Azamara Cruises, The Global Leader in Destination Immersion®, has partnered with American Wine School® to introduce an exclusive onboard enrichment experience: the WSET® Level 1 Award in Wines presented by American Wine School®. Launching on select sailings beginning aboard Azamara Quest® in December 2026, where guests will also be among the first to experience the latest enhancements introduced through the brand’s fleet-wide Azamara Forward renovation initiative, the program gives guests the unique opportunity to earn a globally recognized wine certification while exploring some of the world’s most celebrated wine regions.
Led by Marianne Frantz, founder of American Wine School®, WSET-certified educator, and Advanced Sommelier, the immersive course combines expert instruction with guided tastings, giving guests an engaging introduction to the world of wine. Participants will learn about major grape varieties, wine styles, service, storage, and food pairings before taking the official WSET® Level 1 Wine exam onboard. In addition to the certification course, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy destination-inspired wine programming, including curated tastings and food and wine pairing experiences that celebrate the flavors and traditions of the regions visited.
The experience extends beyond those enrolled in the certification course. All guests aboard the featured sailings will also have access to wine programming led by Frantz, including pop-up tastings and destination-inspired food and wine pairing sessions designed to bring the flavors and traditions of the regions 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,” said 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.”
Frantz brings more than two decades of wine education experience to the program. The founder of American Wine School in 2001, she holds a WSET Diploma, Advanced Sommelier certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers, and numerous international wine education credentials. Her approachable teaching style makes the program accessible for both beginners and experienced wine enthusiasts.
The American Wine School® presentation of the WSET® Level 1 Award in Wines will debut aboard:
- Azamara Quest® – Quest Debut Panama Canal Holiday & New Year’s Eve Cruise (December 18, 2026)
- Azamara Journey® – South America Cruise (March 10, 2027)
Priced at $275 per guest, the certification course offers savings of approximately 20–30% compared to similar land-based WSET® Level 1 Wine programs, while giving guests the unique opportunity to earn their certification in a relaxed and inspiring setting at sea. With limited availability for just 24 guests per sailing, the experience can be added to a guest’s booking ahead of their sailing.
The program reflects Azamara Cruises’ continued commitment to offering enriching onboard experiences that connect guests more deeply with the cultures, traditions, and flavors of the destinations they explore.
