Michael W. Smith, 900 Fans to Sail on First-Ever Fan Cruise

By Kevin P. Donovan, Christian Post Reporter Friday, July 13, 2007

Famed Christian artist Michael W. Smith sets sail on his first-ever fan cruise this Saturday.

Smith will depart from Seattle on a cruise with 900 fans and his family to four different Alaskan ports and Victoria in Canada, before returning back to Seattle.

The eight-day cruise will feature comedian Bob Nelson and special guest artists Leeland and Michael Olson.

The itinerary is filled with nightly concerts, and a "Smitty-oke" event during which guests on the ship will have the chance to sing along with Smith.

Smith enthusiastically notes, "This is going to be a fun week. My entire family is attending. All my kids, our parents, in-laws and grandmother! It's going to be non-stop, but fun. I'm really looking forward to it."

Smith will release his 20th album in October, a collection of original Christmas songs. He recorded the album in London's famous Abbey Road Studios in May with a 67-piece symphony orchestra before the music was arranged by David Hamilton. He says the music is "epic, symphonic and cinematic."

The album features three choirs, one being The Choristers of Reigate St Mary's, a London-based boy's choir directed by John Tobin and featuring 16 members in ages ranging from 8 to 12 years.