An LGBTQ+-focused cruise has been forced to change its itinerary after the ship was barred from docking in Turkey and later denied a stop in Egypt.
The Scarlet Lady, operated by Virgin Voyages and chartered by Atlantis Events for LGBTQ+ travelers, left Athens on Sunday and is scheduled to return July 15 after sailing through the Mediterranean. The cruise originally planned to stop in Istanbul before continuing to other destinations, but Turkish authorities prevented the ship from docking, citing “moral standards” and “family values.”
Passengers said the decision followed backlash over a planned LGBTQ+ event in Istanbul. One traveler described how a conservative publication learned of the event and that it became a “political problem,” catching many guests by surprise.
After Turkey’s refusal, the itinerary changed again when passengers learned Egyptian authorities would also not allow the ship to enter for a planned stop near Cairo. The Egypt denial added another day at sea.
Despite the disappointment, passengers said the mood onboard has remained largely positive, with many emphasizing that LGBTQ+ cruises are chosen specifically because they offer a more welcoming environment and a sense of community for travelers who may not feel able to express themselves elsewhere.
Virgin Voyages and Atlantis Events had not responded to requests for comment at the time of reporting.
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