In rare instances, cruise line companies have to airlift a full shipment of product to the next port in the ship’s itinerary due to a late arrival at the turnaround port. The causes for delays are then investigated and in some cases claims are laid against suppliers or service providers. The observed cruise company has a clause built in its contract with certain suppliers and service providers making them liable for missed shipments, which include costs of airfare and other logistical costs to catch the ship in the case of default. The transportation cost of such extravagance is high, but very difficult to compare with the cost of stockouts, which do not seem to have a tangible, quantifiable measure onboard due to its intrinsic con- nection to service quality. It is clear to all managers and employees that were interviewed that stockouts are not an option and are not acceptable when striving for service quality onboard the ships.