Turkish authorities have banned an American LGBTQ+ cruise ship from entering the country's ports, citing local societal structure and moral standards.
The Virgin Voyages vessel Scarlet Lady, operated by US-based travel company Atlantis Events, was scheduled to dock in Kuşadası on July 7, 2026, as part of a 10-day Mediterranean voyage.
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Government officials in Aydin province stated that the tour was chartered by groups known for behaviors incompatible with local values.
The arrival was canceled following what officials described as significant public concern.
Passengers and Performers React
Broadway performer Patti LuPone, who was scheduled to perform on the vessel, expressed shock over the restriction.
"The Atlantis cruise I am performing on next week has been banned from entering Turkey," she wrote on social media.
LuPone described the ship as "full of gay men" and herself, denied entry "simply because of who is on board."
The vessel will alter its route to bypass Turkey completely, scheduling alternative stops in Cairo, Egypt, and the Greek island of Crete.
"I am furious, but I am sailing, as the ship will make other ports of call," LuPone added.
Wider Restrictions
The restrictions also extended into Istanbul, where the cruise was scheduled to travel after Kuşadası.
Istanbul police raided Tek Yön, an 18-year-old gay nightclub in the Cihangir area, closing the venue on June 27 after it posted a social media invitation to cruise passengers.
Atlantis Events President and CEO Rich Campbell stated that the company has docked gay cruises in Istanbul and Kuşadası 13 times over the past 25 years without prior incidents.
