A cruise doesn't usually end with a movie-style soundtrack, but that's exactly what Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is hoping to change.
The cruise line has teamed up with British composer Benjamin Squires to create what it says is the world's first original orchestral album inspired entirely by a cruise voyage, and was unveiled on YouTube. The project, titled Soundtrack for the Seas, was born after Squires spent 10 days sailing aboard Balmoral on a Northern Lights itinerary through Norway earlier this year.
Rather than simply writing music about the ocean, Squires built the album around sounds he recorded during the voyage. Ship bells, crashing waves, conversations with fellow guests, and even a traditional Sámi Yoik recorded in northern Norway all became part of the final score.
The result is an eight-track collection featuring a 60-piece orchestra, designed to capture everything from the excitement of departure to the peaceful moments at sea and the awe of watching the Northern Lights from the ship's deck.
The project also marks another first for Fred. Olsen, which appointed Squires as its Composer-in-Residence—the first role of its kind for the cruise line.
Although Squires is known for composing music connected to major Hollywood productions, including trailers for Wicked: For Good and Avatar: Fire and Ash, he says this project was inspired by real moments rather than fictional stories.
The soundtrack won't just be available online. Fred. Olsen plans to weave the music into the onboard experience across its fleet. Guests will hear specially composed tracks in the spa, a dedicated sleep soundtrack will be available in cabins, and selections may even play while customers are on hold with the company's reservations team. Limited-edition vinyl records will also be sold onboard.
Among the featured compositions are Voyage, which captures the feeling of setting sail, White Waves, featuring a choir made up of cruise guests, Culture, inspired by Norway's traditions, Seven Sisters, based on the famous mountain range, and Northern Lights, which serves as the album's dramatic finale.
The music was recorded at London's legendary AIR Studios with a full orchestra and production team whose previous work includes films, television series, and live performances by some of the world's best-known composers.
With Soundtrack for the Seas, Fred. Olsen is trying something rarely seen in cruising—turning the memories of a voyage into music guests can take home and revisit long after they leave the ship.
