A decision by Turkish authorities to prevent an LGBTQ+ cruise ship from docking at two of the country's ports has drawn widespread criticism from equality campaigners and renewed concerns about the treatment of LGBTQ+ people in Turkey.
The Scarlet Lady, operated by Virgin Voyages and chartered by LGBTQ+ travel company Atlantis Events, was due to visit the Turkish ports of Kuşadası and Istanbul as part of a 10-day Mediterranean cruise. Instead, organisers were informed that the ship would not be allowed to dock because local authorities considered the voyage incompatible with the country's "moral values".
The vessel, carrying around 2,000 passengers, has now been rerouted to Crete and Cairo, allowing the holiday to continue while bypassing Turkey.
First time in 36 years
Atlantis Events has organised LGBTQ+ cruises around the world for more than three decades and says this is the first time it has been prevented from entering a country because of the identity of its passengers.
Rich Campbell, President and Chief Executive of Atlantis Events, described the decision as unprecedented.
"It's pretty stunning, to be honest... the reasoning behind it is that it's a gay group."
Campbell also expressed concern about the wider implications.
"It's very concerning to me when a country decides they can pick and choose which tourists are allowed in and which are not."
The company stressed that the cruise was not intended as a political event but as a leisure holiday for LGBTQ+ travellers from around the world.
Turkish authorities cite "moral values"
Officials in Turkey's Aydın Province, where Kuşadası is located, said the visit had generated public concern.
In a statement, authorities said the ship had been chartered by groups whose behaviour did not align with "the structure of our society and our moral values" and confirmed there was "absolutely no possibility" of the group being permitted to visit the province for an event of that nature.
The decision affects planned visits to both Kuşadası and Istanbul.
A wider pattern of restrictions
Although homosexuality is legal in Turkey, LGBTQ+ rights organisations have reported increasing restrictions over the past decade.
Istanbul's Pride march, once one of the largest in the region, has been banned every year since 2015, with authorities citing public safety and security concerns.
Human rights groups argue that official rhetoric towards LGBTQ+ people has become increasingly hostile, with campaigners warning that restrictions on public events and freedom of expression have grown under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's government.
Performers also affected
Among those on board is Broadway legend Patti LuPone, who is scheduled to perform during the cruise.
Reacting to the decision, LuPone wrote on social media:
"I am furious... Denied entry to Turkey simply because of who is on board."
She confirmed she would continue performing as the cruise visits alternative destinations.
Tourism and inclusion
The incident has prompted discussion about the relationship between tourism, equality and human rights.
LGBTQ+ tourism contributes billions of pounds globally each year, with destinations increasingly recognising the economic value of welcoming diverse visitors.
Campaigners argue that inclusive tourism is not simply about economics but about ensuring travellers can visit destinations without fear of discrimination because of who they are.
Supporters of the cruise say the passengers were travelling as tourists, intending to visit historical sites, restaurants, local businesses and cultural attractions.
Why the story matters
For many LGBTQ+ people, the story is a reminder that legal recognition and social acceptance vary considerably around the world.
While many countries have expanded LGBTQ+ rights in recent decades, others continue to introduce restrictions affecting public gatherings, Pride events and freedom of expression.
The decision has also highlighted how travel companies increasingly consider equality and inclusion when planning international itineraries.
As more organisations adopt diversity and inclusion policies, travellers are paying closer attention to destinations that demonstrate respect for all visitors regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Looking ahead
The Scarlet Lady will continue its Mediterranean voyage with revised stops in Greece and Egypt, ensuring passengers can complete their holiday despite the unexpected change of itinerary.
For Atlantis Events, however, the incident represents an unprecedented moment in the company's 36-year history.
For LGBTQ+ campaigners, it has become another example of why international solidarity and continued advocacy remain important.
The ability to travel safely, openly and without discrimination is something many people take for granted. For LGBTQ+ travellers, recent events in Turkey demonstrate that this cannot always be assumed.
Key Facts
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Around 2,000 LGBTQ+ passengers were affected by the decision.
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The cruise was operated by Virgin Voyages and chartered by Atlantis Events.
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Turkey refused permission for the ship to dock, citing "moral values."
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Atlantis says this is the first time in its 36-year history that a cruise has been refused entry because of the identity of its passengers.
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The itinerary has been changed to include Crete and Cairo instead of Turkey.
Sources: The Guardian, 6 July 2026; CNN reporting via The Guardian.