Published：Jun 28, 19:43Last updated：Jul 10, 13:10

Turkey and Egypt Block LGBTQ+ Cruise Ship

Jun. 28, 2026 19:43

Turkish police detained at least 50 people, including a journalist, during an LGBTQ+ Pride event in Istanbul on June 28, 2026. The event proceeded despite a ban by local authorities. Homosexuality is not illegal in Turkey, but Pride marches have been systematically banned since 2015.

Summarized

8News

7Media

Jul. 10, 2026 04:39

A Virgin Voyages cruise ship chartered for an LGBTQ-themed voyage was denied entry by Egypt after Türkiye blocked its planned stops earlier in the week. The Scarlet Lady, carrying around 2,000 passengers, had to alter its itinerary twice, with Alexandria being canceled last minute. Egyptian authorities did not publicly explain their decision, while Türkiye cited moral concerns. Atlantis Events CEO Rich Campbell called the move unprecedented in the company's 36-year history.

Jul. 10, 2026 13:10

Turkey and Egypt have denied entry to a cruise ship carrying over 1,900 LGBTQ tourists, citing threats to societal moral values. The decision has drawn criticism from human rights advocates.

Turkish and Egyptian authorities have sparked international controversy by denying entry to the Scarlet Lady, a cruise ship chartered for an LGBTQ+ voyage, citing moral objections. The ship, carrying nearly 2,000 passengers including Broadway star Patti LuPone, faced repeated itinerary changes after being blocked from docking in both countries within days. The incident follows Turkey's recent crackdown on an Istanbul Pride event, highlighting growing tensions over LGBTQ+ rights in the region.France 24+2

🚢 Cruise Ship Denied Entry

The Scarlet Lady, operated by Atlantis Events, was first barred from Kuşadası, Turkey, with officials claiming the passengers' behavior conflicted with local values. CEO Rich Campbell called the decision unprecedented in the company's 36-year history. Egypt later followed suit, canceling the ship's planned stop in Alexandria without public explanation.The Guardian+2

🎭 Celebrity Reaction

Broadway performer Patti LuPone expressed shock at Turkey's decision, which came despite the cruise being marketed as an all-gay voyage. Passengers learned of the itinerary changes through notes slipped under their cabin doors, creating confusion and disappointment onboard.The Guardian+1

🌍 Regional Tensions

The incident follows Turkey's detention of 50 people at an Istanbul Pride event days earlier, where authorities enforced a long-standing ban on such gatherings. While homosexuality isn't illegal in Turkey, LGBTQ+ events face systematic restrictions, with officials frequently citing "moral values" as justification.France 24+1

⚖️ Industry Impact

Atlantis Events, specializing in LGBTQ+ travel, now faces logistical challenges rerouting the Scarlet Lady. The dual rejections by Turkey and Egypt mark a significant escalation in barriers faced by queer tourism, with human rights groups condemning the decisions as discriminatory.CBC News+1

KuşadasıPatti LuPoneScarlet LadyRich CampbellAtlantis Events