Imagine experiencing the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of a world cruise without even leaving the front room.

That's the treat that residents from a Deal care home are continuing to savour.

They live at Nellsar’s St Winifred’s Care Centre in London Road where staff created an authentic world tour experience to help lift morale and keep spirits high throughout the pandemic.

The latest stop on the voyage was the land of love - Italy.

With boarding passes at the ready and the music of Andrea Bocelli and Luciano Pavarotti in full swing, residents arrived, having set sail from Spain last month.

Virtual 'excursions' staff have in store include a Leaning Tower of Pisa tour, stepping aboard a gondola in Venice, and dipping toes in Rome's Trevi Fountain.

Julie Bastable, activities co-ordinator, said: “After our successful voyage to Spain, everyone was excited to retain a theme of sunshine as we made our way to Italy. Having set upon the country of love, it was great for residents to reminisce and romanticise about previous trips with loved-ones.

“We enjoyed the culinary delights that our wonderful chefs created for our residents, with Italy being a country of pure pleasure for the taste buds!

"Who can say no to pizza, pasta, ice cream and tiramisu washed down with a little drop of Limoncello!”

Resident Keith Bennett, 78, said: “I felt as if I was in Italy, it was so realistic.

"I had such a lovely day. The food reminded me of the time I was in Rome at the Leaning Tower of Pisa with my wife.”

Fellow resident 66-year-old Margaret Dawson described the food as ‘amazing’, while 100-year-old Marj Guard reminisced over a trip to Italy many years ago when she visited Saint Peter's Basilica and enjoyed an open-air opera concert.

Dubbed ‘Around the World with Nellsar Cruises’, the virtual ship will dock at a different country each month, with upcoming destinations including France and The Caribbean, before returning to the UK in August.

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