A COUPLE who won a free Caribbean cruise ended the trip nearly bankrupt after being slapped with a massive $47,000 bill.
Mike Cameron and Tamra Masterman had no idea how much their lives would change when they stepped onto the Norwegian Cruise Line Encore ship on January 5.
The couple from Braham, Minnesota, about an hour north of Minneapolis, excitedly traveled to Florida to embark on the trip of a lifetime.
But soon after launching to sea, Cameron contracted the flu, and he was locked in the ship’s medical center for three days getting treatment.
The pair was hesitant about the cost of the intense care, which involved catheters and IVs, but staff told them there was nothing to worry about.
Plus, they had purchased travelers insurance, which could cover up to $20,000 worth of charges.
However, the couple’s hearts sank into their stomachs when the trip came to a close, and they were billed for over double the coverage limit.
At a loss for words at the charge, Cameron said, “I just didn’t know what to do,” Fox affiliate KMSP reported.
In a desperate search for answers, the terrified pair called Norwegian, hoping there was a mistake.
But after the cruise line reviewed the bill, it found no problems and demanded that the pair pay the ridiculous bill.
The traveler’s company was no help either, as it told the couple to look to their health insurance for coverage.
Meanwhile, their health insurance refuses to pay out anything since Cameron technically got care on foreign waters.
While the anxious couple searched for any way to get help, the heartless cruise company maxed out both Cameron and Masterman’s credit cards.
Now, they still owe $21,000 and are considering filing for bankruptcy.
Masterman was recently diagnosed with cancer and had to get surgery to remove a mass from her lungs, Cameron’s daughter wrote on Facebook.
Now that this latest financial blow has hit the already-suffering pair, their future looks grim.
Masterman criticized the cruise line on Facebook for charging them an exorbitant amount and requiring them to isolate in the medical bay.
She said she regretted getting care from them instead of getting off the ship at the British Virgin Islands for help.
At first, Norwegian stood by its pricing, and said it was competitive with other cruise lines.
Now, the company is taking a second look at the life-ruining bill, a spokesperson told KMSP.
A GoFundMe has been started for the couple to help pay off some of their debts.
In a comment, Cameron thanked her loving community for coming together in their time of need.
“We have not received any communication from Norwegian Cruise Line or any insurers, but we appreciate the support in spreading the message,” she posted on the GoFundMe page.
“Let’s take back our right to travel safely and knowledgeable.”
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Norwegian for an update on the bill.
Full GoFundMe statement
“Hi, my name is Krystal. I am asking for donations to help relieve my father, Mike Cameron, and his significant other, Tami Masterman, with their recent medical bills.
Most recently, they won a weeklong cruise on Norwegian Encore from the Norwegian Cruise Lines. They were super stoked to go on this as it was going to be a celebratory vacation for Tami’s recent diagnosis of lung cancer, which resulted in surgery to remove a mass from her lungs this past October 2024.
During the cruise, Mike Cameron fell ill, and his oxygen levels dropped significantly, resulting in having to be admitted into the cruise’s medical ICU. At that time, he received oxygen, had a catheter placed (incorrectly), IV medications, and x-rays. Mike and Tami were then informed of a diagnosis of Influenza A and “possible pneumonia” (which was never confirmed). After his first night’s treatments, his oxygen improved, and he felt well enough that he could quarantine in his room from there on out. Mike spent a total of 4 days in the medical ward and asked to be released each day, which they refused and would not remove his IVs or catheter.
After buying traveler’s insurance, Norwegian Cruise Line’s medical secretary reassured Mike and Tami that they are “covered for $20,000” and “no problem, not to worry” that they are covered. On the last day of the cruise, they received a medical bill totaling $47,638.79. Norwegian Cruise Line took it upon themselves to max out both of their credit cards that were on file, totaling around $26,000.
At this point, neither their traveler’s insurance nor their personal health insurance will cover the medical treatments received. Their traveler’s insurance wants their personal insurance to pay first, but their insurance states it’s “abroad” and not within their network.
All money earned will go to help out with their medical expenses.”
Source: GoFundMe
