COME ALONG ON AN UNFORGETTABLE
ALAKSA CRUISE WITH MICHAEL W. SMITH AND FRIENDS

We took five generations of my family for that first trip to Alaska! The memories and friendships made on that cruise will last a lifetime. So when the opportunity for a return visit came our way – my family gave it a unanimous vote! So I am pleased to announce our 2010 Cruise to Alaska.

Our times together on the ship are unforgettable. From devotions to concerts to comedy – we pack it full of great things to do. I’m so pleased that my dear friends, Max Lucado, Natalie Grant, Matthew West, and comedian Henry Cho will be joining us. There is nothing I could say to adequately prepare us for the impact these folks will have on the week’s experience.

There’s certainly no shortage of fun on the “Smitty Cruise”. On our first cruise, we implemented a special event called “Smittyoke”. That’s YOUR chance to take the stage and sing with me and my band! And I can tell you – it’s a blast. Unlike anything I’ve ever been a part of before!

More than just fun, more than just the sites – the ministry and fellowship we’ve experienced on these cruises have been extraordinary. We’ll be planning some outreach opportunities to benefit the ministry work of Samaritan’s Purse directly into the Alaskan territory.

AMERICA’S LAST FRONTIER: Filled with ice-blue glaciers, waterfalls, and snow-covered mountains rising up from the water’s edge, Alaska immerses travelers in a spectacular geography handcrafted by the Creator. Life as varied as the vivid landscape inhabits the Alaskan wilds, including whales, eagles, bears and king salmon. With more mountains, glaciers and wildlife than just about anywhere else on earth, Alaska is a place like no other on earth in stunning beauty.

DAY AT SEA (July 12)

GLACIER BAY SCENIC CRUISING (July 13, 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.): As a Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Glacier Bay National Park protects a unique ecosystem of plants and animals living in concert with an ever-changing glacial landscape. How does it feel when a monumental chunk of ice splits off a glacier and crashes into the sea? The sound is like thunder. The impact shoots water hundreds of feet into the air. You hold your breath as you catch the moment on film. Then you wait for it all to happen again. And it does. Glacier Bay has more actively calving tidewater glaciers than anyplace else in the world.

JUNEAU (July 14, 7:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.): Located at the foot of grand mountain peaks on the Gastineau Channel, the town of Juneau has the massive Mendenhall Glacier and the immense Juneau Icefields at its back door. Visit rustic shops in town, or get out and kayak, dogsled, raft, bike, hike, heli-hike, flightsee, and fish. We’ll be in port long enough to truly take advantage of the long daylight hours, so have an adventure!

SITKA (July 15, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.): Sitka is blessed with abundant marine wildife. Get out on the water aboard a dayboat or kayak, and you’ll pass seal haul-outs and seabird rookeries filled with nature’s sights and sounds.

KETCHIKAN (July 16, 7:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.): Built out over the water and climbing weathered stairways, Ketchikan clings to the shores of Tongass Narrows. Visit Creek Street, the Tongass Historical Museum, Totem Bight State Park, and the Saxman Village. There are numerous galleries exhibiting Native art and works by talented local artisans. A floatplane flightseeing trip to breathtaking Misty Fjords National Monument is a transforming adventure not to be missed.

VICTORIA, B.C., CANADA (July 17, 6:00 p.m.–Midnight): Stroll through the charming downtown of this very British city, with its double-decker buses, turreted castles, fine British woolens, tea, and china. Or just outside the city, visit the lush flora and fauna of Butchart Gardens.

7–DAY ALASKA CRUISE ABOARD HOLLAND AMERICA’S msOOSTERDAM