Authorities in Turkiye are blocking an LGBTQ+ charter cruise on Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady from visiting the country earlier this week, according to cruise organiser Atlantis Events.
The cruise had been scheduled to visit Kusadasi and Istanbul; Atlantis has instead added full days in Cairo and Crete, Greece. Turkish authorities said the decision was made because the cruise does not align with their moral values.
Broadway performer Patti Lupone, scheduled to sail and perform on the cruise, wrote that she was "shocked" by the decision in a post on Instagram.
"A ship – a magnificent ship – full of gay men. And me. Denied entry to Turkey simply because of who is on board," she wrote.
"I am furious, but I am sailing, as the ship will make other ports of call," she continued. "I am ready to perform for all the wonderful men on this Atlantis cruise, who deserve so much better than this."
LGBTQ+ operator Brand G Vacations, which specialises in group river cruises, small-ship cruises and guided tours, said it has "had nothing but positive experiences with Turkey, so the news about the Atlantis cruise was certainly disappointing."
"We're watching the situation carefully and are gathering information from our charter partners to determine if Turkey's stance will be applied to other brands before we make a decision for our 2027 cruise," it said.
Brinley Hineman contributed to this report.
Source: Travel Weekly