LGBTQ Cruise Faces Restrictions in Muslim-Majority Countries

A recent cruise catering to gay passengers circled the Mediterranean after two Muslim-majority countries refused it permission to dock. Turkish authorities cited ‘moral values’ as a reason for rejecting the ship.

The Scarlet Lady, chartered by Atlantis Events, was supposed to stop in Kusadasi, Turkey, on July 7. Just as it was about to set sail from Athens, Turkish officials denied permission. Rich Campbell, president of Atlantis Events, confirmed the information.

As an alternative, they received approval to dock in Egypt on July 9. However, while only four hours away from Alexandria, they were again refused entry. Mr. Campbell suspected the reasons were similar, although Egypt offered no explanation.

Local officials in Aydin province, Turkey, stated that the cruise was organized by groups whose behavior did not align with societal norms, causing discomfort to the locals. The Egyptian Consulate did not comment.

Ultimately, the cruise spent a day at sea before heading to Crete, Greece, as previously scheduled. Both Egypt and Turkey have intensified exclusionary campaigns against gay people in recent years, making gay life low-profile or underground.

The Scarlet Lady, with 1,900 passengers, mainly American and predominantly gay men, is renowned for costume parties and high-profile LGBTQ entertainment events. Its itinerary included Dubrovnik, Croatia, and Trieste, Italy.