Turkey and Egypt deny docking to a Virgin Voyages LGBTQ+ cruise ship carrying about 2,000 passengers, according to multiple reports. The ship—Scarlet Lady—sets sail from Athens, Greece, and arrives in Turkey and then Egypt as part of its itinerary. In Turkey, local authorities refuse entry to the vessel at Kuşadası, stating the passengers’ conduct does not align with what they describe as Turkey’s “structure” and “moral values.” The cruise is operated by Atlantis, a U.S. company that chartered the trip, and at least one passenger publicly cited the ban’s basis as being tied to the group’s LGBTQ+ identity.
Days later, Egypt also blocks the cruise from entering port. Reports say Egypt informs passengers of the change on board and seeks alternative ports. Atlantis’s chief executive and other sources indicate the ship initially received approval to dock in Egypt, but then the decision was reversed. Broadway performer Patti LuPone is among those on the cruise, and multiple outlets report she reacts to the denial. None of the outlets report that authorities provide detailed evidence of specific violations beyond the stated rationale focused on morality.
