ACCLAIMED composer Benjamin Squires, whose movie credits have included Wicked: For Good and Avatar: Fire and Ash, has set sail to write the world’s first dedicated cruise score – an original orchestral work inspired entirely by life at sea.

He has joined Fred. Olsen cruise ship Balmoral on a ten‑night In Search of the Northern Lights sailing to Norway, where he says he has been drawing inspiration from time on deck, and watching the Aurora Borealis from the calm of the open sea.

“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,” he says. “There are so many sights, sounds and feelings that I can’t wait to 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.”

After he arrives back in Newcastle tomorrow, he will finish writing before heading for London’s AIR Studios – founded by the legendary Sir George Martin – to record the score with a 60‑piece orchestra. Once complete, the soundtrack will be made available on Spotify.

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

“We’re delighted to welcome Benjamin Squires on board and look forward to hearing how he captures and translates the experience to the bold, cinematic music that he’s famed for,” says Doug Glenwright, Guest Experience Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, visit fredolsencruises.com.