Taste
Suzanne Kochen on cruises, culinary trends and hidden destinations
After countless voyages, Suzanne Kochen of Explora Journeys knows almost every deck and every dining experience on board. Yet she never tires of exploring what the sea has to offer. Why do people book their cruises later and later? Which hidden gems in the Mediterranean surprise even a cruise expert? And what makes the new ship, Explora III, unique? MASTERS spoke with her: "The Mediterranean continues to surprise with places I'd never even heard of."
What trends in the cruise and travel industry stand out to you the most in 2025? And how will Explora Journeys capitalize on them?
Culinary tourism is a huge trend. People don't just want to go somewhere anymore; they also want to experience fantastic food and drinks. We can offer that, because our gastronomic standards on board are high. And the great thing is that everything is all-inclusive, so guests don't have to pull out their credit cards every time. If you fancy another lobster or a good glass of wine, you can. People really appreciate that sense of freedom.
It's also noticeable that people are booking later and later. While some still plan everything months in advance, others now wait until shortly before departure. And sustainability remains a key issue. Our new ship, for example, runs on LNG, a much cleaner fuel.
Do you have a favorite place to eat on board?
That's difficult for me, because every restaurant is so different. But Marble & Co, our European steakhouse, remains one of my favorites. The steaks are so high-quality that your knife just glides through them. And as a starter, you have those fingerling potatoes with caviar—truly delicious.
But I also absolutely love Asian food, especially when you can sit outside. I still remember an evening in the Caribbean, under the stars, as we sailed from Saint Barth. It was so special: the warm breeze, delicious food, and that view. Those are the moments when everything just fits.
Which destinations are currently the most popular among your travelers? Are you seeing any shifts there?
The Mediterranean is incredibly popular right now. People want to stay closer to home and fly shorter. This is partly due to how unsettled the world can feel, but also simply to convenience. They often book shorter notice and prefer a destination that's familiar and always enjoyable.
I'm noticing it myself; I haven't planned anything for the summer yet because everything keeps changing so quickly. At Explora, we're responding to this by, for example, removing the single supplement on certain departures. But we're not really adjusting our routes, because ultimately, people want to discover beautiful places.
“Just have another lobster or that nice glass of wine – it’s all possible.”
Which area do you think will become increasingly popular in the coming years – and why?
Iceland and Greenland are destinations that are increasingly appealing to more people because they're such unique places. They often involve longer journeys and a bit more adventure. But the Mediterranean also continues to surprise.
For example, I recently discovered Monemvasia in Greece. I'd never heard of it. Or Carloforte in Sardinia. They're smaller, authentic places, far from the crowds. Last year I was in Katapola on Amorgos, and there I really felt the Greece you imagine: white houses, blue shutters, almost no tourists. Just a simple terrace with a delicious Greek salad. Those are places that give travelers something new to talk about.
What makes the Explora III, which will make its maiden voyage in 2026, unique compared to its predecessors?
Explora III will be our first ship to run on LNG. This is important for sustainability and ensures we can continue to visit destinations like Norway. LNG is one of the many sustainability measures we're taking. Because LNG tanks take up a lot of space, the ship will be 19 meters longer. However, there will only be two additional suites, resulting in more space per guest. That's what luxury cruises are judged on: how much space you have.
What I'm really excited about is that we're getting two new Owner's Residences. These are our largest suites, measuring 280 square meters. And now each suite will have its own celebrity designer, so you can choose the style you like best. We've never had that before. There will also be three new meeting rooms, which is ideal for companies organizing incentive trips.
What can guests expect from the new experiences and routes with Explora III?
With Explora III, we're going back to Northern Europe. We're sailing to Bordeaux, for example, going up the river and docking in the city center. That's fantastic, especially for wine lovers. Then we'll sail via Iceland and Greenland to Canada, where we'll stay for a season, roughly between Quebec and New York. Those are truly different voyages than what we have now.
On board, the Chef's Kitchen remains a success. These are small-group cooking classes where you learn, for example, how to make ravioli while we're sailing in the Mediterranean. People love making something themselves and then eating it together.
What's your personal favorite holiday destination – and why?
Antarctica remains one of the most special places in the world for me. It's so surreal: silence, enormous icebergs, and the feeling that you're truly somewhere almost no one goes. It's overwhelming and yet so peaceful.
But recently I went on my first real vacation in a long time, sailing for a week on our own ship in the Caribbean. It was so wonderful that I was sad to go home after a week. The Caribbean is truly a wonderful place to relax during our winter. And on board our ships, it's all about being outdoors—nothing is required, anything is allowed. Relaxing on a sunbed with someone constantly asking if you'd like another drink was the pure relaxation I needed at that moment.
