Azamara Debuts Exciting Wine Certification At Sea

Posted onAuthorChris Owen

  • WSET Certification At Sea: Azamara Cruises is partnering with the American Wine School to offer the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines, allowing guests to take the official exam onboard.
  • Inaugural Sailings: The program launches on the Azamara Quest in December 2026 and the Azamara Journey in March 2027, featuring instruction from Advanced Sommelier Marianne Frantz.
  • Exclusive And Affordable Value: Priced at $275 and limited to 24 participants per sailing, the course offers significant savings compared to traditional land-based certification programs.
  • Inclusive Wine Programming: Non-participating guests can still enjoy the wine-focused atmosphere through destination-inspired pop-up tastings and pairing sessions available to everyone onboard.

Azamara Cruises is elevating its signature destination immersion by partnering with the American Wine School to offer the globally recognized WSET Level 1 Award in Wines while sailing. This highly anticipated program provides wine enthusiasts with the unique opportunity to study major grape varieties, proper wine service, storage, and food pairings, culminating in an official certification exam taken directly onboard.

a woman drinking wine in a boat ride
Photo by Wendy Wei on Pexels.com

The enriching educational program officially debuts aboard the Azamara Quest on December 18, 2026, during a spectacular Panama Canal Holiday cruise. It will then expand to the Azamara Journey during a South America sailing in March 2027. Led by Marianne Frantz, founder of the American Wine School and an esteemed Advanced Sommelier, the curriculum beautifully combines expert-led education with destination-inspired tastings that celebrate the rich culinary cultures of the specific regions visited. Furthermore, guests on the inaugural Azamara Quest sailing will be among the first to experience the beautiful new spaces introduced through the fleetwide Azamara Forward renovation initiative.

Limited to an intimate group of just 24 guests per sailing, the comprehensive certification course costs $275, offering a notable savings compared to similar land-based educational programs. For travelers who simply want to sip and savor without taking the official exam, Azamara ensures the experience extends to the entire ship. Frantz will host engaging pop-up tastings and immersive food pairing sessions available to all passengers. This creative approach to luxury maritime hospitality seamlessly transforms a traditional cruise vacation into a deeply rewarding and palate-pleasing educational journey.