Have You Ever Been on a Moon Cruise?

Written by Tawny May

​I’ve always loved and been fascinated by the moon. I think it’s so cool that it has no ozone layer and if anything hits it, a crater is left (even by objects the size of a peanut!). I find the different phases beautiful and I thoroughly enjoy tracking them—the exact names and stages of the waxing or waning processes. But my favorite part of the moon is the classic Hollywood staring-at-the-moon-thinking-of-your-lover idea. There’s something so romantic about that floating orb in the sky; the moon just encourages love, intimacy, and closeness. Sometimes Hollywood will show people in completely different places looking at the same moon and thinking of each other, but what’s even better is being in the same place looking at the same moon…and enjoying it together.

My sweet husband has a little tradition that he’s shared with me, and I write about this with his permission. For years he and his sister or friends have taken what they call a “moon cruise.” A moon cruise is a set aside time with good company and the dedicated purpose of finding a secluded spot with a view that allows you to appreciate the full moon.

When we were “just friends” (we really were though), my husband told me about moon cruises—warm summer nights sitting on lawn chairs with his sister, strumming his guitar up Emigration Canyon, loving on the full moon’s reflection over the lake. Sounds blissful, right? Imagine the beauty of doing this with your lover.

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Moon cruises don’t need to be long nor do they require much—lawn/camping chairs or a blanket; a guitar or some tunes (or no music at all and just great conversations?); maybe some snacks; and your person. Sit closely talking (or kissing I guess), and I promise-- a) you’ll be amazed how quickly time passes, b) the serene setting will be great for open, meaningful dialogue about your overall relationship, and c) you’ll end up leaving feeling closer and more connected to each other.

There’s really no right or wrong way to do a moon cruise. The biggest thing is just doing it and using your surroundings to allow for the fullest full moon enjoyment. It’s easy: drive through the closest canyon, head to a remote/private spot in the mountains or hills, take your spouse to the tallest building’s roof, or the nearest park, lake, river, tree house (you name it!) to stare at the full moon and focus on each other. Some ski resorts even offer full moon lift rides; this will most likely cost you (date night!), but getting high up in the mountains seeing the full moon shed light on the sea of trees? Priceless. Add to that cuddling with your sweetheart talking about life…what could honestly be better?

READ: 10 REASONS YOU AND YOUR SPOUSE NEED A ROMANTIC GETAWAY
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A few more ideas would be going to hangout on the dock near the water’s edge, sitting on a bridge by the river (no music needed there), or simply taking your car out to an open area that will allow optimal full moon admiration! (My husband and I have even stayed our bums in our car, sunroof open, windows down, seats reclined for a few moon cruises!)

You really can do a moon cruise anywhere you can see the moon. I know it sounds so simple (almost too simple), but when was the last time you did something like this? Be intentional: set aside the time to enjoy the natural beauty the moon brings and watch it nurture your marriage.

​The next full moon is coming right up. I hope you’ll get out there and enjoy a night under the stars and shiny moon with the one that makes your heart beat fast.

For your convenience, here’s the full moon schedule for the rest of 2016:

July 19th

August 18th

September 16th (Lunar eclipse, too!)

October 16th

November 14th

December 14th

Photo credit top photo: Jason Corey Photography

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