Azamara Cruises is introducing an exclusive new onboard experience: an official wine course that gives guests the opportunity to earn the internationally recognized WSET Level 1 Award in Wines during selected cruises. The cruise line has partnered with American Wine School® for the program. The course will launch in December 2026 aboard Azamara Quest, giving travelers the chance to deepen their wine knowledge while exploring some of the world’s most renowned wine regions.
Guests taking part in the first courses will also be among the first to experience the latest enhancements introduced as part of the fleet-wide Azamara Forward renovation program.
Wine Course with Tastings at Sea
The course will be led by Marianne Frantz, founder of American Wine School, WSET-certified educator and Advanced Sommelier. She combines expert instruction with guided tastings, offering guests an accessible introduction to the world of wine.
During the course, participants will learn about major grape varieties, wine styles, wine service, storage and food pairings. They will then take the official WSET Level 1 Wine examination onboard.
In addition to the certification course, participants can enjoy special wine experiences inspired by the destinations visited during their cruise. The program includes curated tastings and food and wine pairing experiences that highlight the flavors and traditions of the regions along the itinerary.
Wine Experiences for All guests
The wine experience is not limited to those taking part in the certification course. All guests aboard the selected cruises will have access to wine programs led by Frantz, including pop-up tastings and food and wine pairing sessions that bring the flavors and traditions of the destinations visited onboard.
“At Azamara Cruises, we believe destination immersion is about understanding a place as much as seeing it, and food and wine are among the most meaningful ways to connect with a culture,” says Wayne Fannon, Corporate Director, Food & Beverage Operations at Azamara Cruises.
“Through our onboard enrichment experiences, we are continuing to introduce experiences that make the journey itself richer and more rewarding. Our partnership with American Wine School gives guests a unique opportunity to deepen their appreciation of wine while traveling the world and even return home with an internationally recognized qualification inspired by their time with us.”
Experienced Wine Expert Leads the Program
Marianne Frantz brings more than two decades of experience in wine education to the program. She founded American Wine School in 2001 and holds a WSET Diploma, an Advanced Sommelier certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers and several international wine education credentials.
Her approachable teaching style makes the course suitable for both wine enthusiasts who are new to the subject and more experienced wine lovers.
First Cruises Offering the WSET Wine Course
The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines, presented by American Wine School, will initially be offered on two cruises:
- Azamara Quest – Quest Debut Panama Canal Holiday & New Year’s Eve Cruise, departing December 18, 2026
- Azamara Journey – South America Cruise, departing March 10, 2027
The certification course costs $275 per guest and, according to Azamara, offers savings of approximately 20 to 30 percent compared with similar WSET Level 1 Wine programs on land. Participants also have the opportunity to earn their certification in a relaxed and inspiring setting at sea.
Only 24 places are available per cruise. Guests can add the wine course to their booking in advance.
Pictures courtesy of Azamara Cruises
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