



Join this Unforgettable Christian Cruise to Alaska with Salem Media Group and Alistair Begg

The Psalmist says “the heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1). Our natural world is elegantly designed to teach us about the Creator’s majesty. I believe few places on earth proclaim this as clearly as Alaska, where we encounter Him in awe and wonder as we come face to face with soaring mountains, green forests and breathtaking glaciers.
Come with me as we dive into God’s Word, seeking Him together amid this glorious landscape! Experience Alaska from the comfort and luxury of a cruise ship as we travel between and explore spectacular ports. Enjoy fellowship with other Believers, world-class dining, worship with Laura Story and Michael O’Brien, and most importantly opportunities to deepen your faith as we study Scripture.
Travel experts regularly cite an Alaska cruise as one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences everyone should add to their “bucket list.” I couldn’t agree more and look forward to traveling with you to Alaska, where every vista reflects His majesty and power.
Please join me in the summer of 2021 for this exciting adventure!
In Christ,
Alistair Begg
Meet These Special Guests During Your Exceptional Travel Experience
But amidst that success a brain tumor hospitalized her husband in 2006. The faith Story sang about was put through the unexpected fires of fear and loneliness; most young newlyweds don’t imagine being kept alive at one point by breathing machines or having to find their way through significant post-operative vision and memory loss. Could grace notes resound from such a life-altering struggle? Laura’s incisive new album, Blessings, suggests they do.
“Life is filled with things you don’t expect, but the Bible tells us to respond by trusting God and continuing to worship him,” Story begins. “Martin hasn’t received complete healing—and that can be hard at times when we view God as all-powerful and all-loving. But here we are now saying, ‘Yes, this is how faith works.’ God has proven to be faithful. We have been truly blessed out of a circumstance that at first didn’t seem like much of a blessing at all.”
Among the positives, Laura sees the timing of their new international travel opportunities as no coincidence. Singing and teaching in churches across the United States, Western Europe, and South America, she believes “we have a voice that wasn’t there prior to this suffering. I can hardly begin to tell you of the hundreds of hurting people we’ve prayed with, people going through more than we have. This is a chance to share the gospel.”
Story’s perspective has also changed for the better; the words of James 1:2 (Consider it a great joy . . . whenever you experience various trials) ring especially true and duly influence the joyful, wisdom-loving tone throughout Blessings.
“Don’t get the wrong idea. It hasn’t been easy,” Laura admits. “Everyone wants to be a mature and equipped follower, but would I have signed up had I known what it would take? God has grown us up, deepened our faith, our awareness of our great need for him as a savior, daily. We knew it before, but we didn’t see it. This is a good place to be.”
Blessings reflects that hopeful place. A worship project at heart with constant threads of pop energy and singer/songwriter warmth, the album was recorded in Georgia at Chris Tomlin’s studio and produced by Nathan Nockels (Passion). Story penned most of the ten songs herself but partnered with co-writers including Brenton Brown and Third Day’s Mac Powell.
The opening tracks exude enthusiastic praise to Jesus, creating a trilogy of modern church anthems, comparable to the Hillsong style, that identifies Christ as the truth in my life . . . my salvation (“This Is the Day”), the gentle namesake in “Friend of Sinners,” and justice from every oppression, forgiveness for every confession, but most of all love in “You Are Love.”
Laura says of the soaring latter selection, “God is the author of love. He made it up and gave the greatest demonstration of it on the cross. I met with some other worship leaders to write about the breakthrough moment when we as believers really make that connection.”
