SUSTAINABILITY Series

In an ambitious effort to chart a more sustainable course for the cruise industry, Holland America Line partnered with our team to develop a five-part documentary series exploring the brand’s environmental practices and innovations. Filmed onboard their vessels and at select port locations, the series takes viewers behind the scenes—from water filtration systems and food sourcing practices to waste management, energy efficiency advancements, and brand sustainability commitments.

Through candid interviews with engineers, environmental officers, culinary directors, and corporate leaders, we created a series that not only informs but inspires—highlighting the complex, and often unseen systems that make sustainable cruising possible. Each episode serves as a window into Holland America Line’s ongoing pursuit of progress, transparency, and stewardship at sea.

At the heart of every system is a person making it run. Rather than lead with dry data, (which you can find in the annual sustainability report), we built each episode around the people who turn sustainability into practice every day—those monitoring the water treatment plant, sourcing fresh fish, or managing onboard waste. This lens brought authenticity and relatability to a topic often seen as technical.

We approached each space—engine rooms, kitchens, water plants—not as industrial zones, but as living environments. Natural and practical lighting allowed the ship to remain the hero, while subtle sound design brought mechanical rhythms, ocean ambiance, and human voices into balance. The result is a series that feels immersive, textured, and grounded in the real sensory world of life onboard.

Bringing this series to life meant going beyond the surface—literally. With full access to ship operations, we captured every layer: from engine control rooms and water treatment systems to provisioning decks and culinary prep areas. Our team conducted nine in-depth interviews with engineers, chefs, officers, and sustainability leaders—each coordinated with shipboard teams to minimize disruption while maximizing valuable insights. The result is more than a documentary series — it’s a reflection of what sustainability truly requires: a shared effort.