I bid $100 to upgrade my cabin on Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship. It was worth it to have a window.

• I spent three nights on Royal Caribbean’s latest ship, Utopia of the Seas, in mid-November.
• I used Royal Up to bid $100 for an elevated interior stateroom.
• While not guaranteed, Royal Up is a great way to upgrade your cabin on a budget.

I’m not a gambler, but the one exception is on a cruise.

I’m not talking about the slot machines at the ship’s casino. I’m talking about “Royal Up,” Royal Caribbean’s stateroom upgrade auctions.

Travelers can bid for a higher-end cabin, from upgraded interiors to large suites. In my case, it helped my three-night sailing go from windowless to one with a view — albeit not one you might expect.