Such a realization demands a response like that found on “One Life to Lose,” a piano-driven countercultural tune whose premise Story likens to a quote by martyred Christian missionary Jim Elliot: He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.
“The world supports an idea of self-centered living because ‘I just have this one life,’ but we need to look at it the other way,” explains Laura. “We only have one life to give to God. I don’t want to have held anything back. I don’t want to be a conservative Christian; I want to give with abandon, to be spent, to truly give my life away for the cause of Christ.”
Yet Story knows firsthand the journey to surrender gets complicated—that it sometimes involves having to redefine what God’s “blessings” could mean, a spiritual wrestling match she perfectly encapsulates on Blessings’ breathtaking title track and first single:
What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life is a revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy?
“The song shows that we still have more questions than answers,” Laura confesses. “But there’s a decision that I find God is asking us to make: whether we are going to choose to interpret our circumstances based on what we hold to be true about God, or whether we’re going to judge what we hold to be true about God based on our circumstances.”
Laura and Martin’s circumstances have magnified the blessing of marriage. High school sweethearts, they faced the strong chance their long-awaited bond might last just two years.
“Once you’ve rallied through a life-threatening illness together, the rest of it is like a surprise; every day is a new gift that might not have been there. It’s not as big a deal now if he leaves his socks on the floor,” Laura says with a smile.
She likens “Faithful God,” the beautifully sung, highly emotional closing praise song from Blessings, to the Lord entering into a marriage covenant with his people. In fact, when Story is asked about all that she and her husband have been through the past five years, the lyrics provide the answer.
“People ask how we’re doing, and I like to say: ‘We have a faithful God.’ Every promise he’s kept, every need he’s met.”
Without a doubt, blessings abound in Laura Story’s life. Offstage, she and Martin love to be outdoors, riding bikes or trekking their way through the book 50 Hikes in North Georgia. She also meets women from church for coffee a couple of times during the week, talking one-on-one about the lessons their congregation explores in Sunday worship. And it all pours back into her musical gift.
“Life is cool,” she concludes. “I work at a church that lets me be a recording artist. I record for a label that lets me work at a church instead of having to always be on tour. And I love how it all interconnects. This dynamic is what makes me a healthy person. I am blessed!”
But amidst that success a brain tumor hospitalized her husband in 2006. The faith Story sang about was put through the unexpected fires of fear and loneliness; most young newlyweds don’t imagine being kept alive at one point by breathing machines or having to find their way through significant post-operative vision and memory loss. Could grace notes resound from such a life-altering struggle? Laura’s incisive new album, Blessings, suggests they do.
“Life is filled with things you don’t expect, but the Bible tells us to respond by trusting God and continuing to worship him,” Story begins. “Martin hasn’t received complete healing—and that can be hard at times when we view God as all-powerful and all-loving. But here we are now saying, ‘Yes, this is how faith works.’ God has proven to be faithful. We have been truly blessed out of a circumstance that at first didn’t seem like much of a blessing at all.”
Among the positives, Laura sees the timing of their new international travel opportunities as no coincidence. Singing and teaching in churches across the United States, Western Europe, and South America, she believes “we have a voice that wasn’t there prior to this suffering. I can hardly begin to tell you of the hundreds of hurting people we’ve prayed with, people going through more than we have. This is a chance to share the gospel.”
Story’s perspective has also changed for the better; the words of James 1:2 (Consider it a great joy . . . whenever you experience various trials) ring especially true and duly influence the joyful, wisdom-loving tone throughout Blessings.
