The revenue of the global travel industry has grown steadily over the last decades. That’s because these businesses are able to offer even more unique experiences and activities to their guests. Cruise lines are one of the segments that has grown the most. Even though cruise ships are considered to be an expensive and high-end leisure activity, they give guests the opportunity to enjoy the salty breeze of the seas with a cold cruise drink in their hands. Cruise line operators have a much more complex business model compared to resorts or other segments of the hospitality sector. That’s because cruise ships cannot easily order food or other supplies. Furthermore, storage and warehousing need to be perfectly optimized on passenger vessels. In this post, we’ll share more about cruise ship distributors and their role in this segment of the leisure industry. Make sure to also check our post on the different types of cruise ship supplies.
Key takeaway: Most cruise line operators work with a variety of distributors. They partner with both ship chandlers for deliveries of maritime equipment and with broadline or specialized distributors for deliveries of food products.
What Are Cruise Ship Distributors
These can be specialized suppliers that offer all types of goods needed by cruise line operators. Distributors rarely focus on only a single segment such as cruise ships. That’s why it’s not common for a company to specialize in wholesale sales to passenger vessels. Instead, some broadline distributors also aim to attract customers in the travel sector, including cruise liners. Efficiency and automation are very important for these businesses as every minute spent on a port means potential losses. Therefore, cruise line operators often prefer to partner with well-established broadline distribution companies instead of working with wholesalers in different fields.
In addition to ordering food, beverages, restaurant supplies, and other goods from broadliners, cruise ship operators also work with ship chandlers. These companies specialize in deliveries of maritime equipment, spare parts, and other tools needed to maintain the ship. Cargo vessels and other types of ships also rely on ship chandlers for food, water, and other provisions. However, cruise ships need to stock luxury and specialty food products in order to offer their guests a high-end experience. That’s why they mainly purchase maritime equipment from ship chandlery companies.
Cruise Ship Distributors VS Ship Chandlers
Ship chandlers are the main companies that deliver provisions and equipment to ships. However, when it comes to passenger vessels, their operators use a variety of other distributors. That’s especially true for luxury cruise ships that offer a high-end hospitality experience to passengers. The food products offered by ship chandlers include different types of canned food, grains, staples, and other products with long shelf life.
Broadline Distributors for Cruise Ships
Working with broadline distributors is the easiest way for cruise line operators to get a variety of ingredients, beverages, and other products like wholesale tableware. That’s why there are many broadliners that stock products in a variety of categories and are able to fully serve cruise ships. These distributors also offer their services to resorts, hotels, restaurant businesses, and various other companies in the hospitality sector. Broadliners also offer services like product procurement, customization & branding, and vendor-managed inventory (read more about VMI). Some broadline distributors also invest in warehousing capabilities near ports and are knowledgeable in maritime standards & regulations. This makes it easier for travel and leisure companies to know that all their products will be delivered on time and by a company that can handle all their inventory needs.
Products Offered by Cruise Ship Distributors
Wholesalers that deliver goods to cruise line operators need to offer a wide range of products. Let’s examine the main categories delivered by cruise ship distributors.
- Food. This includes a variety of staple ingredients like grains, fresh produce, wholesale frozen vegetables, meat, and dairy goods. Luxury cruise ships also stock various high-end and specialty products like different types of caviar or ethnic food.
- Beverages. From water and soda to wine and spirits, passenger vessels order a variety of drinks. Explore the best cruise cocktails.
- Housekeeping items. Linens, towels, wholesale janitorial supplies, and paper products are just a few examples of housekeeping items used on cruise ships.
- Kitchen supplies and tableware. Food plays an important role in passenger vessels. That’s why cruise ships employ experienced chefs and provide them with quality kitchen tools, equipment, and supplies. High-end tableware also helps in creating a unique hospitality experience.
- Gifts, souvenirs, and entertainment products. Cruise ships also have souvenir shops and other retail stores. That’s why they might look for cruise ship distributors that can deliver apparel, books, and other products for passengers to buy.
- Different types of medical supplies. Bandages, sea sickness patches, and other over-the-counter medicines are also stocked on cruise ships.
- Miscellaneous. This category includes a variety of goods. From wholesale stationery products to staff uniforms.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cruise Ship Distributors
Whether you want to read more about the hospitality industry or you wish to download free ebooks in a variety of niche markets, BlueCart is the right place for you. You’ll find hundreds of valuable resources on our website. Below we’ve shared the answers to popular questions regarding cruise ship distributors.
What Are the Different Types of Distributors Cruise Lines Work With?
Cruise line operators need to work closely with various wholesalers. They partner with ship chandlery companies that deliver different types of vessel equipment and tools needed for the proper maintenance of ships. Although many ship chandlers also deliver food and water, cruise ships need a wide range of specialty food products and ingredients. That’s because these passenger ships aim to provide a high-end hospitality service to their guests. Thus, they partner with broadline distributors, specialty food suppliers, wine and spirits wholesalers (read more about cruise ship wines), and suppliers of imported foods from various cuisines.
How Do Cruise Lines Choose Distributors?
Cruise lines look for a variety of factors when finding suppliers. These companies need to have impeccable logistics and inventory management. Thus, it is important to partner with cruise ship distributors that have invested in the latest technologies related to cold chains and distribution efficiency. Through platforms like BlueCart, travel operators can compare rates and find distributors in a variety of areas. Wholesale prices are also an important factor when choosing suppliers. Small travel operators might look for wholesalers that have flexibility regarding their minimum order quantities (what is MOQ). Knowledge in the field of maritime standards and port regulations is also an important factor.
What Is the Best Distributor for Cruise Ships?
There are thousands of distributors that deliver goods to cruise line operators and other businesses in the travel and leisure industry. Sysco is one of the best options for cruise line operators that need a variety of wholesale products. The company is the biggest broadline supplier in the world. With hundreds of distribution centers, Sysco can be an excellent choice for both small and large cruise line operators. Cruise ships also need reliable ship chandlers. Harbor Ship Supply in California, Wrist Ship Supply in Houston, and First Choice Marine Supply in Florida are among the best options in that field.
BlueCart: The Platform for Cruise Line Suppliers and Other Distributors
BlueCart helps thousands of suppliers increase their B2B sales and automate the ordering and delivery process. Thanks to our wholesale ordering software, food and other supplies are much easier to procure. Our eCommerce platform is also suitable for cruise ship distributors. Restaurants, cafes, hotels, and other buyers use BlueCart to compare prices and conditions or find new wholesalers. Schedule a free demo and see how BlueCart’s tools can help your business excel!