world
Turkey Bars Docking of Cruise Chartered for 2,000 LGBTQ+ Passengers
The Guardian reported that authorities in Aydin province blocked Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady from docking in Kuşadası on 7 July. The 10-day Atlantis cruise had departed Athens on 5 July with 2,000 LGBTQ+ passengers. Broadway performer Patti LuPone and Atlantis Events said the ban was based on passenger identity.
nypost.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
Turkish authorities in Aydin province cancelled the scheduled 7 July docking of Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady in the port of Kuşadası. The Guardian reported that the 10-day cruise, operated by Atlantis Events and carrying 2,000 LGBTQ+ passengers, had departed Athens on 5 July.
Aydin province authorities stated the cruise was chartered by groups whose behaviours do not align with the structure of Turkish society and moral values.
They added that the planned arrival had sparked significant public concern and declared there was absolutely no possibility of the group visiting the province. Patti LuPone, the 77-year-old Broadway performer appearing on the ship, posted on Instagram that the Atlantis cruise had been banned from entering Turkey. “A ship – a magnificent ship – full of gay men.
And me. Denied entry to Turkey simply because of who is on board,” she wrote. LuPone said she was furious but would continue sailing and perform at other ports. Atlantis Events president and CEO Rich Campbell said the decision marked the first time in the company’s 36-year history that it had been actively told it may not berth because of who its passengers are.
Campbell noted that Atlantis had docked gay cruises in Istanbul and Kuşadası 13 times in the previous 25 years. The Scarlet Lady will now call at Cairo and Crete instead of Turkish ports. Representatives of the Turkish government had not commented on the matter as of 6 July.