“Don’t get the wrong idea. It hasn’t been easy,” Laura admits. “Everyone wants to be a mature and equipped follower, but would I have signed up had I known what it would take? God has grown us up, deepened our faith, our awareness of our great need for him as a savior, daily. We knew it before, but we didn’t see it. This is a good place to be.”
Blessings reflects that hopeful place. A worship project at heart with constant threads of pop energy and singer/songwriter warmth, the album was recorded in Georgia at Chris Tomlin’s studio and produced by Nathan Nockels (Passion). Story penned most of the ten songs herself but partnered with co-writers including Brenton Brown and Third Day’s Mac Powell.
The opening tracks exude enthusiastic praise to Jesus, creating a trilogy of modern church anthems, comparable to the Hillsong style, that identifies Christ as the truth in my life . . . my salvation (“This Is the Day”), the gentle namesake in “Friend of Sinners,” and justice from every oppression, forgiveness for every confession, but most of all love in “You Are Love.”
Laura says of the soaring latter selection, “God is the author of love. He made it up and gave the greatest demonstration of it on the cross. I met with some other worship leaders to write about the breakthrough moment when we as believers really make that connection.”
Such a realization demands a response like that found on “One Life to Lose,” a piano-driven countercultural tune whose premise Story likens to a quote by martyred Christian missionary Jim Elliot: He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.
“The world supports an idea of self-centered living because ‘I just have this one life,’ but we need to look at it the other way,” explains Laura. “We only have one life to give to God. I don’t want to have held anything back. I don’t want to be a conservative Christian; I want to give with abandon, to be spent, to truly give my life away for the cause of Christ.”
Yet Story knows firsthand the journey to surrender gets complicated—that it sometimes involves having to redefine what God’s “blessings” could mean, a spiritual wrestling match she perfectly encapsulates on Blessings’ breathtaking title track and first single:
What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life is a revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy?
“The song shows that we still have more questions than answers,” Laura confesses. “But there’s a decision that I find God is asking us to make: whether we are going to choose to interpret our circumstances based on what we hold to be true about God, or whether we’re going to judge what we hold to be true about God based on our circumstances.”
Laura and Martin’s circumstances have magnified the blessing of marriage. High school sweethearts, they faced the strong chance their long-awaited bond might last just two years.
“Once you’ve rallied through a life-threatening illness together, the rest of it is like a surprise; every day is a new gift that might not have been there. It’s not as big a deal now if he leaves his socks on the floor,” Laura says with a smile.
She likens “Faithful God,” the beautifully sung, highly emotional closing praise song from Blessings, to the Lord entering into a marriage covenant with his people. In fact, when Story is asked about all that she and her husband have been through the past five years, the lyrics provide the answer.
“People ask how we’re doing, and I like to say: ‘We have a faithful God.’ Every promise he’s kept, every need he’s met.”
Without a doubt, blessings abound in Laura Story’s life. Offstage, she and Martin love to be outdoors, riding bikes or trekking their way through the book 50 Hikes in North Georgia. She also meets women from church for coffee a couple of times during the week, talking one-on-one about the lessons their congregation explores in Sunday worship. And it all pours back into her musical gift.
“Life is cool,” she concludes. “I work at a church that lets me be a recording artist. I record for a label that lets me work at a church instead of having to always be on tour. And I love how it all interconnects. This dynamic is what makes me a healthy person. I am blessed!”

