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Wellness waves

For over 180 years, Cunard has championed the restorative power of ocean travel, and after a recent study, this is backed by science.

4 min 28 Nov 2024

New ground-breaking research conducted by human understanding agency Walnut on our flagship, Queen Mary 2, confirms that just five days at sea can positively impact various cognitive abilities, such as memory, logical reasoning, perceptual abilities and problem solving, demonstrating that our iconic Transatlantic Crossing significantly benefits mental and emotional wellbeing. 

 

In a first-of-its-kind neuroscience study, the results revealed that our Transatlantic Crossing, combined with our programme of enriching experiences, can increase cognitive abilities by 26%, making guests more alert, focused, and resilient.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard pictured at The Wigmore in London where Cunard announced a partnership with Michelin Star chef Michel Roux. Client: Cunard. Picture date: Tuesday August 8, 2023. Photograph by Christopher Ison © 07544044177 chris@christopherison.com www.christopherison.com IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING IMAGE LICENCING FOR THIS PHOTOGRAPH: This image is supplied to the client under the terms previously agree. No sales are permitted unless expressly agreed in writing by the photographer.

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 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.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard

Our sample

  • 40 guests travelling on the Westbound Transatlantic voyage sailing on 17th October 2024 from Southampton to New York
  • 25 men and 15 women
  • 22 of our sample was under 64
  • Predominately British and American participants 
  • 60% were first time cruisers

Fieldwork

 

Walnut tested a number of cognitive abilities by using biometric tools to measure cognitive and physiological changes before and after five days at sea. These tools were a neurofeedback device, which captures brain's electrical activity, and Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) measurements, which capture physiological arousal through changes in skin conductance produced by sweat.

 

The neurofeedback device measured participants':

  • Ability to relax on demand 
  • Emotional response to imagery 
  • Performance in cognitive tasks surrounding memory, attention, logical and spatial reasoning, and creativity

 

The GSR measured participants' responses to qualitative and quantitative questions about their wellness and mood.

 

As aforementioned, the tests were conducted both before and after 5 days at sea to see whether responses changed between sessions.

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Results

The results were remarkable, showing notable improvements in memory, problem-solving, attention, and overall emotional wellbeing.

 

Better relaxation and lower stress levels

 

The study found that both conscious and objective measures of stress indicate higher relaxation after the cruise. Guests consciously reported feeling better, and those telling us they had been “feeling relaxed’ increased by 158%. Moreover, overall stress levels reduced by 35% on average, as indicated by physiological arousal levels. 

 

Better performance

 

The test discovered an average 26% increase in cognitive abilities such as memory, logical reasoning, perceptual abilities and problem solving. 

  • Memory: A successful recall of words increased by 29% (from 4.8 words to 6.18), indicating enhanced short-term memory performance

  • Problem-solving: Logical and spatial reasoning accuracy increased in the most complex task set by 125%

  • Attention: 14% improvement in focus during visual tasks

 

Physiological wellbeing and emotional responses

 

The study saw physiological indicators that reflected the 26% increase in performance on cognitive tasks, on average it showed a 7% increase in attention, 4% increase in engagement and a 24% decrease in stress levels during the cognitive tasks. Notably, five days on board, guests displayed a greater ability to cope with high cognitive load in the most complex logical task set: with physiological measures of engagement increasing by 28% and stress dropping by 29% for the most complex task

 

Puppies usually trigger a strong emotional reaction in the brain, after travelling on the QM2 for five days guests' brains showed the same emotional response to cruises than they did to puppies (both scoring above the average benchmark for positive brain engagement at 57%) with high cognitive load after their time on board; with physiological measures of engagement and attention increasing by 28% and 4%, respectively, and stress dropping by 29%.

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 on board the world’s only ocean liner, allows the passengers brains to unlock their full potential.

Dr. Jack Lewis, neuroscientist

Beyond the study’s cognitive findings, our unique offering provides an unmatched sanctuary for relaxation and renewal. From captivating lectures by world-renowned experts as part of the Cunard Insights programme to personalised wellness treatments, each element of the voyage is thoughtfully designed to foster wellbeing. This is all complemented by our celebrated White Star Service, ensuring every moment aboard is distinguished by personalised attention and elegance.  

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