Hollywood composer unveils world’s first soundtrack inspired by a cruise | News

Acclaimed composer Benjamin Squires has announced the launch of his new album, Soundtrack for the Seas – the world’s first original musical score from a cruise. Inspired by a trip to search for the Northern Lights, it was created in his new role as Fred’s first-ever Composer-in-Residence. Olsen Cruise Lines, and the cruise industry as a whole.

A creative departure from his recent work on trailers for Hollywood releases Wicked: For Good and Avatar: Fire and Ash, Soundtrack for the Seas is an album of symphonic, thematic music that translates the sights, sounds and emotions of cruising at sea into music.

Backed by a 60-piece orchestra, it combines soaring melodies and rich textures with original recordings captured on board and from Norwegian culture. Featuring the voices of other guests, the ship’s bells and a traditional Sámi Yoik – a traditional form of melodic vocalization unique to the Sámi people of Northern Europe – each piece is a vivid musical reflection of Squires’ time at sea.

Composer-in-Residence Benjamin Squires said: “Spending time aboard the Balmoral gave me access to so many extraordinary moments – from the thrill of standing on deck as the ship set sail to watching the Northern Lights dance across the sky. Each song is rooted in real experiences and sounds captured during the journey. I hope listeners lose themselves in it and feel completely transported, whether they’re reliving a cruise from the past or imagining their first adventure at sea.”

The cinematic soundtrack consists of six songs and two bonus compositions. Squires spent 10 days aboard Fred. Olsen’s ship Balmoral in March and delved into life on board. From witnessing the Northern Lights on deck to observing the spectacle of guests as they ventured into the Arctic Circle – he collected musical ideas as they came to him, humming melodies into his phone and scribbling observations in notebooks. Returning to his home studio in Sheffield with recordings, notes and musical sketches, he began the process of transforming those experiences into an orchestral narrative.

The music was orchestrated by Peter Davison and Danny Keane and recorded at London’s renowned AIR Studios, in one of the world’s largest recording spaces: Lyndhurst Hall. Founded by Beatles producer Sir George Martin and home to productions such as Stranger Things and Interstellar, AIR Studios is a favorite recording destination for Hans Zimmer.

The soundtrack will be woven into the guest experience across the street from the Fred. Olsen fleet, with an exclusive, specially curated sleeping track available in cabins, designed to promote tranquility. At the Atlantis Spa, guests are accompanied by a bespoke composition created specifically to enhance treatments, while those who call Fred. Olsen’s coastal team may hear snippets of the soundtrack while on hold. Limited edition vinyl will also be available for purchase in the Sea Cove onboard shop, giving guests the chance to take a piece of their holiday home with them.

The soundtrack’s chapter, Voyage, serves as the album’s hero track. It opens and closes with the sound of bells recorded during the voyage and captures the excitement of setting sail and the anticipation of a journey into the unknown.

Other songs include Balmoral, inspired by the grandeur and spectacle of Fred. Olsen’s smallest ship; White Waves, a tranquil composition with choir by Fred. Olsen guests included on board; Culture, which incorporates sounds collected in Norway, including reindeer bells and a traditional Sámi Yoik; Seven Sisters, inspired by the vast size of the Norwegian mountains; and Northern Lights, an epic finale inspired by the unforgettable experience of witnessing the aurora from the deck of a ship at sea. There are two bonus tracks included; Atlantis, a meditative soundscape created entirely from Ben’s original recordings of bells and softly breaking water, and Dreams at Sea, a relaxing piece to unwind and sleep, with Fred’s hum. Olsen guests hum in unison.

Doug Glenwright, Guest Experience Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines said: “Cruising is an experience like no other, and our Soundtrack for the Seas beautifully captures the emotions, sounds and sensory richness of a smaller ship voyage with Fred Olsen.

“Benjamin Squires has created something truly special: a soundtrack that reflects the anticipation, wonder and joy our guests feel during every sailing. Whether on board, listening at home or dreaming of a future adventure, this music allows them to reconnect with the unique feeling of being at sea.”

The soundtrack was overseen by senior fixer Lucy Whalley, whose credits include putting together world-class ensembles for productions such as Hans Zimmer Live, while mixing was handled by Fiona Cruickshank, known for her work on Netflix’s Sex Education. The orchestra consisted of 26 violins, eight violas, six cellos and three double basses, two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets and two bassoons, four horns, three trombones, a tuba and a trumpet.

The full album, Soundtrack for the Seas, is now available on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, as well as Instagram and TikTok music libraries.

Book today and experience the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines feel it for yourself at fredolsencruises.com.