“Don’t Get Sick on a Cruise Ship”: Passenger’s Horror Story Goes Viral
A recent Norwegian Cruise Line passenger says their dream vacation turned into a nightmare when an unexpected illness left them not only feeling miserable but also facing a staggering onboard medical bill.
Posting in the r/mildlyinfuriating subreddit, the traveler warned others, “Don’t get sick on a cruise ship,” sharing a photo of their itemized charges. The bill totaled an eye-watering $9,750.86 — enough to give anyone a second wave of nausea.
According to the breakdown, the bulk of the cost — about $8,761 — came from 21 separate medical tests. Medications added another $618.59, while supplies tacked on $380.27. The exact illness wasn’t disclosed, but the extensive testing suggests it wasn’t a minor case of seasickness.
One commenter reacted in disbelief to the charges: “Over $100 to slap a fingertip pulse ox sensor on you?? What is this nightmare?” Another noted their neighbor once had to be airlifted off a cruise ship, but avoided similar bills thanks to comprehensive travel insurance.
Many commenters expressed the importance of travel insurance. “This is why you never – NEVER – travel outside the country without insurance” said one in particular.
Medical care onboard cruise ships can be notoriously expensive, with costs climbing quickly for tests, treatments, and medications — especially for passengers without insurance coverage. Norwegian Cruise Line’s onboard medical centers are equipped to handle a range of emergencies, but all services come at an additional cost.
How to Reduce Your Risk of Getting Sick on a Cruise
Experts say preventing illness in the first place is your best defense against a sky-high bill.
- Wash and sanitize your hands frequently. Dr. Shalom Sokolow of Northwell’s Phelps Hospital notes that infectious diseases spread quickly in the close quarters of a cruise ship.
- Be careful at buffets. Dr. Eric Ascher of Lenox Hill Hospital warns that shared utensils can help norovirus and other bugs spread fast.
- Consider travel insurance. Coverage that includes medical expenses and evacuation could save you thousands in an emergency.
For this passenger, the souvenir they took home wasn’t a T-shirt or seashell — it was a hefty invoice that may take far longer to recover from than their illness.
