10 Costly Surprises Cruise Lines Don't Want First-Time Passengers to Find Out

Are you looking for a travel experience that lets you hop between multiple destinations without driving hundreds of miles or standing in endless airport lines? A cruise might be your answer. It's one of the most relaxing ways to travel on a budget while still enjoying plenty of amenities and experiences.

That said, cruise lines are big businesses, and like any business, their main goal is to make money. If you're not careful, extra costs can sneak up on you fast.

To avoid overspending or disappointment on your first cruise, be mindful of these 10 things a cruise line may not want you to know. You can protect your wallet and improve your trip.

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"All-inclusive" doesn't mean unlimited. Unless you're booking with a true luxury line, your fare usually covers the basics — think buffet meals, casual dining, and onboard entertainment.

Some extras you might have to pay for include alcohol and premium activities, and they can add up quickly. Experts say you'll want to budget $90 per passenger per day in addition to your base fare, or more, depending on your cruise line and preferences.

When you purchase your cruise ticket, you may be excited to enjoy gourmet dining experiences. However, this base fare generally includes options such as the buffet, main dining room menu, and casual eateries, but not specialty restaurants or experiential dining experiences.

One dinner at an onboard steakhouse can cost $70 per person, for instance, excluding additional add-ons. If dining is important to you, be sure to factor these meals into your budget.

Onboard Wi-Fi usually comes at a price. Carnival offers limited plans starting at $18.70 per person per day, and an unlimited package on Princess cruises starts at $24.99 per device.

To save, consider buying an internet package ahead of time instead of while onboard, or wait until you dock to access free Wi-Fi onshore. And most importantly, put your phone on airplane mode once you board to avoid a roaming bill.

A family of four in a single cabin could see more than $70 per day in service fees added to their bill, which can be a shock to many first-time cruise travelers.

There are promotions, however, that include free gratuities as a booking incentive. You may also find prepaid bundle pricing that includes cruise tips, Wi-Fi charges, and an onboard drink package. These packages can save you up to 70% per person per day.

Depending on your interests, shore excursions quickly add up. If you want to take a helicopter to walk on a glacier for an hour, expect to pay $550 or more. Most options are over $100 per person.

Yes, these excursions can be very pricey, but they don't need to be. Some cruise lines and travel agents offer onboard credits that can be used to book excursions. You can also book excursions privately, which means you cut out the cruise line middleman.

Once you're onboard, be prepared for a constant push to upgrade. And even before you board, it's not uncommon for cruise lines to use customer data to create personalized email offers.

Some travelers are surprised by how aggressive the onboard upselling tactics can be, including daily mail and flyers sent to their rooms. Go in knowing your budget, and remain polite, but firm.

If you're looking forward to relaxing in the spa, be prepared to pay the price. A single massage can cost up to $300, and then an 18% gratuity is added to the final price.

Multi-day spa passes often feel wasteful, especially on port-heavy cruises where you're not on the ship as much. Instead, take advantage of free amenities, like Carnival's complimentary saunas.

Those sparkling pool photos in the brochures? Reality often looks more like a packed party. It doesn't help that cruise ship pools are notoriously small, which is a safety consideration to maintain the vessel's stability — and they fill up fast.

If you love the pool and aren't planning excursions, hang back and enjoy a dip while the ship is in port.

Drink packages on cruises are expensive, and they often make sense only if you're a big spender in the bar. On a Carnival cruise, expect to pay $88.44 per person, per day, which must be purchased for the entire duration of the voyage. Will you drink nearly $620 in alcohol on a seven-day cruise?

If you like to have the odd drink, on average, you'll pay around $8 for a beer and $14 for a glass of wine.

If you're someone who wants to enjoy a couple of mid-day mimosas or a glass or two of wine, some cruise lines allow you to bring one sealed 750-milliliter bottle. If you consume this bottle in a public area, you will likely incur a corkage fee.

Some cruise lines allow you to bring two bottles of wine or six beers per adult, including Disney Cruise Line, while others, like Viking, don't limit quantities or charge cork fees.

If you want to enjoy some of the extra perks on your first cruise, there are ways to reduce your initial base fare. Take advantage of early-bird offers, book last-minute to score deals if your schedule is flexible, and compare packages. And always read the fine print.

And if you want to stretch your savings even further, consider paying with one of the top travel credit cards to rack up points, perks, and rewards while you sail.