MN Man Wins Free Cruise, Gets Stuck With $47K Medical Bill

A Minnesota man from Isanti County was hit with a $47,000 medical bill after falling ill with the flu on a free Caribbean cruise earlier this month.

Mike Cameron and his girlfriend, Tamra Masterman, won the trip aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line Encore, which departed Miami on Jan. 5.

"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," Krystal — Cameron's daughter— wrote on GoFundMe.

"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."

Cameron was treated and released after 63 hours in the medical ward, according to Krystal.

He was later shocked to learn that the treatment cost $47,000, charging two credit cards, which were maxed out. Cameron still owes $21,000, he told FOX 9.

Despite purchasing travel insurance, their $20,000 claim remains unprocessed. Their health insurance also won't cover the costs.

Norwegian told the couple that its pricing is "closely comparable to other cruise lines and is what we believe to be fair and reasonable.

A spokesperson for Norwegian told FOX 9 that the cruise line is looking into whether the charges are typical for flu treatment.

As the couple navigates the ongoing financial burden, they are hoping for a resolution and transparency from Norwegian Cruise Line.

In the meantime, their GoFundMe campaign has gained traction, providing some financial relief during the unexpected challenge.