What type of cabin should I book?

the right cabin choice can completely impact how relaxed and comfortable you feel onboard. In the guide, I break down: When an interior cabin makes sense; When it may be worth splurging for a balcony; The cabin locations I personally recommend avoiding; Small room details that can make a huge difference on a solo trip

Bold Enough to Book It: Why More Women Over 40 Are Choosing Solo Cruises

Cheryl Freudenreich

Jul 12

5 min read

Updated: Jul 21

Greece seaside photo — One of my favorite travel memories from Greece. Standing here, looking out over the crystal-clear water, I was reminded that some of life's most unforgettable moments begin with simply being bold enough to book the trip.

There’s something incredibly empowering about realizing you don’t have to wait for the “perfect timing” to take the trip you’ve been dreaming about.

More and more women over 40 are discovering the freedom, confidence, and excitement that comes with solo cruising — and honestly? It’s easy to see why.

Imagine waking up to ocean views, exploring beautiful destinations at your own pace, and spending your vacation doing exactly what you want to do. No negotiating schedules. No compromising on activities. Just freedom, adventure, and the kind of peace that feels almost impossible to find in everyday life.

Solo cruising isn’t about being alone. It’s about choosing yourself.

And sometimes, the hardest part isn’t the cruise itself…

It’s simply being bold enough to book it.

Why Solo Cruising After 40 Feels Different

By this stage in life, many women know what they enjoy — and what they don’t.

You’ve spent years balancing responsibilities, schedules, careers, family, and everyone else’s needs. Solo travel gives you the opportunity to experience something purely for yourself.

Want to sleep in? Go for it.

Want to spend hours by the pool with a frozen drink? Absolutely.

Want to explore a new port, take photos at sunset, or order dessert twice? Nobody’s stopping you.

There’s a confidence that comes from realizing you are fully capable of navigating the world on your own — and enjoying every second of it.

Cruises Are Actually Perfect for Solo Travelers

One of the reasons cruises are such a great option for first-time solo travelers is that everything is designed to make travel easier.

Your accommodations, dining, entertainment, and transportation are all in one place. You can be as social or as relaxed as you want to be. Some days you may meet amazing people. Other days you may simply enjoy quiet moments with coffee, ocean air, and zero obligations.

And honestly? That balance is part of the magic.

Solo cruising gives you the freedom to travel independently while still feeling comfortable, safe, and supported along the way.

A Few Things Most First-Time Solo Cruisers Don’t Realize

One of the biggest surprises for many women?

You don’t have to “feel fearless” before you go.

Confidence often happens because you take the trip — not before it.

Inside Bold Enough to Book It, here are some of the things I cover:

The Cabin Tip That Can Completely Change Your Experience

Many first-time solo cruisers automatically assume they need the cheapest cabin possible because they’ll “barely be in the room.”

But depending on your personality and travel style, the right cabin choice can completely impact how relaxed and comfortable you feel onboard.

In the guide, I break down:

When an interior cabin makes sense
When it may be worth splurging for a balcony
The cabin locations I personally recommend avoiding
Small room details that can make a huge difference on a solo trip

The Packing Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes

Overpacking is practically a cruise tradition.

But solo cruising feels much easier when you pack intentionally instead of packing “just in case” outfits you’ll never wear.

Inside the e-book, I share:

What you actually need for a cruise
The items most people forget
What’s worth carrying onboard instead of checking
The cruise essentials that make life easier in your cabin
The one item many solo travelers say helped them feel more comfortable immediately onboard

Dining Alone Isn’t Nearly as Awkward as You Think

This is one of the biggest worries women mention before their first solo cruise.

But here’s the truth most people discover quickly:

Nobody is paying nearly as much attention as you think they are

Cruises are full of couples, families, friend groups, and yes — solo travelers. Once you settle in, dining solo often starts feeling peaceful instead of intimidating.

Inside the guide, I also share:

Easy ways to feel more comfortable dining solo
Tips for choosing dining styles that fit your personality
Simple conversation starters if you want to meet people
How to balance social time with quiet recharge

The Questions Most Women Have Before Their First Solo Cruise

Even when you’re excited, it’s completely normal to have questions before booking your first solo cruise.

What should I pack?
Which cruise line is best for solo travelers?
Is it awkward dining alone?
What type of cabin should I book?
How do excursions work for solo travelers?
What should I bring that most people forget?
How can I feel more confident before embarkation day?

That’s exactly why I created my e-book:

Bold Enough to Book It: Solo Cruising After 40

A Woman’s Guide to Planning, Packing & Sailing with Confidence

This guide was created to help women feel prepared, confident, and excited about taking that first solo cruise — without feeling overwhelmed by information overload.

Inside, you’ll learn:

How to confidently plan your first solo cruise
What to pack (and what you can skip)
Smart safety and comfort tips
How to choose the right cabin and cruise style
Ways to reduce stress before embarkation day
Cruise habits that make solo travel easier
Practical tips that help you feel more relaxed and confident onboard

And of course… there’s a little bit of Sunsets & Salty Shenanigans™ sprinkled throughout.

You Don’t Need Permission To See The World

One of the most empowering things about solo travel is realizing you don’t need to put your dreams on hold waiting for someone else’s schedule, budget, or availability to line up perfectly.

You are allowed to take the trip.

You are allowed to explore.

You are allowed to experience joy, adventure, rest, and excitement — simply because you want to.

Sometimes confidence doesn’t appear before the journey.

Sometimes it’s built because you decided to take the first step anyway.

Ready to Feel More Confident About Solo Cruising?

Whether you’re actively planning your first solo cruise or just starting to imagine the possibility, this guide was created to help you feel informed, prepared, and excited for the adventure ahead.

Because your next chapter might just begin with a boarding pass.

Your first solo cruise can feel exciting, empowering, and unforgettable — especially when you know exactly how to prepare for it. This guide will help you plan smarter, pack better, and cruise with confidence.

Get Bold Enough to Book It