Slow travel at sea—as little as five days, in fact—can positively impact various cognitive abilities, such as memory, logical reasoning, perceptual abilities, and problem-solving. This, according to neuroscience research conducted aboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 to explore the tangible benefits of slow travel.
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 percent, 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, shows that this way of travel offers a 29 percent improvement in short-term memory recall, a 125 percent increase in complex problem-solving ability and a 14 percent improvement in attention levels. Participants also experienced a 158 percent increase in perceived relaxation, with the number of people describing themselves as “relaxed”; overall physiological stress levels decreased by 35 percent.
Slow Travel is a Stress Reliever
Dr. Jack Lewis, a neuroscientist, commented on the findings, in a press release statement, “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.”
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.”