Sensing that God was calling him to step out of his secure position with Newsong in 2006, Michael had to literally start all over again. But if you ask him if he has any regrets in his leaving, he replies “I knew it was something that God was calling me to. I was somewhat apprehensive and yet excited to take a step of faith and completely put my trust in the Lord. God has not disappointed.”
Michael has realized the importance of controlling his calendar as well and making time for the most important calling of his life. His family. “I used to live on the road and my kids didn’t even miss me when I was gone. It wasn’t conducive for a spiritually healthy family.”
Now Michael is getting more opportunities to share how God restored and healed his marriage. “We were in a very bad place” Michael says. “I was not being the spiritual leader of my home and it had a huge negative impact in my relationship with Heidi and my children. The Spirit of God convicted my heart.” He is now encouraging couples that have been contemplating divorce, like they were, to not only stay together, but to run for help and get good Christian Counseling. “We have seen first hand the blessings that have come from us fighting for our marriage, even when we didn’t feel like it was ever going to work out. We have learned that marriage is not about happiness, it is about commitment.”
Michael’s most recent project “Something About Us” has been described by Michael as a musical love letter to his one and only. It has received critical acclaim from many of his musical peers. Natalie Grant says, “Michael O’Brien is such a phenomenal talent. His voice is a rare breed in today’s musical climate. I’m a sucker for music with a nostalgic sound. This is just great classic sounding music. He reminds us what true love is all about.” Country Artist Mark Wills says Michael is his“favorite singer of all time,” while Nicole Mullen says “Michael O’Brien has outdone himself! This cd is wonderful, and highly recommended for all married couples. It’s about time that someone has given us a clean, passionate, beautiful backdrop for falling in love all over again. Out of four stars, I’d give it a six!”
Something About Us is filled with 14 original love songs that come out of a pure and holy devoted love solely between a man and a woman. Laced with silky smooth vocals and lush string arrangements performed by the Irish Film Orchestra (Dublin, Ireland) this cd is a must have. Michael says “Our goal was to create a work that would give couples an opportunity to have romantic interludes in a style reminiscent of Nat King Cole. It’s like Song of Solomon set to music. Romantic! Poetic! I believe Christians should be writing the most beautiful love songs ever. The Love that Heidi and I share comes from the Author of love. God! As Christian couples, our marriages should be a city on a hill!”
In the last several years, Michael and Heidi have shared their story of restoration on National Television and radio broadcasts across America. Ministries that have partnered with Michael and Heidi are The Billy Graham Association, Family Life Today, The 700 Club, Life Today, the TBN and Daystar Networks, Babbie’s Place, Rick and Bubba Radio, Steve and DC Radio, Living The Life, and Faith Café, just to name a few.
Sensing that God was calling him to step out of his secure position with Newsong in 2006, Michael had to literally start all over again. But if you ask him if he has any regrets in his leaving, he replies “I knew it was something that God was calling me to. I was somewhat apprehensive and yet excited to take a step of faith and completely put my trust in the Lord. God has not disappointed.”
Michael has realized the importance of controlling his calendar as well and making time for the most important calling of his life. His family. “I used to live on the road and my kids didn’t even miss me when I was gone. It wasn’t conducive for a spiritually healthy family.”
Now Michael is getting more opportunities to share how God restored and healed his marriage. “We were in a very bad place” Michael says. “I was not being the spiritual leader of my home and it had a huge negative impact in my relationship with Heidi and my children. The Spirit of God convicted my heart.” He is now encouraging couples that have been contemplating divorce, like they were, to not only stay together, but to run for help and get good Christian Counseling. “We have seen first hand the blessings that have come from us fighting for our marriage, even when we didn’t feel like it was ever going to work out. We have learned that marriage is not about happiness, it is about commitment.”
Michael’s most recent project “Something About Us” has been described by Michael as a musical love letter to his one and only. It has received critical acclaim from many of his musical peers. Natalie Grant says, “Michael O’Brien is such a phenomenal talent. His voice is a rare breed in today’s musical climate. I’m a sucker for music with a nostalgic sound. This is just great classic sounding music. He reminds us what true love is all about.” Country Artist Mark Wills says Michael is his“favorite singer of all time,” while Nicole Mullen says “Michael O’Brien has outdone himself! This cd is wonderful, and highly recommended for all married couples. It’s about time that someone has given us a clean, passionate, beautiful backdrop for falling in love all over again. Out of four stars, I’d give it a six!”
Something About Us is filled with 14 original love songs that come out of a pure and holy devoted love solely between a man and a woman. Laced with silky smooth vocals and lush string arrangements performed by the Irish Film Orchestra (Dublin, Ireland) this cd is a must have. Michael says “Our goal was to create a work that would give couples an opportunity to have romantic interludes in a style reminiscent of Nat King Cole. It’s like Song of Solomon set to music. Romantic! Poetic! I believe Christians should be writing the most beautiful love songs ever. The Love that Heidi and I share comes from the Author of love. God! As Christian couples, our marriages should be a city on a hill!”
In the last several years, Michael and Heidi have shared their story of restoration on National Television and radio broadcasts across America. Ministries that have partnered with Michael and Heidi are The Billy Graham Association, Family Life Today, The 700 Club, Life Today, the TBN and Daystar Networks, Babbie’s Place, Rick and Bubba Radio, Steve and DC Radio, Living The Life, and Faith Café, just to name a few.

