Cruise Lines Food & Beverage Distributors
Connecting Quality Producers with the World’s Leading Cruise Lines
At True Grade, we specialize in food and beverage distribution for cruise lines and hotels, backed by years of industry experience and deep expertise in global supply logistics. We deliver frozen, chilled, and dry provisions that meet strict quality, safety, and sustainability standards across the U.S., Caribbean, and Europe.Our certified network of producers, processors, and logistics partners ensures every product is ethically sourced, fully traceable, and delivered on time to major cruise ports and hospitality destinations. From seafood and meats to bakery and beverages, True Grade provides reliability and precision trusted by leading cruise lines and hotel brands worldwide.
Why True Grade
2700k sq. ft
Facilitiy SpacesOur Foreign Trade Zone facility spans over 270,000 square feet and is equipped for dry, refrigerated, and frozen storage. Designed for efficient cross-docking and global distribution, it’s strategically located near South Florida ports, providing direct access to major cruise and export routes.
2000M lb
Shipped AnnuallyEach year, True Grade moves over 200 million pounds of high-quality food and beverage products through our advanced logistics network—delivering reliability and consistency to every operation we serve.
10,0000+
Tons of CO2 Emissions ReducedBy optimizing our logistics and supply chain operations, we’ve reduced over 10,000 tons of carbon emissions, supporting the sustainability goals of the cruise and hospitality industries.
970%
On-Time Delivery Rate With reliable access to major ports across the United States, Caribbean, and Europe, our commitment to logistics excellence ensures on-time, compliant deliveries for every client—ship or shore.
Our Clients
- Royal Caribbean
- Carnival
- MSC Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Disney Cruise Line
- Holland America Line
- Princess Cruises
Our Port Network
- Port of Miami – Miami, FL
- Port Tampa Bay – Tampa, FL
- Port Everglades – Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Port Canaveral – Cape Canaveral, FL
- Port of Galveston – Galveston, TX
- Port of Los Angeles – Los Angeles, CA
- Port of San Francisco – San Francisco, CA
- Port of San Diego – San Diego, CA
- Port of Seattle – Seattle, WA
- Port of Vancouver – Vancouver, Canada
- Punta Langosta Cruise Terminal – Cozumel, Mexico
- Puerto Maya Cruise Terminal – Cozumel, Mexico
- SSA International Cruise Terminal – Cozumel, Mexico
- Marina Vallarta Maritime Terminal – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Cabo Marina Tender Pier – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
- Port of Progreso – Progreso, Mexico
- Taíno Bay Cruise Port – Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
- Amber Cove Cruise Port – Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
- Port of Civitavecchia – Rome, Italy
Become Our Supplier
True Grade is always looking for new suppliers and producers to join our growing network of cruise line and hospitality partners. We collaborate with companies that share our commitment to quality, consistency, and sustainability across frozen, chilled, and dry food categories.By partnering with True Grade, your products gain access to major cruise lines and key ports throughout the U.S., Caribbean, and Europe, supported by our extensive logistics and distribution expertise. Join us in supplying exceptional food and beverage products to the world’s leading ships and destinations.
FAQ
Selling & Supplying Food to Cruise Lines
1. How can I become an approved supplier for cruise lines?
To supply cruise lines, you must meet strict food safety, labeling, and documentation requirements. True Grade helps vendors complete onboarding, verify certifications (FDA, HACCP, MSC/ASC, etc.), and align product specs with cruise procurement standards.
You’ll receive guidance on documentation, labeling, and pallet requirements to ensure smooth approval.
2. Where do cruise ships get their food and supplies?
Cruise lines manage a global supply chain that functions much like a city on the move.
Instead of restocking at sea, they receive food, beverages, and provisions at approved port hubs before each voyage.
Purchasing is handled through central buying offices, often months ahead, to plan menus and inventory for every ship.
Main supply ports for cruise lines include:
• Miami and Fort Lauderdale (Florida): Main hubs for Caribbean cruises like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian.
• Port Canaveral (Florida): Key supply point for East Coast itineraries.
• Los Angeles and Long Beach (California): Used for Pacific and Mexican Riviera routes.
• Seattle (Washington): Supports Alaska cruise operations.
• Barcelona, Southampton, and Genoa: European provisioning hubs for Mediterranean and transatlantic sailings.
True Grade coordinates with these major cruise supply ports to deliver food safely, on time, and in compliance with cruise line logistics.
3. Who should I contact to start supplying cruise ships?
Suppliers should reach out to a cruise food distribution company or cruise supply partner such as True Grade. We handle sourcing and logistics for leading cruise brands and connect qualified producers directly with cruise procurement departments.
4. Can I sell directly to the cruise line or only through distributors?
Most cruise lines prefer to work with a small number of trusted food distributors who manage multiple categories such as seafood, poultry, meat, and dry goods. Selling directly to a cruise line is rare unless you already have the scale, certifications, and infrastructure to handle global logistics and compliance.
Because cruise supply is a closed and highly regulated industry, building direct relationships can take years. Working with a cruise distributor like True Grade—who already has access, expertise, and approved vendor status—makes it much easier to introduce your products to top cruise lines.
True Grade ensures your products meet every labeling, safety, and port delivery requirement, helping them reach cruise ships efficiently and consistently.
5. Which cruise lines source through True Grade?
True Grade partners with leading international cruise lines and food service operators across the U.S., Caribbean, and Europe. Our client network includes prominent brands such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, among others.
6. How do deliveries work for cruise ships?
Cruise ship deliveries are tightly scheduled around ship arrival and loading times. Products are stored in temperature-controlled warehouses, consolidated per ship manifest, and delivered to the pier during the assigned window.
True Grade coordinates every step—cross-docking, reefer staging, pallet inspection, and final temperature verification—to guarantee on-time, compliant delivery to each vessel.
7. What documents do cruise lines require from food suppliers?
Cruise procurement teams typically require:
• Purchase Order (PO)
• Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN)
• Commercial Invoice and Packing List
• Certificate of Origin (CoO) and Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
• Temperature logs for frozen/chilled goods
• Allergen statements and product specifications
True Grade provides templates and checklists for all required documents.
8. What are the most in-demand food categories for cruise lines?
Cruise lines source a wide range of products including seafood, poultry, meat, bakery, dairy, dry goods, and beverages. Frozen and IQF items are particularly valued for long voyages. Suppliers with consistent quality and reliable cold-chain delivery are prioritized.
9. How does True Grade ensure food safety and temperature control during deliveries?
We follow strict cold-chain protocols, including temperature-monitored vehicles, insulated palletization, and validated hand-off processes at each port. Temperature logs accompany every shipment, ensuring product integrity from origin to galley.
10. How can I promote my products to onboard culinary teams?
Suppliers can promote products to cruise chefs and food & beverage managers by working with True Grade’s cruise distribution team. We showcase your products, specifications, and certifications directly to cruise procurement and culinary teams.
This includes adding your items to our Cruise Product Catalog and presenting them during menu planning cycles so onboard chefs can include your products in upcoming sailings.
11. How do cruise lines choose suppliers?
They prioritize:
• Proven quality and food safety compliance
• Reliable delivery and documentation accuracy
• Sustainability certifications
• Port proximity and responsivenes
True Grade’s platform ensures your products meet these expectations.