Gaither Homecoming

[johnnjodee]

We are going on an Alaska cruise with Bill and Gloria Gaither and friends on September 1. We would like to get feedback from anyone else who has cruised with the Gaithers or anyone on this cruise. Thanks in advance for the information.

John & Judy Hulin
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[tomc]

Just as an FYI, if you haven't heard: They lost their pianist on a recent cruise. He passed on to glory (and I mean that seriously) during a performance on a family cruise. I understand he was very well-known and beloved.

[packercruising]

Yes, Anthony Berger. He was just 43 and was a terrific pianist. We have not been with them on a cruise (bars are shut down) but have been to several of the Gatherings.

[tomc]

Thanks; couldn't think of his name. I think someone on this (or the Ask A Cruise Question) board was on the ship when it happened. Their opinion, and mine: You can't go in a better way than doing something you love, especially in a religious setting. I hope I am so fortunate. I checked out his website at the time and, IIRC, he was badly hurt at one time -- burned?? -- and was told he would never play again. Something like that. Dedicated his life from that time on to his career/ministry.

[sweet sheep]

Hi,

I have taken a cruise with the Gaithers but not the Alaska one! We went with them to the Caribbean and it was absolutely fantastic. We were blessed big time! There were two main sessions every day and many times for a one on one meeting. They are all over the ship just like the other passengers and will stop and talk at any time.

I will never forget that cruise because if you love the Gaithers like i do, you will always remember.

I was very sad when i heard about Anthony Burger. He was one of the best on the piano for sure, and so very young. If you want to go to his website you can find out more about him and his family.

www.Burgerbuddies.com (http://www.Burgerbuddies.com)

I can guarantee you will have a wonderful cruise!!:)

[sweet sheep]

Sorry the website i gave you it incorrect!

[peaches from georgia]

Are these full-ship charters by the Gaither group or is it just a large group on a regular cruise? Since someone said the bars are closed, I presume it is a fully chartered cruise?

[kryos]

We went with them to the Caribbean and it was absolutely fantastic. We were blessed big time! There were two main sessions every day and many times for a one on one meeting. They are all over the ship just like the other passengers and will stop and talk at any time.
I don't know a whole lot about the Gaithers ... but I presume they are all musical artists. Do they bring pastors along too ... for bible teaching and services?

Blue skies ...

--rita

[packercruising]

They are a full ship cruise. They have many Southerngospel groups and there are pastors.

[sungoddess]

Hi,

I did a 2 week charter with the Gaithers when I was working on the Zaandam in 2002 and they were great! Tons of fun and we even had Randy Travis on as entertainment!

[kryos]

They are a full ship cruise. They have many Southerngospel groups and there are pastors.
So, do they have a regular schedule of services and bible studies aboard ... as well as the musical entertainment?

Blue skies ...

--rita

[johnnjodee]

Thanks for all the information.
SweetSheep, when and where did you cruise. I imagine there are many repet cruisers. Also do you remember if there were morning or afternoon concerts and did they have the daytime events on shore days or just sea days?
Sungoddess, are you still working on a ship? Does the crew react any differently to a cruise with no gambling of booze? Any other information is always greatly appreciated.

John & Judy
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