Azamara Teams Up with American Wine School to Offer Onboard Wine Certification

Azamara Cruises has announced an exciting collaboration with the American Wine School to provide guests the opportunity to earn the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines on select voyages starting in December 2026. This immersive course, led by Marianne Frantz, a WSET-certified educator and Advanced Sommelier, combines expert instruction with guided tastings, offering a comprehensive introduction to the world of wine.

The certification program is priced at $275 per person and is limited to 24 guests per sailing, allowing for a personalized experience. Advance booking is recommended. Wayne Fannon, Azamara’s corporate director of food and beverage operations, emphasized the importance of cultural immersion through food and wine, stating, "Through our onboard enrichment experiences, we are continuing to introduce experiences that make the journey itself richer and more rewarding."

The program will make its debut on the following cruises:

• Azamara Quest: Panama Canal Holiday & New Year’s Eve Cruise (December 18, 2026)
• Azamara Journey: South America Cruise (March 10, 2027)

Participants will explore major grape varieties, wine styles, service techniques, storage, and food pairing principles before taking the WSET Level 1 Wine exam onboard. Beyond the certification course, Azamara will also host destination-inspired wine programming, including curated tastings and food and wine pairing experiences, enhancing the overall culinary journey for guests.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!