What Does a Cruise Sound Like? Fred. Olsen Has the Answer

Benjamin Squires swapped blockbuster trailers for Balmoral to create something truly unique

Have you ever wished you could bottle that feeling of standing on deck as your cruise sails away?

Well, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has done the next best thing.

The cruise line has unveiled what it's calling the world's first original soundtrack inspired by a cruise, giving guests the chance to relive those unforgettable moments at sea through music.

The new album, Soundtrack for the Seas, was created by acclaimed Hollywood composer Benjamin Squires, whose recent work includes trailers for Wicked: For Good and Avatar: Fire and Ash. But instead of composing for the big screen, this time his inspiration came from a very different stage, the deck of Fred. Olsen's ship Balmoral.

Turning a Cruise Into Music

Benjamin spent 10 days aboard Balmoral on a voyage to witness the spectacular Northern Lights, soaking up every moment of life at sea.

As the ship sailed through Norway and into the Arctic Circle, musical ideas came naturally. He recorded the ship's bells, captured the sounds around him, hummed melodies into his phone and filled notebooks with ideas, all while taking in the incredible scenery.

The result is an eight-track cinematic album that transforms the sights, sounds and emotions of cruising into orchestral music.

And it's not just the orchestra you'll hear.

The soundtrack also features the voices of fellow Fred. Olsen guests, traditional Norwegian sounds, reindeer bells and even a traditional Sámi Yoik, creating a truly unique listening experience inspired by the voyage itself.

Recorded Somewhere Rather Special

Once the voyage was over, Benjamin returned home to shape his ideas before recording the soundtrack at London's famous AIR Studios.

If the name sounds familiar, there's a good reason. Founded by Beatles producer Sir George Martin, the studio has hosted recordings for productions including Stranger Things and Interstellar, and is a favourite of legendary composer Hans Zimmer.

With a 60-piece orchestra bringing the music to life, the finished album is every bit as cinematic as the films Benjamin usually works on.

Hollywood composer Benjamin Squires unveils world's first soundtrack inspired by a cruise with Fred.Olsen

Bringing the Music Onboard

Fred. Olsen isn't just releasing the soundtrack for guests to stream at home.

The music will become part of the onboard experience across the fleet.

Guests will be able to drift off to sleep with an exclusive sleep track in their cabins, enjoy specially composed music during treatments in the Atlantis Spa and even hear selections from the soundtrack while waiting to speak to Fred. Olsen's shoreside team.

If you'd like a keepsake from your holiday, a limited-edition vinyl will also be available to purchase onboard in the Sea Cove shop.

Music That Tells the Story of a Voyage

Each track reflects a different part of the cruise experience.

The opening piece, Voyage, begins and ends with the sound of the ship's bells, capturing the excitement of setting sail.

Other compositions celebrate Balmoral herself, the peaceful rhythm of the waves, Norway's landscapes and culture, the towering Seven Sisters mountain range and, of course, the unforgettable moment the Northern Lights danced across the Arctic sky.

There's even a gentle bonus track featuring Fred. Olsen guests humming together, created especially to help listeners relax and unwind.

A New Way to Remember a Cruise

Benjamin Squires says he hopes the music transports listeners straight back to the moments that inspired it, whether they're remembering a favourite voyage or imagining their very first cruise adventure.

Doug Glenwright, Guest Experience Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, believes the soundtrack captures everything that makes a smaller ship cruise so special, allowing guests to reconnect with the anticipation, wonder and joy of being at sea whenever they press play.

It's certainly not something you hear about every day, and for cruise lovers, it offers a whole new way to relive the memories long after unpacking the suitcase.

Until next time, keep dreaming of your next cruise