Acclaimed composer Benjamin Squires has today joined Balmoral to begin writing the world’s first dedicated cruise score – an original orchestral work inspired entirely by life at sea.

His arrival marks the start of a ten‑night ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’ sailing and his role as Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ first ever composer‑in‑residence, following the partnership announced in January 2026.

During the voyage, Squires will spend time experiencing what makes sailing with Fred. Olsen feel so special – from time on deck as Balmoralsets sail to watching the Northern Lights from the calm of the open sea. Drawing on these moments, he will create an original score that captures the spirit of cruising with Fred. Olsen.

With recent credits including major productions such as Avatar: Fire and Ash and Wicked: For Good, Squires brings world-class creative credentials to this innovative partnership, which blends cinematic composition with the timeless cruising.

Speaking ahead of departure, Benjamin Squires said:

“I’ve composed hundreds of pieces, but the opportunity to create a musical narrative of an entire journey through a soundtrack is a totally unique challenge. There are so many sights, sounds and feelings of a Fred. Olsen cruise that I can’t wait to experience and start translating into music.

“it’s a phenomenal task and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in – I know there are going to be so many moments of inspiration, and it will all cumulate in a timeless soundtrack, that people can return to again and again.”

The project follows research exploring the connection between music and memory in travel, with findings showing that nearly four in five Brits (79 per cent) associate specific songs with past holidays, while two in three (63 per cent) regularly play music discovered on their travels to revisit those experiences.

Through the creation of a dedicated cruise score, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines hopes to deepen guests’ emotional connection to life on board and the destinations visited, while giving listeners at home a way to experience the feeling of cruising through music.

Doug Glenwright, Guest Experience Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“For so many guests, the experience of travelling the high seas compares with nothing else.

“With the appointment of our first ever composer-in-residence, we want to help them relive and reconnect with their holidays long after they return home – as well as give those who haven’t cruised yet a taste of the experience.

“We’re delighted to welcome Benjamin Squires on board and look forward to hearing how he captures and translates the experience of a Fred. Olsen cruise into the bold, cinematic music that he’s famed for.”

Squires will return to Newcastle on 2^ndApril, with the finished score set to be performed by a 60‑piece orchestra and recorded at London’s AIR Studios, founded by Sir George Martin, on 1^stJune. Once complete, the soundtrack will be available on Spotify, inviting listeners to relive memories of past holidays or imagine a future journey with Fred. Olsen.