7-Day Cruise Itinerary
The scenic variety you’ll encounter in America’s 49th state is unlike any destination on earth. From the deep green Tongass National Forest to snow-capped mountains to humpback whales to awe-inspiring glaciers…Few places evidence God’s creative power like the stunning wilderness of coastal of Alaska.
Departing: Seattle, WA (Saturday, August 28, 2021)
EMBARKATION: 11:30 A.M.-2:30 P.M. DEPART: 4:00 P.M.
DAY AT SEAAugust 29
After a morning devotion from the balcony, walk around the ship’s deck and enjoy the fresh ocean air. Or treat yourself in the ship’s spa. During today’s lunch buffet, sit with someone new—conversations with friends will become a highlight of your cruise.
STEPHENS PASSAGE (SCENIC CRUISING) August 30
Crowned with glaciers and mountains that plunge into the sea, this famed "shortcut" is one you'll never want to leave. During a dynamic group session, join with believers from all over to hear God’s Word—growing closer to Him and having the time of your life.
JUNEAU, ALASKA August 30, 1:00 P.M.–10:00 P.M.
Adventure awaits you in Alaska’s capital. Start your day reading your Bible on the balcony. Then stroll, fish, whale-watch or spend time counting totem poles as you experience this coastal gem with the rest of your group.
GLACIER BAY (SCENIC CRUISING), ALASKA August 31, 7:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M.
Enjoy a piping hot breakfast as you prepare for the vast landscape of Glacier Bay. This scenic wonder will make you proclaim, “My God, How Great Thou Art!” Snap some keepsake photos before sharing exclusive time with your favorite ministry leaders.
ICY STRAIT POINT, ALASKA August 31, 6:00 P.M.–10:00 P.M.
Explore a beautifully restored 1912 salmon cannery and museum. Step back in time as you tour the old wooden buildings, bright red against the towering rain forest. Stroll along the beach, admiring the majesty of God's handiwork as eagles soar overhead. You may even see whales from the shore.
SITKA, ALASKA September 1, 8:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M.
Sitka blends Native Alaska with a fascinating Russian heritage. Explore sites like the onion-top St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral with new friends. Cap off your evening with heartfelt worship and a timely message.
KETCHIKAN, ALASKASeptember 2, 7:00 A.M.–1:00 P.M.
Explore historic Creek Street—built right over the water—enjoying another day with friends you’ve made during speaking times and concerts. Take in the many historic totem poles unique to this region. Then return to the ship to conclude the day as you worship and study with your group.
VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA September 3, 6:00 P.M.–11:30 P.M.
Spend another day in God’s presence, praising Him for how He’s revealed Himself on your cruise through the natural world and daily worship. And take advantage of ship amenities you haven’t gotten to yet. Then, venture into the “City of Gardens” to enjoy European ambiance in North America.Concluding: Seattle, WA (Saturday, September 4, 2021)
ARRIVE: 7:00 A.M. DEBARKATION: 8:00 A.M.–10:00 A.M.
All dates and locations subject to change.
America's Last Frontier
This is a land where ancient glaciers drop house-size chunks of ice into the sea with a roar, where grizzlies fish for spawning salmon, where the lush green canopy of trees is offset by distant snowy mountains and where the word majestic is hardly enough to describe what you see. Nowhere else in North America is the scenery so spectacular and God’s creative wonder so vivid. From Juneau to Ketchikan, from caribou to king salmon, Alaska is the perfect place to reconnect with your Creator.
North American Animals
Have your camera ready as moose and bears wander through meadows and streams, whales burst from the ocean’s surface and eagles fly overhead.



