When you’re the world’s fourth-largest privately owned cruise line and you serve more than 1.5 million passengers in a year, it’s a good bet that your company has some strong partners contributing to your success. Such is the case with MSC Cruises, which recently recognized its top travel agent partners at its annual MSC True Partnership Awards.

“MSC’s travel partners are a crucial part of our success,” said Richard Sasso, president, MSC Cruises USA. “We greatly appreciate all the efforts of our valued partners who have truly raised awareness about our brand in the North American market. We are excited to honour our top partners of the year and congratulate them on their hard work.”

For the second year in a row, Sunwing Vacations has been recognized as the Canadian Account of the Year by the cruise line. Reg Mendes, Vice President, USA & Cruise Division, Sunwing Vacations, was presented with the award by Ian Patterson, Director of Business Development, MSC Cruises, earlier this month at Sunwing Vacations head office in Toronto.

“We are delighted to be receiving this award from MSC Cruises for the second time and have enjoyed our partnership with the cruise line over the past 6 years,” said Mendes.

Also recognized this year was Expedia Cruise Ship Centers, which was awarded the Canadian Consortium Account of the Year.

MSC’s True Partner awards are given to eight travel partners based on growth in revenue and guests, partnership support and innovative marketing efforts. This year’s recognition program ran in tandem with the cruise line’s “Share the Love” initiative, which recognizes individual travel agents for their support of the brand.

Sunwing Vacations offers fly and cruise packages with MSC from ten Canadian gateways. A new direct service from Winnipeg to Fort Lauderdale will be introduced later this year.

For more information, visit www.sunwing.

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