Cruise Ship Awards.

Carnival Mardi Gras Voted Most Anticipated Future Cruise Ship

Carnival's future new generation cruise ship that will be named Mardi Gras has been voted as the number one most anticipated future cruise ship by Cruise Hive readers.

Carnival Horizon Wins Best New Cruise Ship of 2018

Carnival Horizon which is the newest ship in the fleet has received the most votes from Cruise Hive readers in the 2018 Cruise Ship Awards.

Mariner of the Seas Wins Best Refurbishment of the Year

Mariner of the Seas has been voted number one for having the best cruise ship refurbishment of the year as part of Cruise Hive's Cruise Ship Awards 2018.

Symphony of the Seas is Best Large Cruise Ship of the Year

Symphony of the Seas which is currently the largest cruise ship in the world has won this year's "Best Large Cruise Ship" category in the Cruise Ship Awards.

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