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
807
Articles
Expertise
Cruises & Travel, Journalism, Media
100+
Cruises
34
Countries Visited
UK
Location Based

Articles By Emrys

Most Friendly Crew Can Be Found On Carnival Cruise Line

According to readers on Cruise Hive, Carnival Cruise Line has the most friendly crew in this year's Cruise Ship Awards

Norwegian Escape Wins Best Hull Artwork In The Cruise Ship Awards

Cruise Hive is pleased to announce that Norwegian Escape has won Best Cruise Ship Hull Artwork in the very first 2015 Cruise Ship Awards.

10 Things Crew Members Do When They Go Back Home

Cruise Hive looks at those 10 things which crew members do while at home for one month or more before their next contract.

Carnival Breeze Passengers Fight While Waiting In-Line for Cheeseburgers

Cruise Hive got sent a shocking video from one of our readers that shows cruise passengers from a Carnival ship fighting while in-line for cheeseburgers.

Cruise Hive Announces The “Great Cruise Vote 2014” Results

For the first time Cruise Hive ran it's "Great Cruise Vote 2014" and it's not like any other cruise poll out there. The poll has been on going all year long and has received several thousand votes.

What Crew Members Do In Their Spare Time?

Whenever you take a cruise I bet you're always wondering what the crew members do in their spare time and if they have any time at all! Well thankfully Cruise Hive knows what they get up to when they are not working long hours onboard the ship.

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