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 Splendor Is Best Miami-Based Cruise Ship In 2016

Carnival Splendor has come out with the most amount of votes in the "Best Miami-Based Cruise Ship" category.

Queen Mary 2 Wins Best Ship For UK Cruise Market

Queen Mary 2 has been voted Best Cruise Ship for the British Market in the 2016 Cruise Ship Awards, topping P&O Britannia, Queen Elizabeth, and Saga Sapphire.

Queen Mary 2 Wins Best Cruise Ship Refurbishment In 2016

It comes as no surprise that Queen Mary 2 which is operated by Cunard Line has won the "Best Cruise Ship Refurbishment" in 2016

Norwegian Escape Wins Best Hull Artwork Second Time In A Row

The ship didn't just win but blew the competition away. The ship also won last year

Carnival Splendor Cruise Ship Transferring To P&O Australia Fleet

Carnival Cruise Line has announced that it will be transferring the Carnival Splendor to P&O Cruises.

Top 6 Videos Of Cruise Passengers Missing The Ship

Don't make this major mistake on your next cruise vacation. Here are 6 top videos of cruise passengers missing the ship.

What Happens If The Cruise Ship Is In Bad Weather

Let's take a look at what is done onboard when the ship is sailing in bad weather conditions

Harmony of the Seas Is Most Eagerly Awaited New Ship For 2016

Royal Caribbean's upcoming cruise ship Harmony of the Seas is voted Most Eagerly Awaited New Ship For 2016. Cruise Hive readers voted for the ship more than any other new ship coming in 2016

Anthem of the Seas Wins Best New Cruise Ship In 2015

Anthem of the Seas was voted Best New Cruise Ship of 2015 in Cruise Hive’s annual awards, beating Norwegian Escape, Viking Star, and more.

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