Mini-golf has become a popular cruise amenity. As such, Utopia of the Seas' nautical-themed course can amass a crowd of eager participants during the day.

For a more unique experience — and to avoid a long wait — go back at night.

At sundown, the nine holes light up like a colorful Christmas tree. The veins of the giant octopus cascade a bright rainbow, while the coral-like blobs become a pinball machine that lights up when hit by golf balls.

Almost every Utopia of the Seas itinerary includes a stop at Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. There, guests can spend their sunny afternoon at the 14-slide waterpark, where tickets can cost more than $100 per person.

Or, just stay on the ship and entertain yourself with the three free waterslides.

Two are racing slides, perfect for couples and siblings, while the other brings riders around a bright orange toilet bowl-like funnel.

Don't enjoy waterslides? Why not try dry ones, known as the Ultimate Abyss?

The dual racing slides span 10 decks — starting on deck 16's open-air activities area and ending on the Boardwalk.

Throughout the roughly 19-second descent, riders experience twists, turns, transparent tubes, and 300 twinkling LED lights.

It was my favorite way to travel from the ship's upper to lower decks. If I had it my way, I would've spent all afternoon on it.

Table tennis? One of the most common cruise ship amenities?

Hear me out — the ones on Utopia of the Seas were the best I've seen.

There's nothing worse than running after one of those elusive white balls or trying to play against a windy day.

To prevent both, the new ship's three ping-pong tables are surrounded by tall glass walls, shielding them from the elements while keeping the balls contained in the "arena."

It's a small but thoughtful design, great for novice players who spend more time running around for the ball than actually hitting it (like me).

The mega-ship has 16 bars, many of which you can find on other Oasis-class ships.

The one exception to this is Pesky Parrot, a new tiki-themed watering hole.

A few "Teqkil-ya Zombie" and "Pain Chillers" drinks in, and the dollar bills hanging from the ceiling, frozen drink machines, and brightly patterned decor will make you forget you're on a ship.

And yes, there's actually a pesky robotic parrot quipping sassy one-liners.

Cocktails cost $10 to $14, with most on the pricier side. Wines run between $8 and $16 a glass, while beers and seltzers start at about $7.50.

I don't often enjoy cruise shows. Yet, Utopia of the Seas had some of the best entertainment I've seen at sea.

If figure skating is your favorite winter Olympic sport, you'll enjoy the "Youtopia" show on ice. The rink is small — maybe dangerously so — but it still delivers twirls and jumps, along with projections that turn the ice into an ever-evolving set.

Speaking of jumps, if you prefer watching the summer Olympic diving event, head to the Aquatheater for "Aqua80too." The swim, dance, and dive show — set to a nostalgic hit 1980s soundtrack — also sprinkles in some impressive slackliners and tightrope walkers.

Even the "All In" song-and-dance production was better than expected, bolstered by the unexpected acrobatics, detailed costumes, and a high-tech set.

When the breakfast lines at Windjammer buffet are too long, head to the Solarium Bistro. There, you'll have the same food options while contending with fewer crowds.

The dining tables also extend into the neighboring adult-only Solarium, mimicking an al-fresco dining experience.

At night, the restaurant adopts a Mediterranean and Californian-inspired menu with options like hummus, Greek salad, and chicken kebab.

The ship has 27 dining venues, from the poolside ice cream kiosk to the $150 per person omakase.

The cafeteria-style Park Cafe is what the kids might call a "sleeper hit."

At first glance, its soups, sandwiches, desserts, and build-your-own salad bar might not seem craveable. Yet, I found myself repeatedly stopping by, seeking a light afternoon salad to counteract the ship's otherwise heavy meals.

Grab a table outside — Park Cafe is located in Central Park, a calm, plant-filled neighborhood removed from the chaos of the pool deck.

If you do, you could save hundreds of dollars on a more deluxe cabin — like me.

My $100 bet on an upgraded stateroom saved me an estimated $250. It was worth it.

The three-night vacation sailed roundtrip from Port Canaveral, Florida, to Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

I opted for the cheapest accommodation option: an interior cabin assigned by the cruise line. Naturally, I was given a forward windowless stateroom with a "virtual balcony," a TV screen that displays ocean views.

That is, until my Royal Up bet paid off.

The minimum bid was $50, while a bet with a "fair" chance of winning fell around $130 to $160. The middle of the dial was $500.

Some bidders online have reported winning with bids $25 to $100 above the minimum, while others said they've never been selected.

I took my chances on $100 ($50 per person)— and it was a success.

I was upgraded to a cabin with a window overlooking the Royal Promenade, an indoor mall-like walkway.

For that, it was worth the gamble.

Utopia of the Seas' most affordable 2025 itinerary is a three-night voyage to Nassau, Bahamas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Interior, dual occupancy cabins start at about $655 per person.

If you want one like mine — with a view of the Royal Promenade — you'll have to pay $175 more.

Or opt for the thrill of the bid. If you put down as much as I did ($50 per person), and it's a success, you could save $125 per head.

Just don't go overboard. It wouldn't have been worth it if I had bet the suggested mid-tier of $500.

The two accommodations have nearly identical amenities. Both come with a cramped bathroom, desk, king bed, and couch that can convert into a bed.

Both have closets and wardrobes for storage, too. Mine were particularly spacious for a ship that only operates short vacations (Utopia of the Seas exclusively sails three- and four-night cruises).

My upgraded cabin had a real window (yay!). However, it faced the indoor Royal Promenade, which meant I still didn't have any natural light.

With this came an additional sofa, perfect for perching and people-watching.

In retrospect, I would've preferred a window that let in natural light, such as a Central Park-facing cabin.

But a win is a win.

Royal Caribbean's Royal Up is worth trying if you don't love the cabin you had originally booked. Nothing is more exciting than the thrill of a successful gamble. And if you play your cards right, you could save hundreds of dollars.

In the worst case, you keep your original accommodation. In the best case, you'll spend your next cruise luxuriating in a swankier cabin — on a budget, no less.