Norwegian Cruise Line passenger faces massive bill

Cruise ships have medical facilities, but they do not offer free medical care.

When you visit the ship doctor, you’re essentially going into a walk-in clinic that does not take your health insurance. Sometimes, that’s necessary, but the cost should be shocking.

Related: Royal Caribbean keeps stopping in controversial port

Many people saw the recent story of a Royal Caribbean passenger needing a Benadryl but not being willing to pay over $300 for it to the cruise line. That issue was solved by another passenger offering up the drug in order to fight an allergic reaction, but that’s not a viable strategy in most cases.

It’s important to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. You will still have to pay upfront, but you should get reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses.

Frequent cruisers should consider getting an annual travel insurance plan, while single-cruise people can get away with buying just for their sailing. It is, however, very important to know exactly what your insurance covers as you will see in the upcoming story.

Another pricey medical emergency just took place on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. Doug Parker from Cruise News Today has the full story. 

Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise.

Norwegian passenger hit with massive bill

Transcript:

This is Cruise News Today with Doug Parker. 

Good morning. Here’s your cruise news for Friday, January 31. 

A Minnesota man faces a $47,000 infirmary bill after being treated for flu aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship.

Mike Cameron and his girlfriend won a free Caribbean sailing on Norwegian Escape, but were shocked when the cruise line’s infirmary charged two credit cards to cover his care, leaving him with a $21,000 balance. 

Now, the couple did have travel insurance, but coverage issues have delayed the payment. 

Cameron’s primary health insurance has declined coverage because the treatment was not in North America.

NCL told Fox 9 Minneapolis that its prices are competitive to other cruise lines and that they are reviewing the charges. 

A good reminder to always read your travel insurance policy carefully. 

Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.

Carnival ship entires drydock; Cruise terminal improves

And Carnival Sunshine is entering its third week in dry dock over in Marseilles, France for maintenance and upkeep.

The ship is undergoing routine updates, including hull cleaning, a fresh coat of paint, and system checks, but no major renovations are planned. 

The vessel will return to service on February 16, sailing an eight-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Norfolk, Virginia. Sunshine will sail to the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, and New England, and itineraries will be from the Mid-Atlantic.

And speaking of Norfolk, they are investing $12 million to upgrade its Half Moon Cruise Terminal as Carnival Sunshine moves there year-round. The Norfolk City Council approved the project with Phase 1 set for completion by February 11, just ahead of the ship’s first sailing. Improvements include a new waiting area and easier debarkation.

Phase 2, which is expected by next year, will enhance safety and pier logistics. The city expects over 300,000 passengers annually, generating nearly $19 million in economic activity. 

(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)

Have questions about booking a cruise? Schedule a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me’s Travel Agent Partner Postcard Travel Planning or call or text Amy Post at 386-383-2472.

And the photo of the week comes from MJ, Odyssey of the Seas, docked here in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Beautiful day, beautiful picture. You can send yours in photos@cruiseradio.net. All photos are subject to broadcast.

Tips@cruiseradio.net. Have yourself a great weekend.

I’m Doug Parker with Cruise News Today.

Are you taking a cruise or thinking about taking one? Visit our Come Cruise With Me website to have all your questions answered.

#Norwegian #Cruise #Line #passenger #faces #massive #bill