Palmhouse Media created a series of story-led films celebrating the people, heritage and community behind Cruise Liverpool’s 15-year milestone.
Challenge
Liverpool City Council and Marketing Liverpool wanted to mark the 15th anniversary of Cruise Liverpool while also celebrating the terminal welcoming its millionth visitor. The project needed to capture not only the scale of the milestone, but the people, stories and community spirit behind it.
Palmhouse Media was tasked with creating a series of films that blended interviews, archival material, drone cinematography and contemporary footage into a cohesive and emotionally grounded campaign. The challenge was to deliver work that felt authentic to Liverpool’s maritime identity while working within a tightly managed public-sector budget.
Solution
Palmhouse Media developed a story-led approach centred around the people who shaped Cruise Liverpool over the past 15 years. Interviews with staff, volunteers and maritime workers grounded the films in lived experience, allowing the campaign to feel personal, authentic and closely connected to the city itself.
To support the storytelling, we combined contemporary footage from across the terminal with archival material, branded motion graphics and cinematic drone cinematography across Liverpool’s waterfront. Each element was designed to reinforce the scale, heritage and community impact of Cruise Liverpool while maintaining a consistent visual identity across the series.
The result was a collection of films that balanced civic pride, emotional storytelling and polished production value without losing the warmth and authenticity of the people at the heart of the project.
Results
The films received enthusiastic feedback from Liverpool City Council, Marketing Liverpool and audiences across social media, helping celebrate Cruise Liverpool’s heritage, community spirit and importance to the city’s waterfront identity.
The success of the project led to a further commission from Liverpool City Council: a dedicated tribute film celebrating Brian Melia, Liverpool’s longest-serving stevedore, created in support of his Maritime Ambassador award nomination.
Working with Palmhouse Media was a brilliant experience from start to finish. They put everyone at ease during the interviews and told our story with real care. The final videos were better than we could have hoped - there wasn’t a dry eye in the office!
Video Gallery
Angie and Ashley: Stories from the Heart of Cruise Liverpool
Angie and Ashley reflect on their journeys with Cruise Liverpool, sharing standout moments like Magic on the Merseyand the Three Queens arrival. Their conversation captures Liverpool’s community spirit and the meaningful relationships that define the cruise terminal.
Breaking Barriers: Cruise Liverpool’s First Female Stevedore
Meet Melissa, Cruise Liverpool’s first female stevedore. With insight from Angie and Ian, this film celebrates how her energy and work on the quayside are helping shape a more inclusive future for the maritime industry.
The Ferry Girls: Norma and Sheila’s Story with Cruise Liverpool
Volunteers Norma and Sheila — affectionately known as The Ferry Girls — share their experiences as Cruise Ambassadors, welcoming visitors from around the world. Their stories highlight Liverpool’s charm, rich maritime heritage, and the city’s tradition of warm, memorable hospitality.
A Lifetime on the Mersey: Honoring Maritime Ambassador Nominee Brian Melia
This tribute film celebrates Brian Melia, a cornerstone of Cruise Liverpool since 1973. Colleagues reflect on his decades of dedication to the River Mersey, his leadership, and the lasting impact he’s had on generations of stevedores. Created in honour of his Maritime Ambassador nomination and his 80th birthday.
Get in touch with us
If your organisation has a story, milestone or community initiative worth communicating clearly and meaningfully, Palmhouse Media can help bring it to screen through thoughtful, cinematic video production.
