MSC Cruises is heading north with an office opening in Mississauga, Canada.
The line is keen to tap a bigger percentage of the Canadian market, says Ian Patterson, the newly appointed Canada country manager.
It will be staffed with 15 full time employees and will open on May 1.
"Canada is a distinct market with its own requirements and the opening of our new office will allow us to better serve the Canadian traveler," Patterson said.
A localized website is rolling out initially in English and will expand with French versions later this year.
Travel advisors and customers will be able to make bookings in Canadian dollars.
To meet the need for French-Canadian services, MSC will offer a bilingual call center, French language sales support and marketing materials in French.
"As MSC Cruises expands globally, we see tremendous potential in the Canadian market with Canadians continually showing increased interest in cruise vacations," Patterson added.
MSC becomes the first major cruise line to have a fully staffed Canada based office.
