Celebrity Cruise Passenger Claims Ship Medics Gave Her HIV Infected Blood During Transfusion

A Celebrity Cruise passenger is suing the cruise line after the ship’s medic gave her a blood transfusion from a donor with HIV.

While on a seven-day cruise, which set sail on December 4th, 2021, the woman became ill on day five. After going to the medical center, doctors found that she was suffering from rectal bleeding. Further examination discovered that she had a gastrointestinal hemorrhage and would need an emergency blood transfusion to survive. The medical staff wasted no time announcing that they needed donors with Type A-negative blood over the ship’s speaker system. Four passengers donated blood, and a successful transfusion was provided.

At some point after the cruise, the woman says she tested positive for HIV, though it is unclear exactly when she received her diagnosis. Since the diagnosis, it is also unknown if she has begun treatment or what her current medical condition is. Nevertheless, she is certain the blood transfusion is to blame. She strongly believes that the blood given to her was not properly screened.

Celebrity Cruises, which was voted Best Cruise Line in 2020 by the L.A. Travel Magazine Readers Choice Awards, boasts a luxury experience on its cruises. Founded in 1988, Celebrity Cruises merged with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line in 1997. They offer multiple cruises, including Alaska, Meditteranean, and Caribbean destinations.

She is seeking unspecified damages. Celebrity Cruises has not commented publicly on the matter.