A new neuroscience study undertaken onboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 ship has found that just 5 days spent cruising at sea can have significant positive effect on the human brain – such as improving memory and logical thinking, the ability to solve problems, and lessening stress levels.
The study – undertaken with passengers on the ship – found a near 30% improvement rate in short-term memory, a huge 125% increase in the ability to solve complex problems and a 14% improvement in attention levels. There was also a huge improvement in relaxation levels and lower stress levels.
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “This study reinforces what we have always known – a Cunard voyage is much more than just a holiday.”
“Our thoughtfully curated enrichment programs, 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.”
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 passengers’ 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.”
