A Virgin Voyages cruise ship, chartered by LGBTQ+ travel company Atlantis Events, was denied entry to Turkey and forced to alter its itinerary. The liner, Scarlet Lady, was scheduled to dock in Kusadasi and Istanbul on July 7, 2026, as part of a 10-day "Athens to Venice" voyage that departed from Greece on July 5.
Turkish authorities informed the cruise operator that the charter was organized by groups "known for behaviours incompatible with the fabric of our society and our moral values." The ship, carrying approximately 2,000 passengers, including 1,100 from the United States, was subsequently rerouted to call at Alexandria, Egypt, and Crete.
Rich Campbell, president and CEO of Atlantis Events, described the situation as "pretty stunning," expressing concern over a country's ability to selectively permit tourists based on their identity. While same-sex relationships are not illegal in Turkey, the government has exhibited conservative stances on LGBTQ+ issues, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan having publicly spoken against the community. Campbell noted this was the first time in 36 years that Atlantis Events had been prevented from docking due to the nature of their passengers.
Atlantis Events informed passengers of the change, stating that the altered itinerary would include a full day in Alexandria, with tours to Cairo and the Egyptian Museum, and an additional day on the island of Crete. American actress and singer Patti LuPone, who is performing on the cruise, shared her shock and anger on Instagram, calling the denial "simply because of who is on board."
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The cruise, which promises "spectacular entertainment, thrilling parties in jaw-dropping venues, luscious dining," has prices starting from $1,899. The redirection means that tourism revenue expected in Turkey will now go to Egypt and Greece. Atlantis Events and Virgin Voyages did not immediately respond to requests for comment from the Daily Mail, nor did Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism.