Multi-stage onboard inventory management policies for food and beverage items in cruise liner operations

Cruise shipping supply chains and the impacts of disruptions: The case of the Caribbean

“…When human errors and unforeseeable disruptions caused by natural disasters occur, the standard daily operational procedures will be affected. The literature covering the cruise procurement process employs conventional supply chain perspectives dealing with the unique attributes of cruising, namely the intensity of interactions during a cruise ship turn and single-sourcing for a whole cruise ( Erkoc, Iakovou, & Spaulding, 2005 ; Véronneau et al, 2015 ; Zhang, Song, & Huang, 2009 ). There are, however, aspects of cruise supply chains that differ significantly from the convention.…”

Marketing research and revenue optimization for the cruise industry: A concise review

“…In addition to financial performance, on-board supply of these amenities plays an important role in achieving higher consumer satisfaction. In cruise line industry, the availability of products is an essential part of the quality of services provided to the customers (Erkoc et al, 2005). Therefore, purchasing and inventory control of on-board products play a central role in planning of the operations for a cruise liner.…”

“…Therefore, purchasing and inventory control of on-board products play a central role in planning of the operations for a cruise liner. Erkoc et al (2005) propose a stochastic dynamic programming model to optimize multi-stage onboard inventory decisions of food and beverage items for a cruise liner. The proposed model incorporates multiple replenishment stages comprised of both contracted and expedited purchases.…”

Global service supply chains: An empirical study of current practices and challenges of a cruise line corporation

“…Given the nature of the tourism product, the supply chain function is an integral part of the service to the consumer. It was found in a study by Erkoc, Iakovou, and Spaulding (2005) that the supply of food and beverage (F&B) items in cruise ship is an essential part of service quality. The variety of offerings to passengers onboard in terms of choices and quality is also essential (Qu & Ping, 1999).…”