Gay Vacation Cruise Stunned To Be Turned Away From Two Muslim Countries

A gay cruise carrying roughly 1,900 passengers was denied entry by both Turkey and Egypt during a Mediterranean voyage after authorities in each country refused to allow the ship to dock.

Atlantis Events, the world’s largest LGBT vacation company, scheduled the Scarlet Lady to stop in Kusadasi, Turkey, on July 7 as part of its “Athens to Venice” trip. 

However, Turkish officials said the cruise was organized by groups whose “behaviors do not align with the structure of our society,” according to local authorities cited by the New York Times.

The ship then rerouted to Alexandria, Egypt, but Egyptian authorities withdrew permission to dock about four hours before its scheduled arrival. Unlike Turkey, Egyptian officials did not publicly explain the decision. 

Atlantis Events CEO Rich Campbell said the company had previously docked in both countries without incident and that it was the first time in the company’s history that one of its cruises had been denied entry for political reasons. 

“We successfully sailed a similar itinerary last year without issue,” Campbell said in a statement to passengers. “So we were surprised by this unfortunate decision.”

Broadway legend Patti LuPone, who was on the cruise to perform, said she was “shocked” by Turkey’s and Egypt’s decisions.

“A ship — a magnificent ship — full of gay men. And me. Denied entry to Turkey simply because of who is on board,” LuPone said. “I am furious, but I am sailing.”

Kyle Olsen, the owner of the LGBT tour company Hermes Holidays, said that Turkey’s ban empowered Egypt to also turn away the cruise. “I worry that other countries are going to be emboldened in turn to ban gay cruises from their ports as well,” he added.

Turkey’s government under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has taken a hardline stance toward the LGBT movement over the past decade, CNN reports. Authorities have repeatedly banned Pride marches and other LGBT events, citing public safety and security concerns. 

While homosexuality is legal in Turkey, the country does not recognize same-sex marriage. Egypt also does not recognize same-sex marriage, and authorities have used morality laws to target LGBT people. Both countries have overwhelmingly Muslim populations.