The Averill cruise line sets sailAt HC-One’s Newton Heath care home, Averill House, which offers residential memory and nursing memory care, Colleagues decided to take Residents on a trip of a lifetime on the silver cruise line.

Everyone set sail on the open seas as the lounge and dining area was turned into a cruise ship, with Colleagues and Residents becoming the guests and crew.

One Resident said, “Wow! We have a cruise ship and the sea and fish when we look out the window, it’s been great.”

The Residents boarded the cruise ship with their tickets and set sail from sunny Dover with an itinerary that will beat most cruises; om themed entertainment (via smart TV and also the iPad) as well as the first stop which was Italy. Everyone virtually explored the Vatican, the Trevi Fountain and had an Italian lesson. There was also a themed menu from the kitchen which was served aboard the ship in the dining room. To top off a fantastic day in Italy, everyone had a singalong to songs such as ‘Mambo Italian’ and ‘That’s Amour’

After that, everyone sailed on through the night to Viva Espana’, where they virtually toured Barcelona including the Las Ramblas and La Sagrada Familia. They had a flamenco dancing lesson and on board snacks were given out on the themed trollies; this included sangria and a tapas tasting menu. 

Shipmates and crew were all on board to make it an easy crossing, onto France as they watched The Cancan and had a go themselves as the onboard activities continued with a French themed quiz and disco. 

Jodie Yates, Wellbeing Coordinator who organised the activity, said it had been a fantastic activity and everyone loved the cruise ship and fancy dress, “It is so good to get away and visit the different places, even if it is virtually!”