There’s romance in the night’s sky. You just have to know when to look for it. Meteorologists point out 3 must-see astronomical phenomena starting on April 16th. If you are out at sea during this time—especially in the Northern Hemisphere—then you will have an unparalleled view of these cosmic phenomena.
1. The Lyrids Meteor Shower
The annual meteor shower runs from April 16–25th and peaks before dawn on Monday, April 22. The Lyrids Meteor Shower produces between 15–20 meteors per hour. At times, the meteor shower can intensify to produce up to 100 meteors per hour. These “outbursts” are hard to predict, so keep your eyes peeled!
As to where you can see this beautiful phenomenon, the meteors will streak away from a point referred to as the “radiant” near the bright Vega star, which will be high in the eastern sky before dawn.
Meteorologists expect that the Lyrids Meteor Shower will join a bright Gibbous Moon (a romantic sight in itself). Even with a bright moon in the sky, when the radiant is at its peak the meteor shower will be clearly visible.
If you’re out at sea between April 16th–25th then chances are you’ll have a perfect view. If you are inland at this time, you can still enjoy the Lyrids Meteor Shower. For instance, if you’re at port in Fort Lauderdale waiting for any of these cruises to embark, you’re in a great place to relax on a beach and witness this incredible sight!
Note for Southern Hemisphere observers: Because this meteor shower’s radiant point is so far north on the sky’s dome, you’ll see fewer Lyrid meteors. For the best experience, try watching between midnight and dawn on April 22nd or 23rd.
2. Pink Moon
What’s more romantic than traveling abroad on a transatlantic or southern Caribbean cruise with a bright full moon overhead? On the night of April 19th, around 8:12 PM ET, April’s Pink Moon will peak. Despite the name, the moon is not pink in color. It actually got its name because it arises when the first wildflowers—the pink phlox flower—blooms in North America. However, despite the slightly misleading name, this sight is definitely worth experiencing.
3. Jupiter Retrograde
The Jupiter Retrograde takes place between April and August but peaks on Tuesday, April 23rd.
On the morning of April 23rd, a waning Gibbous Moon and Jupiter—the planet of wisdom, luck, and progress—will travel the cosmos side-by-side. Talk about a great photo opportunity!
Though slightly less of a visual experience than the Lyrids Meteor Shower, Jupiter Retrograde brings good tidings. From a zodiac perspective, the Jupiter Retrograde is a chance to reflect on new, mind-expanding experiences. If you need help finding such an experience, check out Royal Caribbean’s Whale Shark Encounter and Snorkel Shore Excursion in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula!
View our list of excursion options at your destination here.
Whether you have a vacation planned during this time or embark on a spontaneous cruise, the month of April will be filled with romantic sights for travelers in all directions, oceans, and seaports.
Find a port near you and choose from several incredible offers!
