Turkey Bars LGBTQ+ Charter Cruise From Docking at Ports
Officials cited the group’s alleged conflict with the country’s “moral values,” forcing the sailing to replace calls in Kuşadası and Istanbul.
Photo: Courtesy of Virgin Voyages
A Mediterranean cruise chartered for thousands of LGBTQ+ travelers has been forced to bypass two planned stops in Turkey after local authorities barred the ship from docking, citing what they described as the group’s incompatibility with the country’s “moral values.”
The 10-day sailing aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady, operated by LGBTQ+ vacation company Atlantis Events, departed Athens on July 5 and had been scheduled to call at Kuşadası before continuing to Istanbul. Instead, passengers will visit Alexandria, Egypt, and the Greek island of Crete after Turkish officials canceled both port calls. The decision followed a statement from authorities in Turkey’s Aydın province saying the charter was organized by groups “known for behaviors that do not align with the structure of our society and our moral values” and that “it is absolutely out of the question” for the group to visit the province.
Atlantis Events said it was informed by Turkish authorities that the ship would not be permitted to dock during the voyage. “Unfortunately, we have been informed by the Turkish authorities that Atlantis will not be permitted to dock in Kuşadası or Istanbul during this voyage,” the company said in a statement to guests, adding that the replacement ports remain popular destinations with its travelers.
Rich Campbell, president and CEO of Atlantis Events, said the decision was unprecedented in the company’s 36-year history. “It’s pretty stunning, to be honest,” Campbell told CNN. “It’s very concerning to me when a country decides they can pick and choose which tourists are allowed in and which are not.” Speaking to USA Today, Campbell noted that Atlantis has visited Istanbul and Kuşadası 13 times over the past 25 years and emphasized that the cruise was neither a political event nor a demonstration. “When we pull into port, the ship looks like any other ship,” he said. “We’re there to spend money, take tours, and be respectful to every culture we visit.”
Among those aboard is Broadway star Patti LuPone, who criticized the decision on social media before the voyage. “I am shocked,” she wrote. “A ship—a magnificent ship full of gay men, and me. Denied entry to Turkey simply because of who is on board.” She added that she would continue with the sailing and perform for passengers despite the itinerary change.
The incident comes amid a broader tightening of Turkey’s stance toward LGBTQ+ rights. While homosexuality is legal in the country, there are no nationwide anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people, and Istanbul’s Pride celebrations have been banned since 2015.
