Cruising helps increase cognitive function, new study finds
Just five days at sea onboard a cruise ship can increase cognitive abilities such as memory, spatial reasoning, logical thinking and problem solving
This was the conclusion drawn from a neuroscience research project carried out by Cunard onboard Queen Mary 2 to investigate the tangible benefits of slow travel.
The first-of-its-kind study revealed that the line’s transatlantic crossing, combined with tailored onboard programming, can increase cognitive abilities by 26 per cent, making travellers “more alert, focused, and resilient”.
The research, which was conducted by Human Understanding Agency, Walnut, involved 40 international guests who embarked on the sailing from Southampton to New York.
Researchers used biometric tools to measure cognitive and physiological changes before and after five days at sea. The results showed notable improvements in memory, problem-solving, attention, and overall emotional wellbeing.
Key findings included a 29 per cent improvement in word recall, indicating enhanced short-term memory performance; 125 per cent improvement on complex logical and spatial reasoning tasks; and a 14 per cent improvement in focus during visual tasks.
Self-reported relaxation rose by 158 per cent, while overall physiological stress levels decreased by 35 per cent, reflecting the relaxing influence of the voyage.
Time onboard Cunard ship ‘clearly reduced stress’
Neuroscientist Dr Jack Lewis said: “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.”
Katie McAlister, president of Cunard, added: “Our thoughtfully curated enrichment programmes, bespoke wellness experiences, world-class dining, and renown White Star Service combined with the opportunity to unwind and embrace the serenity of the ocean, leave our guests feeling refreshed, inspired and reinvigorated.”
