Inside cabins have long been the choice of the budget-watcher, but not having a view of what’s outside can be a little depressing. Royal Caribbean has installed floor-to-ceiling “windows” in inside cabins, with 80-inch LED screens that project the view from on deck. Not only do you get more light, you’ll also see the views in real time when you’re sailing into port.

Lounge 270, touted as the most expensive room on any ship ever, has robotic screens that become a part of the show, and the Bionic Bar has two robot bartenders. These may not change the nature of cruising, but they add to a futuristic atmosphere onboard and they sure are fun to watch.

The line’s most inventive restaurant, Wonderland, uses science to transform dishes into playful takes on classics. The setting may be a bit over the top, but the concepts are whimsical and fun and the food, fortunately, tastes great, too. Look for “noodles” that magically melt into the soup, and “olives” that explode in your mouth.

Cruise ships have long lagged way behind land-based resorts in terms of Wi-Fi speed, access, and affordability. With new upgrades, Royal Caribbean aims to start closing the gap. Passengers who are addicted to Facebook or Instagram and can’t imagine posting their pictures as “latergrams” will appreciate the decrease in price and increase in speed. Those who miss friends and family back home will welcome the ability to Skype from a lounge chair by the pool. Movie and TV lovers will enjoy being able to watch what they want with the new streaming video capability. It is absolutely a step in the right direction.

Anyone who has queued up at the terminal in a line that snakes around the building will think we must be joking. Fortunately, we’re not. A new process allows passengers to — get this — basically check themselves in before arriving. This was our fastest boarding time ever (we were up on deck in no time at all). And it was much more pleasant to upload a photo at home and be able to control the image than to have one taken on the gangway, when you may be disheveled after traveling.