Christian Cruise with Gaithers

About the Gaithers

Just who are the Gaithers? In 1955 The Gaither Trio was formed with Bill, his brother Danny, and sister Mary Ann. The group disbanded and then reformed when Bill married Gloria in 1962. This time around, Bill, Gloria, and Mary Ann were the three in the trio.

Bill wrote He Touched Me in 1963. Jimmy Durante, Kathryn Kuhlman, and Ben Speer, among others, picked up the song. Later The Imperials and Elvis Presley sang it, helping to make it a popular number.

The Gaithers signed with the Benson Company in 1964. Their first album was called Sincerely, and the Gaithers have been singing gospel music across the USA and around the world ever since. Many of their songs have been translated into other languages.

Enjoy gospel music onboard.

Some of the gospel songs the Gaithers have recorded over the years include:

• Because He Lives
• Come, Holy Spirit
• Every Eye Shall See
• Gentle Shepherd
• Going Home
• There's Something About That Name
• We Are So Blessed
• Worthy the Lamb

Other Musicians on the Cruise

Besides the Gaither Vocal Band, will there be other musicians on the voyage to Alaska? The answer is, Yes! The Gaithers, under The Gaither Music Group, have signed on other Christian musicians to sing aboard their cruises.

Joy Gardner, The Hoppers, Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, Kevin Williams, Lynda Randle, Gordon Mote, Jeff and Sheri Easter, Janet Paschal, Jessy Dixon, Sue Dodge, Ladye and Reggie Smith are some of the vocalists entertaining on the ship in August 2007, and many familiar bands join in other gospel and Christian music cruises as well.

Getting Ready for a Christian Cruise with Gaithers

Officially known as The Gaither Homecoming Alaska Cruise, this voyage lasts eight days, with a departure from Seattle, Washington. The MS Amsterdam is the ship you will be traveling on under the Holland America Line.

What should you pack as you prepare for your cruise? Be sure to bring along the following:

• Swimsuit
• Comfortable sandals
• Dinner attire
• Casual clothing
• Shoes for strolling the deck
• Light jacket or sweater
• Binoculars
• Camera, digital or film
• Camcorder

Holland America has specific requirements regarding check in. You will need to provide:

• Online check-in documentation
• Proof of Citizenship
• Signature Preferred Boarding Pass
• Credit Enrollment Form
• Holland America Line Health Questionnaire

Enjoying the Cruise

The MS Amsterdam has spacious verandas, cabins, three restaurants, a main dining room, a pool, spa, and fitness center. This ship is beautifully and tastefully decorated.

Two days after departure, the ship arrives in Juneau where you can take an excursion to Mendenhall Glacier and the Alaska State Museum. The next day you can look for wildlife -- otters, eagles, whales, and seals -- as you cruise the magnificent Glacier Bay. In Sitka, islands and mountains, including the famous volcano, Mount Edgecumbe, make up a lovely sight, and the attractions in Ketchikan include a trip to the historic Totem Bight State Park and the Misty Fjords National Monument. See bears, deer, and wolves along the coastline as you view the fjords. A variety of salmon -- pink, king and chum -- swim underneath the tranquil waters. You will also be able to stroll through downtown Victoria, British Columbia, the last stop before heading south to Seattle where you will disembark.

As you make your way to these scenic points, you will enjoy worship time onboard with Christians, meaningful music, and fellowship with others from around the world.

Reservations for the cruise can be made via the Inspiration Cruises website.

Hearing the Gaithers and other gospel artists sing as you sail on a cruise ship to Alaska -- what could be more luxurious? Your time spent on a Christian cruise with Gaithers will be sure to be inspirational, relaxing, and memorable..