“Real life” rarely offers us the chance to focus on our spiritual, physical and emotional well-being… and the Homecoming family rarely has more than one or two evenings at a time in one place. But Homecoming cruises remedy all that! You enjoy a week away from the demands of everyday life and we enjoy singing to the same friends each night for an entire week. What a treat! And to enjoy this get-away while surrounded by Alaska’s breathtaking beauty offers constant reminders that we are on holy ground… even in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

A New Year, New Beginnings!
This year we have completely recreated the Gaither Vocal Band, expanding the size of the group from four members to five and bringing back an all-star cast of voices from the Vocal Band’s rich legacy of talent. The new roster for the five-member Gaither Vocal Band is Bill Gaither, David Phelps, Wes Hampton, Michael English and Mark Lowry. We are so excited about the energy and vocal power this new group will bring to you while singing the praises of our Lord!

As always, your Homecoming Favorites are a truly outstanding group of artists who will help us create an environment overflowing with purpose and rich in meaningful moments; and, thanks to Inspiration Cruises & Tours and everyone at the Holland America Cruise Line, there’s always an abundance of fun activities, great food, luxurious amenities and countless ways to nurture and rekindle relationships with the family of God. We hope you will make it a priority to be a part of this unique cruise vacation and enjoy 7 days of great music among friends and fellow-believers.

       Because He Lives,
       Bill and Gloria Gaither

New, special sites have been added to the original schedule.
Changes are noted below in RED.

DEPARTING FROM SEATTLE, WASHINGTON (Friday, August 14, 2009)
EMBARKATION: 11:30 A.M.–2:30 P.M. DEPART: 4:00 P.M.

DAY AT SEA (August 15)

MORNING CRUISE OF STEVENS PASSAGE & JUNEAU (August 16, Juneau Noon-10:30 p.m.): Enjoy a special detour through the scenic Stevens Passage which lies between the mainland and Admiralty Island, south of Juneau. In the afternoon, we’ll dock and have time to explore Juneau. 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!

SKAGWAY (August 17, 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.): The sidewalks are all but rolled up in Skagway come winter, so you can only imagine the frightful conditions endured by the gold prospectors who passed through en route to the Yukon, with a mandatory ton of supplies to be hauled with them over the steep and treacherous Trail of ‘98. Today, summertime visits to Skagway require nothing of the sort, but you can still ride the antique White Pass & Yukon narrow-gauge railway up through silvery-purple rock faces, past Deadhorse Gulch, to see what it was like back then.

SCENIC CRUISING TRACY ARM (August 18, 7:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.): This narrow, 26-mile-long fjord is another of Alaska’s most dramatic glacier settings. The lush rain forest recedes to reveal a stunning canyon of bare rock. The panorama of 7,000-foot mountain peaks and nearly vertical rock cliffs is astounding. Waterfalls appear at every turn. Icebergs make their way to the sea in all sorts of wondrous shapes. And tucked away at the end of this remarkable waterway are two very active reminders of the Ice Age-the twin Sawyer Glaciers, calving icebergs into the jade-colored inland sea. Kittiwakes, mountain goats and seals are a common sight. Whales and bears may even make an appearance in this magical place.

KETCHIKAN (August 19, 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 (August 20, 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.

CONCLUDING IN SEATTLE, WASHINGTON (Friday, August 21, 2009)
ARRIVE: 7:00 A.M. DEBARKATION: 8:00–10:00 A.M.
 

Timeless elegance is everywhere:
Understated, refined, welcoming, and warm—in the fresh floral arrangements, in the fine furnishings, in the impressive sculptures, and in the gracious hospitality that is Holland America’s hallmark. With a multimillion-dollar art collection as the backdrop, your universe for the next seven days revolves around a myriad of activities, plush staterooms, soaring spaces, and attention to every detail. Holland America Line serves incomparable cuisine in a variety of wonderful ways—from beautifully served dinners in the main dining room and bountiful buffets on deck to the sumptuous late-night buffet, the food will be everything you would expect and more. The gracious crew members dedicate themselves to your satisfaction and are known for impeccable five-star service. Holland America offers everything you could want in this world-class floating resort.