Hollywood composer unveils world's first soundtrack inspired by a cruise

Acclaimed composer Benjamin Squires has announced the launch of his new album, Soundtrack for the Seas - the world’s first original musical score of a cruise. Inspired by a voyage to seek out the Northern Lights, it was created in his new role as the first ever Composer-in-Residence for Fred. 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.

Anchored by a 60-piece orchestra, it blends soaring melodies and rich textures with original recordings captured onboard and from Norwegian culture. Featuring the voices of fellow guests, the ship's bells, and a traditional Sámi Yoik - a traditional form of melodic vocalisation unique to the Sami 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 Balmoral gave me access to so many extraordinary moments - from the thrill of standing on deck as the ship departed to watching the Northern Lights dance across the sky. Every track is rooted in real experiences and sounds captured during the voyage. My hope is that listeners lose themselves in it and feel fully transported, whether they're reliving a past cruise or imagining their first adventure at sea."

The cinematic soundtrack comprises six tracks and two bonus compositions. Squires spent 10 days aboard Fred. Olsen's ship Balmoral in March and immersed himself in 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 Sheffield home studio with recordings, notes and musical sketches, he began the process of shaping 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 rooms - Lyndhurst Hall. Founded by Beatles producer Sir George Martin and home to productions such as Stranger Things and Interstellar, AIR Studios is a favourite recording destination for Hans Zimmer.

The soundtrack will be woven into the guest experience across the Fred. Olsen fleet, with an exclusive, specially composed sleep track available in cabins, designed to aid rest. In the Atlantis Spa, guests will be accompanied by a bespoke composition created specifically to enhance treatments, while those calling Fred. Olsen’s shoreside team may hear selections from the soundtrack while on hold. A limited-edition vinyl will also be available to purchase in the Sea Cove shop onboard, offering guests the chance to take a piece of their holiday home.

The soundtrack's lead piece, Voyage, serves as the album's hero track. Opening and closing with the sound of bells recorded during the voyage, it captures the excitement of setting sail and the anticipation of a journey into the unknown.

Other tracks include Balmoral, inspired by the grandeur and spectacle of Fred. Olsen’s smallest ship; White Waves, a tranquil composition featuring a choir of Fred. Olsen guests recorded on board; Culture, which incorporates sounds collected in Norway, including reindeer bells and a traditional Sámi Yoik; Seven Sisters, which is inspired by the vast scale of the Norwegian Mountain range; and Northern Lights, an epic finale inspired by the unforgettable experience of witnessing the aurora from the deck of a ship at sea. Two bonus tracks are included; Atlantis, a meditative soundscape created entirely from Ben’s original recordings of bells and soft crashing water and Dreams at Sea, a leisurely piece for unwinding and sleep featuring the humming of Fred. Olsen guests humming 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 emotion, 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 on every sailing. Whether listening on board, at home, or while 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 assembling 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 comprised 26 violins, eight violas, six cellos and three contrabasses, two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets and two bassoons, four French horns, three trombones, one tuba and one trumpet.

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

Book today and experience the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines feeling for yourself at fredolsencruises.com. Call Reservations on 0800 0355 242 (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm) or contact your ABTA travel agent.