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

Guy’s Pig & Anchor on Carnival Horizon Wins Best Dining Venue

Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse|Brewhouse on Carnival Horizon has received the most amount of votes in the 2018 Cruise Ship Awards dining category.

Carnival’s SkyRide Wins Best Feature Three Years In a Row!

In the 2018 Cruise Ship Awards Carnival Cruise Line's SkyRide wins best feature for the third time in a row and we have joint winners!

Mardi Gras to Feature World’s First Roller Coaster at Sea!

Carnival Cruise Line has revealed the largest ever cruise ship for the fleet which is arriving in 2020 will feature the world's first roller coaster at sea called "Bolt: Ultimate Sea Coaster".

Passenger Vessel Strikes Crane at Popular Cruise Port in Europe

A passenger vessel named the Excellent has collided with a cargo dock crane at the popular cruise port in Barcelona.

Carnival Cruise Ship Suffers Problems Since Recent Dry Dock

Carnival Sunshine hasn't had it easy recently with a technical issue impacting one cruise and a heavy listing impacting another.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Hit With Technical Issues

Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas has been hit with technical issues and as a result, has been forced to dock in Vigo, Spain.

Carnival Cruise Line Burger Venue Now Offering Vegan Burgers

The popular Guy's Burger Joint on Carnival Cruise Line is now offering Vegan Burgers across the fleet.

Carnival Cruise Ships Affected by Tropical Storm Florence

Tropical Storm Florence which is expected to become a major Hurricane through next week has impacted the itineraries of Carnival cruise ships.

Crew Member Lost From Carnival Horizon

We are sad to post that the crew of Carnival Horizon has lost a fellow team member.

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