Turkey and Egypt Block LGBTQ+ Cruise from Docking

Turkish authorities denied the Scarlet Lady cruise ship, catering to over 1,900 LGBTQ+ travelers, permission to dock in Turkey, citing 'moral standards' and 'family values.' Following this, Egyptian authorities also barred the ship from docking in Alexandria, leading to itinerary changes. The cruise, organized by Atlantis Events, was originally set to visit Istanbul and Alexandria but is now rerouting to Kotor, Montenegro. Passengers expressed disappointment and frustration over the cancellations, as many had anticipated visiting these destinations. The CEO of Atlantis Events described the situation as unprecedented, highlighting the impact on local economies that miss out on LGBTQ+ tourism. The cruise, which departed Athens on July 5, is scheduled to return on July 15, 2026.

Key Points: • Turkish authorities blocked the LGBTQ+ cruise citing moral standards. • Egypt also denied the ship entry, forcing further itinerary changes. • Passengers expressed disappointment but maintained a positive atmosphere onboard.