Calving Glaciers
Watch in amazement as columns and shards of glacial ice shear off and splash into the ocean.



Towns on the Edge of the World
Explore the unique personality and learn the culture of cities and towns living on the border of the Alaskan wilderness.



Holland America's Eurodam

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 will revolve 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 meals on deck to the sumptuous late-night eats, the food will be everything you would expect and more. The gracious crew members are dedicated to your satisfaction and are known for impeccable five-star service. Holland America offers everything you could want in this world-class floating resort.






Prices
Cabin Category |
Deck |
Prices |
Description |
INTERIOR STATEROOMS |
|||
N |
4 |
$1,228 |
Interior Staterooms: A starter option for those wanting an interior cabin, these cozy staterooms include two luxurious twin beds (convertible to a queen-size), a sitting area, vanity area and private bathroom with approximately 141-284 square feet of space. |
MM |
8 |
$1,248 |
|
M |
7 |
$1,268 |
|
L |
4, 5, 6, 7 |
$1,278 |
|
K |
1, 4, 5, 6 |
$1,298 |
|
J |
1 |
$1,328 |
|
I |
4, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
$1,378 |
|
IQ |
10 |
$1,398 |
|
OCEAN VIEW STATEROOMS |
|||
HH** |
4 |
$1,528 |
Ocean View Staterooms with window: An optimal choice for passengers wanting to see the ocean, these comfortable cabins pack a surprising number of luxuries into 169-267 square feet of space, including twin beds (convertible to queen-size), a sitting area, vanity area and private bathroom.*All G cabins have a partially obstructed ocean view. **All H and HH cabins have a fully obstructed ocean view |
H** |
4 |
$1,548 |
|
G* |
4 |
$1,578 |
|
F |
1, 6 |
$1,728 |
|
E |
1 |
$1,748 |
|
DD |
1 |
$1,768 |
|
D |
1 |
$1,798 |
|
C |
1 |
$1,858 |
|
CQ |
10 |
$1,878 |
|
CABINS BELOW THIS LINE INCLUDE BALCONIES |
|||
VH |
4 |
$1,938 |
Deluxe Verandah Ocean-View Staterooms: A wonderful selection for passengers desiring the views and extra space of a balcony, these beautiful cabins include luxurious twin beds (convertible to queen-size), bedside USB ports, a sitting area and vanity area, frameless glass shower doors in a private bathroom, and stunning floor-to- ceiling windows. Total space is 213-379 square feet, including verandah. |
VF |
4, 8 |
$1,958 |
|
VE |
4, 7, 8 |
$1,978 |
|
VD |
6, 7 |
$1,998 |
|
VC |
4, 5, 6, 8 |
$2,038 |
|
VB |
4, 5, 6, 7 |
$2,058 |
|
VA |
4, 8 |
$2,078 |
|
V |
5, 6 |
$2,118 |
|
VT |
11 |
$2,178 |
|
VQ |
10 |
$2,198 |
|
SUITES |
|||
SZ |
6 |
$2,598 |
Signature Suites: An upscale option for cruisers desiring the views and extra space of a balcony, these beautiful cabins include luxurious twin beds (convertible to queen-size), bedside USB ports, a sitting area and vanity area, frameless glass shower doors in a private bathroom, a private balcony, and stunning floor-to-ceiling windows. Total space is 273-456 square feet, including verandah. |
SY |
5, 6, 7 |
$2,628 |
|
SU |
10 |
$2,698 |
|
SS |
5, 6 |
$2,798 |
|
SC |
6 |
$3,168 |
Neptune Suites: The ultimate choice for passengers seeking luxury, these are the largest staterooms on the ship, offering two lower beds that convert to a king-size bed, dual-sink bathroom vanities, a full-size whirlpool bath and shower, a large sitting area, a private balcony, and floor-to-ceiling windows in 506-590 square feet. Also included is access to the exclusive Neptune Lounge, a private haven offering personal concierge service. |
SB |
4, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
$3,368 |
|
SA |
7 |
$3,598 |
SIGNATURE SERVICE OPTION |
(AIR TRANSPORTATION NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE)
Conference Fee: $298
FLIGHT & HOTEL QUOTES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE

MON - FRI 8:30AM - 5:00PM (PACIFIC TIME)
This event is exclusive to those who book in advance through Inspiration Cruises & Tours. Booking through a secondary travel agent on the same cruise ship will not permit you entrance to any event programming.

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