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)

JUNEAU (July 13, Noon–9:00 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!

HUBBARD GLACIER SCENIC CRUISING (July 14, 1:00 P.m.–6:00 p.m.): Come face to face with a gigantic wall of ice that fills your view and extends for miles in either direction. It’s a titan on the move, advancing faster than almost any other glacier on the continent. When it reaches saltwater at Disenchantment Bay, the imposing architecture of this behemoth measures five miles in width and 40 stories in height, dwarfing even the largest ships.

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