LGBTQ cruise ship forced to change route after Turkey and Egypt refuse port calls

A cruise ship carrying more than 1,900 LGBTQ passengers had to alter its Mediterranean voyage after authorities in Turkey and Egypt denied access to planned ports. The incident took place during an 11-day cruise operated by Virgin Voyages and chartered by Atlantis Events. According to The Maritime Telegraph , the company says it is the first time in its history that a destination has rejected a cruise because of the LGBTQ identity of its guests.

The vessel, Scarlet Lady, was scheduled to call at Istanbul and Kuşadası before continuing to Alexandria. Turkish authorities canceled the planned visits, while Egyptian officials later instructed the ship to leave the area near Alexandria. Atlantis CEO Rich Campbell said Egypt did not provide an official explanation. In Turkey, local officials in Kuşadası stated that the visit was inconsistent with local moral values and had generated public concern.

Atlantis has organized LGBTQ-focused cruises for more than 30 years and has previously operated voyages to both countries without facing similar restrictions. Campbell noted that the Turkish port calls had already received approval and warned that such actions could negatively affect tourism and the attractiveness of destinations viewed as unwelcoming to certain groups of travelers.

Following the cancellations, Scarlet Lady revised its itinerary. After departing Athens on July 5, the ship returned to Crete, added an extra stop in Montenegro, and then continued its journey to Croatia and Venice.

 

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