Azamara Cruises has become the first cruise line to offer guests the opportunity to earn the internationally recognised WSET Level 1 Award in Wines while at sea through a new partnership with American Wine School.
Launching on select voyages from December 2026, the new enrichment program combines expert wine education with destination-inspired tastings and food pairing experiences, allowing guests to gain a globally recognised qualification while exploring some of the world’s leading wine regions.
International wine qualification at sea
The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines will debut aboard Azamara Quest on its Quest Debut Panama Canal Holiday & New Year’s Eve Cruise departing 18 December 2026, before expanding to Azamara Journey’s South America Cruise departing 10 March 2027.
Led by American Wine School founder and Advanced Sommelier Marianne Frantz, the course introduces guests to major grape varieties, wine styles, wine service, storage and food pairings before participants sit the official WSET Level 1 examination onboard.
Priced at US$275 per guest, the course accommodates just 24 participants per sailing and offers savings of around 20–30 per cent compared with similar land-based WSET Level 1 programs.
Wine experiences for all guests
Beyond the certification course, all guests sailing on participating voyages will have access to destination-inspired wine programming hosted by Frantz.
Experiences include guided wine tastings and food and wine pairing sessions that showcase the flavours, traditions and wine regions visited throughout each itinerary.
Wayne Fannon, Corporate Director, Food & Beverage Operations at Azamara Cruises, said the initiative further strengthens the cruise line’s focus on destination immersion.
“Through our onboard enrichment experiences, we are continuing to introduce experiences that make the journey itself richer and more rewarding,” Fannon said.
Part of Azamara’s destination immersion strategy
The new wine program aligns with Azamara’s focus on delivering immersive cultural experiences both onboard and ashore.
The cruise line’s four small ships are known for Extended Destination Days, overnight stays and longer time in port, giving guests more opportunities to experience local food, wine and culture.
