I stayed in Royal Caribbean's 'promenade' cabin for the first time. The window wasn't perfect, but it was worth the upgrade.

Utopia still has classic windowless interior cabins. For guests who want a slight upgrade, the four-month-old mega-ship also has interior staterooms with "virtual balconies" (a large screen displaying a live feed of ocean views) or windows.

My 180-square-foot nest for a three-night Utopia of the Seas cruise in mid-November overlooked the Royal Promenade, a wide mall-like walkway lined with stores, bars, and casual bites.

If you like atrium-style hotels, you'll enjoy this stateroom.

I'd agree. The small sofa adjacent to the window is perfect for perching and crowd-watching while you quietly contemplate which buffet to hit next.

Want to check the line at the pizza slice shop or Starbucks? No need to leave your room — just peek out the window.

The view from the window in an ocean-facing cabin is often the same no matter where you're standing — blue skies and maybe some water.

When I walked away from my window, all I saw was Royal Promenade's ceiling.

The Royal Promenade hosted an 11:30 p.m. dance party during my first night on the ship.

I'm convinced I could sleep through a nuclear war. Yet, the affair stirred me awake at least once.

Thankfully, the other two nights were almost soundless.

The other couch can be converted into a double bed, allowing the stateroom to accommodate a family of four.

There's ample counter space and shelves. However, the room is compact, making it difficult for even two people to maneuver around each other.

The tight floor plan could feel awkward if you're new to cruises.

If this isn't your first Royal Caribbean rodeo, you could be pleasantly surprised by the separate shampoo, conditioner, and body wash minis. (I've sailed on two of its other mega-ships, and neither came with hair conditioner).

Utopia exclusively operates short voyages. As such, its guests would only need to pack for a three- or four-night cruise.

The two tall closets, small wardrobe, and row of hooks under the TV could be ample.

The same goes for the outlets and the USB and USB-C charging ports, of which there are nine in the primary living space.

My carry-on fit comfortably inside the closet, and I only used two of the surprisingly deep shelves for my clothes.

If you don't want to unpack your luggage (it'll be a short cruise, after all), expect to leave your open bags on the two couches.

Or, if you're feeling a bit chaotic, the sizable desk could double as a defacto luggage rack, which was notably absent from the cabin.

The voyage would sail roundtrip from Florida's Port Canaveral to Nassau, Bahamas, and Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The same itinerary offers traditional interiors for about $100 less, while its Central Park-view counterpart is about $30 more expensive.

Surprisingly, the starting cost of an ocean-view cabin is about $15 cheaper. However, it wouldn't be conveniently located mid-ship like the Central Park and Royal Promenade-facing options.

Some cruisers prefer interior staterooms — it's easier to sleep in when there's no sunlight streaming through your windows.

If you're one of them, the Royal Promenade-view cabin would be a great upgrade from a classic interior.

If you're like me, I'd suggest paying more for a Central Park view or saving money with an ocean-facing cabin.

People-watching is fun — maintaining a natural circadian rhythm is even better. Plus, I much prefer disassociating while staring at the ocean than at other people.