Turkish authorities have banned a cruise ship catering to American LGBTQ+ travelers from docking in the country’s ports, citing "moral standards" and "family values," the CEO of the events company behind the upcoming Mediterranean tour said Thursday. The "Athens to Venice" cruise, which departs from Greece on July 5, 2026, was expected to dock in the vibrant Turkish port town of Kuşadası two days later, followed by a trip to Istanbul, according to Atlantis Events, which is organizing the voyage. But in a controversial move, local authorities in Turkey said they have canceled the "event" as the ship – which is expected to host more than 1,000 passengers from the US – was chartered by groups "known for behaviors incompatible with the fabric of our society and our moral values." The vessel, named Scarlet Lady, is owned by the Richard Branson-backed cruise line Virgin Voyages. Atlantis Events said it will now stop in Cairo, Egypt and the Greek island of Crete instead of Turkey. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s AK Party has adopted increasingly harsh rhetoric against the LGBTQ+ community over the past decade, sparking condemnation from rights groups.
Why it matters: This incident highlights the growing tensions between LGBTQ+ rights and national policies in Turkey. It reflects how political stances can directly impact tourism, particularly for marginalized communities.
- Authorities in Turkey's Aydin province, where Kuşadası is located, stated there is "absolutely no possibility of the group in question visiting our province for an event of this nature."
- Approximately 1,100 of the 1,900 expected guests on the voyage are from the United States, with others from the UK, Canada, and Australia.
- Rich Campbell, CEO of Atlantis Events, emphasized that this is the first time in the company’s 36-year history that they have been told they cannot dock due to the identity of their passengers.
Driving the news: The decision to block the cruise comes just days before its scheduled departure, causing a major disruption for passengers and organizers alike. The Turkish government’s stance follows a broader trend of increasing restrictions on LGBTQ+ events within the country.
- The cancellation of the cruise’s Turkish stops aligns with Turkey's recent history of banning Pride marches in Istanbul since 2015, citing public safety and security concerns.
- Local authorities indicated that the cancellation applies only to this specific voyage and does not affect other cruise traffic to Kuşadası.
- Officials in Istanbul recently conducted a raid on a gay bar after an "Atlantis brochure" featured a party at the establishment, which Campbell clarified was neither from nor affiliated with Atlantis.
State of play: The LGBTQ+ community has faced increasing challenges in Turkey, particularly under President Erdogan’s administration. The country’s policies have become more restrictive, creating an environment of fear and uncertainty for LGBTQ+ travelers.
- Rich Campbell expressed concern over the implications of this ban, stating, "It’s very concerning to me when a country decides they can pick and choose which tourists are allowed in and which are not."
- Campbell reiterated that Atlantis Events is not a political organization and is simply looking to provide enjoyable experiences for their guests.
- The cruise was described by Atlantis’ website as an "epic adventure" allowing "great friends" to island hop around the Mediterranean.
The big picture: Turkey's actions could deter future LGBTQ+ tourism, impacting local economies that rely on such events. As more countries adopt similar stances, the global LGBTQ+ travel market may face increased scrutiny and challenges.
- Tourism experts suggest that the fallout from this ban could lead to a reassessment of travel itineraries by LGBTQ+ groups, steering clear of destinations with anti-LGBTQ+ policies.
- As countries like Turkey intensify their restrictions, the LGBTQ+ community may seek out more inclusive destinations for their travel needs.
- This incident serves as a reminder of the political realities that can overshadow personal travel experiences, especially for marginalized groups.
What they're saying: The response from the LGBTQ+ community and allies has been one of outrage and disappointment, with many expressing solidarity with those affected by the ban.
- Patti LuPone, a Broadway star and performer on the cruise, took to Instagram to express her shock and anger over the ban, stating, "I am furious, but I am sailing, as the ship will make other ports of call."
- LuPone emphasized the significance of the cruise's passengers, saying, "A ship – a magnificent ship – full of gay men. And me. Denied entry to Turkey simply because of who is on board."
By the numbers: The cruise was set to carry about 1,900 passengers, with approximately 1,100 from the US. The itinerary change now includes stops in Cairo and Crete instead of Turkish ports.
- Since 2015, Pride marches have been banned in Istanbul, illustrating the increasing restrictions faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Turkey.
- The Turkish authorities have cited public safety and moral values as reasons for the bans on LGBTQ+ events, raising concerns among human rights advocates.
What's next: Atlantis Events is working to accommodate passengers following the abrupt change in itinerary, ensuring that the cruise still provides an enjoyable experience.
- The cruise will now focus on stops in Cairo and Crete, allowing passengers to explore different cultures and landscapes.
- As the situation evolves, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups are likely to continue monitoring Turkey's policies and their impact on tourism.
- Travelers are encouraged to remain informed about the political climates of their destinations, especially those that may not welcome LGBTQ+ visitors.