In a landmark move for the maritime leisure industry, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has announced the appointment of Benjamin Squires as the world's first ever composer-in-residence at sea. The acclaimed musician, whose distinguished portfolio includes creating trailer scores for major cinematic productions such as Wicked and Avatar, will embark on a unique artistic journey to capture the essence of ocean travel through original composition.
A Musical Voyage Inspired by the Northern Lights
Squires is set to join the Bolette vessel in March for a special northern lights cruise, where he will immerse himself in the maritime environment to craft a bespoke musical score. The primary objective of this innovative residency is to enhance the emotional engagement of passengers aboard the ship, while simultaneously offering a sonic portrayal of the cruising experience to audiences worldwide. By translating the visual splendour of the aurora borealis and the rhythmic motion of the sea into melody, Squires aims to forge a deeper connection between travellers and their surroundings.
From Ship to Studio: Recording at Abbey Road
Upon completion of the composition phase, the resulting soundtrack will be brought to life through a grand performance by a sixty-piece orchestra at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London. This prestigious recording session will ensure the music meets the highest production standards, befitting its cinematic inspiration. Subsequently, the finished work will be made accessible to a global audience via popular streaming platforms, including Spotify, allowing listeners to revisit the ambience of a Fred Olsen cruise from the comfort of their own homes.
Reflecting on this unprecedented opportunity, Benjamin Squires expressed his enthusiasm for the project. "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 remarked. "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 culminate in a timeless soundtrack, recorded at the inimitable Abbey Road Studios, that people can return to again and again."
Research Highlights the Power of Music in Travel
This pioneering initiative is underpinned by compelling research conducted by Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, which reveals the profound impact of music on holiday experiences. The study found that an overwhelming eighty-six percent of British respondents consider music to be an important component of their travels. Furthermore, three out of every four Britons associate specific songs with memories of past vacations, underscoring the emotional resonance that soundtracks can evoke.
Doug Glenwright, Guest Experience Director at Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, elaborated on the strategic vision behind the appointment. "For so many guests, the experience of travelling the high seas compares with nothing else," he stated. "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."
This creative venture marks a significant step in the evolution of guest experiences within the cruise sector, blending artistic innovation with traditional hospitality to create lasting memories through the universal language of music.
