Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady has been denied entry to Egypt, days after authorities banned the LGBTQIA+ cruise from docking in Türkiye.
The tour group organising the cruise told passengers on Thursday the ship had been “denied entry into Egyptian waters”.
It comes after Turkish officials said the visit on Monday was “planned by groups known for behaviours that do not align with the structure of our society and our moral values”.
Here’s the latest.
Background
In Türkiye, homosexuality is not criminalised, but same-sex marriage has not been legalised.
Transgender people have been able to change their gender markers on legal documents since 1988. However, protection of LGBTQIA+ people is not legislated, and pride events have been banned since 2016.
In Egypt, same-sex activity and transgender identification are not specifically criminalised, but police often arrest and charge LGBTQIA+ people under ‘decency’ laws.
Cruise
The tour group Atlantis has hosted LGBTQIA+ cruises across North America and Europe since 1991.
Its 10-day cruise from Athens to Venice on the Scarlet Lady departed on Sunday (local time).
Its itinerary included the Greek Islands, Türkiye, Croatia, and Italy.
According to their website, around 90-95% of guests on Atlantis cruises are gay men, however, women are also welcome.
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On 29 June (local time), Turkish authorities from the region of Aydin posted to social media, saying the plan to dock at their port “has caused great discomfort in various segments of our society [and] has been canceled.”
“It is absolutely out of the question for the said group to come to our province with an organisation of the specified nature,” they said.
Cruise organisers shifted the itinerary, instead planning to travel to Alexandria in Egypt.
On Thursday morning (local time), passengers received a letter from Atlantis President Rich Campbell, saying the cruise had been “denied entry into Egyptian waters”.
“The news came as a surprise to all of us, and we’re just as disappointed as you are,” Campbell said.
Speaking to CNN after Türkiye blocked entry, Campbell said it was the first time a cruise had been blocked in Atlantis’ 36-year history.
The ship has been rerouted to the Greek island of Crete.
Reaction
At the announcement of the Turkish leg being cancelled, Broadway star Patti LuPone – who was onboard to perform – said she was “shocked.”
“I am furious, but I am sailing,” she said.
Passenger Randy Slovacek posted on his blog saying many guests had set up excursions in Egypt, including to the Pyramids.
“Me and my fellow passengers will be fine,” he said, sharing an image with the phrase: “If you don’t want our tourism we will sparkle and spend elsewhere.”
