For over 180 years, Cunard has championed the restorative power of ocean travel. New research conducted on Cunard’s flagship, Queen Mary 2, shows that just five days at sea can boost cognitive abilities like memory, logical thinking, perception and problem-solving. This proves that Cunard’s iconic transatlantic cruises have significant benefits for mental and emotional well-being.
In a first-of-its-kind neuroscience study, results showed that the transatlantic crossing, combined with Cunard’s enriching onboard experiences, can improve cognitive abilities by 26%. Guests reported feeling more focused, alert and resilient after their journey.
The study, carried out by Human Understanding Agency, Walnut, involved 40 guests from around the world travelling from Southampton to New York. Using advanced biometric tools, researchers measured guests’ cognitive and physiological changes before and after the five-day voyage. The findings revealed remarkable improvements in memory, attention, problem-solving and overall emotional well-being, confirming the rejuvenating power of life at sea.
Key findings included:
- Memory: A 29% improvement in word recall, indicating enhanced short-term memory performance
- Problem-solving: 125% improvement in complex logical and spatial reasoning tasks
- Attention: 14% improvement in focus during visual tasks
- Relaxation: Self-reported relaxation rose by 158%, while overall physiological stress levels decreased by 35%, reflecting the relaxing influence of the voyage
Dr Jack Lewis, a neuroscientist, commented on the findings: “What stands out for me in this study is how neatly all the pieces fit together. The passenger's time on the ship clearly reduced their stress levels based on subjective and objective measures. The main stress hormone, cortisol, is well-known in the science research literature to interfere with various cognitive processes.
“So, the boost in memory and logical reasoning capacity identified in this study is likely to be attributed to the stress-relieving impact of ocean travel. This, combined with the amazing array of stimulating activities onboard the world’s only ocean liner, allows the passenger's brains to unlock their full potential.”
Cunard offers more than just cognitive benefits - it provides the perfect enirovnment for relaxation and renewal. Guests can enjoy inspiring lectures from world-class experts through the Cunard Insights programme and indulge in personalised wellness treatments designed to enhance their wellbeing. All of this is paired with Cunard’s renowned White Star Service, delivering exceptional attention and elegance throughout the voyage, making every moment onboard truly special.
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, added: “This study reinforces what we have always known – a Cunard voyage is much more than just a holiday. Our thoughtfully curated enrichment programmes, bespoke wellness experiences, world-class dining, and renowned White Star Service, combined with the opportunity to unwind and embrace the serenity of the ocean, leave our guests feeling refreshed, inspired and reinvigorated.”
