Holland America Line partnered with Content Supply to produce a series of "People Stories" videos designed to celebrate the diverse and inspiring journeys of their employees. The videos aimed to humanize the brand by sharing authentic stories from crew members, officers, and employees worldwide. This case study focuses on the story of Dorus Zwerts, a dedicated maritime professional whose passion and dedication embody Holland America Line's values.

Client Background

Holland America Line is a global leader in premium cruising, offering more than 500 sailings annually to destinations worldwide. Known for its commitment to exceptional service, sustainability, and social responsibility, the company consistently earns accolades for its innovative practices and guest experiences.

The Challenge

Holland America Line sought to:

• Enhance its brand image by showcasing the human side of its operations.
• Strengthen employee and customer connections through relatable, inspiring stories.
• Create versatile video content for internal communications, recruitment, and external promotion.

The challenge lay in producing engaging, high-quality videos that would resonate with diverse audiences while staying true to the company's values.

The Solution

Content Supply developed the "People Stories" video series—a storytelling-driven approach that showcased employees’ unique journeys and contributions.

For Dorus Zwerts' story, Content Supply utilized:

1. Interviews: Captured Dorus' journey from childhood sailing to his pivotal role at Holland America Line.
2. Talking Heads: Highlighted his love for maritime life, daily responsibilities, and passion for connecting with people.
3. Stock Footage: Integrated stunning visuals from Holland America Line’s voyages to complement the narrative.
4. Editing: Ensured a cohesive story, balancing personal authenticity with professional polish.

About Dorus Zwerts

Dorus’ maritime career began at the age of 10, sailing boats and dreaming of the open seas. His dedication led him to nautical school, specializing in deck work, and eventually to Holland America Line.

Today, Dorus serves as an integral member of the bridge team, starting his day as early as 3:30 AM. His responsibilities include:

• Voyage planning and navigation.
• Monitoring traffic and maintaining the ship’s course.
• Overseeing environmental services.

Dorus cherishes his role, particularly the opportunity to meet diverse individuals and broaden his horizons. His passion and dedication embody the values that Holland America Line strives to uphold.

Results

The "People Stories" series, including Dorus’ feature, delivered significant outcomes:

1. Enhanced Brand Image
   The videos humanized Holland America Line, demonstrating a genuine commitment to their employees' stories and journeys.
2. Strengthened Connections
   Authentic storytelling fostered deeper relationships with both customers and staff, reinforcing loyalty and trust.
3. Increased Reach
   The content was leveraged across platforms, including:
   • Internal communications.
   • Recruitment campaigns.
   • External brand promotions.
4. Employee Engagement
   By spotlighting individual contributions, the videos boosted morale and pride among team members.

Client Testimonial

"The People Stories series beautifully captures the heart of Holland America Line—our people. Dorus’ story resonated deeply with both our team and our audience, and we couldn’t be happier with the results."
— Dorus Zwerts, Bridge Officer

The collaboration between Holland America Line and Content Supply underscores the power of storytelling in shaping brand identity. By focusing on the personal journeys of employees like Dorus Zwerts, the People Stories series has strengthened connections, enhanced brand loyalty, and demonstrated the company’s core values.

Are you ready to tell your brand’s story?
Let Content Supply bring your people’s stories to life, creating authentic, impactful narratives that resonate with your audience.