Cruise Week Brings the Mediterranean to Pottersway House
Residents at Pottersway House embarked on a Mediterranean cruise adventure, all without leaving the home.
From Monday to Friday, Pottersway House was transformed into the “Pottersway House Cruise Ship”, taking residents, relatives, and staff on an imaginative week-long journey around Europe through themed activities, entertainment, and food inspired by each destination.
The voyage began on Monday with a stop in Portugal, where residents explored the sights and culture of Lisbon through armchair travel sessions before enjoying a tasting session of Portuguese tarts. The day ended with a lively Portugal-themed quiz.
Tuesday saw the ship sail on to Spain, where residents began the day with armchair exercises on the “promenade deck” before enjoying tapas and sangria. Excitement built ahead of Tuesday evening’s Captain’s Cocktail Party, which became one of the highlights of the week.
Receptionist Yvonne Ireland transformed the main hub of the home into a spectacular cruise ship setting with themed decorations. Residents and their loved ones embraced the occasion by dressing up for the evening in cocktail dresses and tuxedos, with many enjoying having their hair styled at the home’s personal hair & nail salon, before meeting the evening’s captain, Rachel Simpson, the Home Manager & first officer Sally Appleton, the Deputy Manager.
Chef Andrew Crutchley prepared a three-course menu that received rave reviews, while vocalist Rebecca Dune entertained guests with music and dancing throughout the evening. One memorable moment saw resident Carole become part of a newly formed “Spice Girls” group during the performance, much to everyone’s delight.
The cruise docked in St Tropez on Wednesday, where residents enjoyed French boules, cheese tasting and croissant making before testing their knowledge in a France-themed quiz.
Thursday brought a stop in glamorous Monaco, where residents visited the onboard “casino” and celebrated several lucky wins, with resident Graham proving particularly fortunate.
The final destination on Friday was Italy, where residents enjoyed making their own pizzas before gathering together as the Pottersway House Cruise Ship returned home.
Dawn Byrne, the home’s Administrator, who came up with the idea for Cruise Week, thanked everyone involved in helping make the event such a success.
Rachel Simpson, Home manager, said:
“Activities and experiences like Cruise Week are so important because they create opportunities for residents to connect, reminisce, and enjoy new experiences together. It’s about much more than entertainment, it’s about promoting wellbeing, encouraging social interaction and creating meaningful moments that residents, families and staff can all share”.
Residents and relatives were full of praise for the themed week.
Resident Jean Phillipson said, “I really enjoyed last week. The Captain’s Cocktail Party was such fun, and we had so much laughter, and the Armchair Travels were great. The staff were all amazing.”
Resident Ian Mayson added: “The tapas tasting was my favourite, and also the fun and entertainment at the Captain’s Cocktail Party.”
Ann-Marie Coombs, a resident’s daughter, said: “Best care home award has to go to Pottersway House Care Home!”
The themed cruise created lasting memories and brought residents, families, and staff together for a week filled with laughter, friendship, and shared experiences.
Curious how Pottersway House Care Home in Alsager helps residents enjoy a first-class lifestyle filled with meaningful activities, new experiences, and opportunities to stay independent? Contact our friendly team today to find out more about our personalised care and vibrant daily life.
