Cruise Faces Challenges in Mediterranean

A cruise aimed at gay passengers faced navigational challenges in the Mediterranean after two Muslim-majority countries refused the ship the right to dock. The Turkish authorities cited ‘moral values’ as the reason.

The ship, named the Scarlet Lady and chartered by Atlantis Events, an LGBTQ vacation company, was scheduled to anchor in Kusadasi, Turkey, on July 7. However, as it was preparing to depart from Athens, Turkey withdrew permission, explained Rich Campbell, president of the company.

In response, Egypt became the next destination with a planned docking in Alexandria on July 9. Yet, four hours from the port, Egypt revoked permission as well, offering no explanation. The local Turkish officials stated the cruise was organized by groups whose behaviors conflicted with societal norms, while Mr. Campbell speculated Egypt’s reasoning mirrored Turkey’s stance.

The Egyptian Consulate did not offer any comment on this matter. Ultimately, the cruise opted for a day at sea before proceeding to Crete, Greece, as initially planned.

Both Egypt and Turkey have intensified policies excluding gay people in recent years, leading to discreet or underground gay life. The Scarlet Lady carried around 1,900 passengers, primarily American and mostly gay men, known for lavish costume parties and attracting prominent LGBTQ entertainers.

The 10-day cruise also included stops in Dubrovnik, Croatia, and Trieste, Italy.