- Cunard, the luxury cruise line, unveils pioneering neuroscience
research conducted aboard the iconic Queen Mary 2 to explore the
tangible benefits of slow travel.
- An international study involving 40 guests on a Transatlantic
Crossing revealed that just five days at sea can increase cognitive
abilities such as memory, spatial reasoning, logical thinking, and
problem-solving on average by 26%.
- Findings highlighted an impressive 29% improvement in
short-term memory recall, a 125% increase in complex
problem-solving ability, and a 14% improvement in attention
levels.
- Participants also experienced a 158% increase in perceived
relaxation, with the number of people describing themselves as
"relaxed," underscoring the rejuvenating effects of Cunard's luxury
voyages.
VALENCIA, Calif., Nov. 25,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- For more than 180 years, Cunard
has championed the restorative power of ocean travel. New
ground-breaking research conducted on Cunard's 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
Cunard's Transatlantic Crossing significantly benefits mental and
emotional wellbeing.
In a first-of-its-kind neuroscience study, the results revealed
that Cunard's Transatlantic Crossing, combined with their program
of enriching experiences, can increase cognitive abilities by 26%,
making travelers more alert, focused, and resilient.
The study, conducted by Human Understanding Agency, Walnut,
involved 40 guests from around the world embarking on the iconic
Transatlantic Crossing from Southampton to New
York. Researchers used biometric tools to measure cognitive
and physiological changes before and after five days at sea. The
results were remarkable, showing notable improvements in memory,
problem-solving, attention, and overall emotional well-being.
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 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."
Beyond the study's cognitive findings, Cunard's unique offering
provides an unmatched sanctuary for relaxation and renewal. From
captivating lectures by world-renowned experts as part of the
Cunard Insights program to personalized wellness treatments, each
element of the voyage is thoughtfully designed to foster
well-being. This is all complemented by Cunard's celebrated
White Star Service, ensuring every moment aboard is distinguished
by personalized attention and elegance.
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 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."
For more information about Cunard or to book a voyage, contact
your Travel Advisor, call Cunard at 1-800-728-6273, or visit
www.cunard.com.
For Travel Advisors interested in further information, please
contact your Business Development Manager, visit
OneSourceCruises.com, or call Cunard at 1-800-528-6273.
NOTES TO EDITORS
The neuroscience study was conducted
by Walnut Unlimited. 40 guests traveling on the Queen Mary 2 from
Southampton to New York on October 18,
2024, took part in the study. Two tests were performed on
either the day before or the first day aboard and another 5-6 days
later towards the end of the sailing. The study used a combination
of self-report and biometric measures to monitor
psycho-physiological reactions using a neurofeedback device to
measure and record the natural electrical activity of the brain and
a Galvanic Skin Response Recorder (also known as GSR) to measure
and record the natural electrical resistance of the skin.
Further images can be downloaded here:
https://we.tl/t-2jeggkkNxP
About Cunard
Cunard is a luxury British cruise line,
renowned for creating unforgettable experiences around the world.
Cunard has been a leading operator of passenger ships since 1840,
celebrating an incredible 184 years of operation. The Cunard
experience is built on fine dining, hand-selected entertainment,
and outstanding White Star service. From a partnership with a
two-Michelin starred chef, to inspiring guest speakers, to world
class theatre productions, every detail has been meticulously
crafted to make the experience unforgettable. A pioneer in
transatlantic journeys and round world voyages, destinations sailed
to also include Europe, the
Caribbean, Alaska, the Far East and Australia.
There are currently four Cunard ships, Queen Mary 2,
Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and new ship, Queen Anne, entered service in May 2024. This investment is part of the
company's ambitious plans for the future of Cunard globally and
will be the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships
in simultaneous service. Cunard is based at Carnival House in
Southampton and has been owned
since 1998 by Carnival Corporation &
plc. www.cunard.com (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).
Photography
Photos are available in our image library,
Asset Bank:
https://cunard.assetbank-server.com/
Please note, once directed to the page you will need to
"Register for an account." Your request may take up to 24 hours for
approval to access the library of assets. You will be notified via
email to complete your registration.
Social
Media
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cunard
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cunardline
YouTube: www.youtube.com/wearecunard
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cunardline
For additional information about Cunard, contact:
Jackie Chase,
Cunard, jchase@cunard.com
Cindy Adams, cindy@mgamediagroup.com
About Walnut Unlimited
Walnut Unlimited, blend
scientific expertise - neuroscience, data science and behavioural
science with the very best of quantitative and qualitative research
to understand human decision making.
They work with some of the world's best-known brands - unlocking
human understanding to drive better, human centred decisions, that
will bring people closer to brands and bring about positive
behaviour change.
About Dr Jack Lewis
Dr
Jack is a neuroscientist dedicated to making brain science
accessible. His research on sensory integration and brain function
has been published in leading journals, and he's authored
bestsellers like Sort Your Brain Out as well as The Science of
Sin. A seasoned broadcaster, Dr Jack has hosted Secrets of the
Brain and appeared on BBC, Sky, and Discovery. As a speaker
and consultant, he shares neuroscience insights to inspire
audiences and drive innovation across industries. Passionate about
STEM, he bridges science and storytelling to engage the widest
possible audience.
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SOURCE Cunard
