By Mark Abromaitis 
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

It was a break from the ordinary—a warm respite during the cold Philadelphia winter. This past February, 84 Ann’s Choice residents dropped everything, left the comfort of their Warminster homes, and took a cruise to the Caribbean.

Leaving from nearby New York City, the group of travelers enjoyed stops at the tropical destinations of Tortola, St. Thomas, Dominica, Barbados, St. Maarten, and Puerto Rico.

The entire cruise was arranged by the Ann’s Choice Transportation Department.

Tours galore
For experienced cruisers Vince and Mary Ann Peterson, the trip lived up to every expectation. “We’ve been on a number of cruises before, but this one was just phenomenal,” Vince Peterson says.

Some days, the couple split up to pursue their personal interests. Other days, they explored the port cities together. For Mary Ann Peterson and friends, the  trip was chock-full of sightseeing tours, shopping, and local excursions. Her husband’s highlights included a shipwreck snorkel tour and parasailing.

New way of life
For Paul and Bernice Wilson, the cruise was all about seeing new things and meeting new people. They say the different rustic lifestyle of the islands was a favorite. “Dominica isn’t your most metropolitan place, but the people are so friendly and down-to-earth,” Bernice Wilson says. “And Barbados— speak of a beautiful place. The agricultural area, the old charm of the island—it was just so scenic.”

Tips of the trade
Both the Petersons and the Wilsons say they plan on taking more cruises through Ann’s Choice. They offer the following advice for first-timers.

“There is something for everyone,” Vince Peterson says. “You can do as little or as much as you want. But to have the best time, I would recommend going in with an open mind.”