Turkey Blocks 2,000-Passenger LGBTQ+ Cruise, Rerouting Scarlet Lady to Cairo and Crete
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 6
Turkey Blocks 2,000-Passenger LGBTQ+ Cruise, Rerouting Scarlet Lady to Cairo and Crete
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 6
Summary
Turkish authorities barred Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady from docking at Kuşadası and Istanbul during its 10-day charter carrying 2,000 LGBTQ+ passengers and performer Patti LuPone.
Aydin province said the cruise had stirred public concern and was chartered by groups whose behavior did not align with Turkish society and moral values.
Atlantis Events said it was the first time in its 36-year history it had been told it could not berth because of who its passengers are, despite calls involving the US embassy.
The ship, which sailed from Athens on 5 July, will stop in Cairo and Crete instead; Atlantis says it has docked gay cruises in Istanbul and Kuşadası 13 times over 25 years.
The ban fits a broader crackdown in Turkey, where homosexuality is legal but Pride has been banned since 2015 and President Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly attacked LGBTQ+ people.
Is Turkey's cruise ship ban a sign of a new 'moral iron curtain' for LGBTQ+ travelers?
What is the true cost to Turkey's tourism industry for banning a ship on 'moral' grounds?
The 2026 “Scarlet Lady” Cruise Ban: Turkey’s Crackdown on LGBTQ+ Rights and Its International Fallout
Overview
In early July 2026, Turkish authorities blocked the 'Scarlet Lady' cruise ship, chartered for an LGBTQ+ voyage, from entering Turkish ports, forcing an unexpected rerouting and prompting Atlantis Events to inform passengers of the sudden itinerary change. Despite requests, Turkish officials and Virgin Voyages offered no explanation, leaving many to speculate about the reasons behind the ban. The decision sparked strong reactions, especially from performer Patti LuPone, who publicly expressed her shock and anger, highlighting the impact on both the cruise’s plans and the morale of those on board.