Turkey blocks the Virgin Voyages cruise ship Scarlet Lady, which is carrying about 2,000 LGBTQ+ passengers, from docking in Kuşadası, according to multiple reports. The ship sails from Athens, Greece, on 5 July for a 10-day itinerary described as an “all-gay voyage.” Turkish authorities reportedly say the passengers’ conduct does not align with the “structure” of society and its “moral values” (or “moral standards”), leading to the denial of entry to the port.
The ban also affects a scheduled performer on board. Broadway star Patti LuPone, who is reported to be performing on the vessel, reacts to the restriction after authorities bar the ship from docking. Reports describe LuPone as “furious” or shocked. The cruise is operated by Atlantis, a US company that organizes vacations and cruises for LGBTQ+ travelers, while Virgin Voyages provides the ship.
The accounts focus on Turkey’s stated rationale for the refusal and the impact on passengers and onboard programming, with no details provided in the excerpts about specific incidents or documented behavior that prompted the decision.
