The Scarlet Lady, an LGBTQ+ cruise ship carrying 2,000 passengers including Broadway performer Patti LuPone, was refused entry to Egypt on Thursday, just days after being blocked from Turkish waters. The ship had been rerouted to Alexandria, Egypt, after Turkey denied access, but passengers woke to find a note under their doors informing them of Egypt's decision.
Surprise Denial
Rich Campbell, CEO of Atlantis Events, the tour group that chartered the Virgin Voyages ship, addressed passengers in a letter: "Early this morning, we were informed that Scarlet Lady has been denied entry into Egyptian waters, and, as a result, will no longer be able to call in Alexandria today. I know how much this visit meant to so many of you. We successfully sailed a similar itinerary last year without issue. So we were surprised by this unfortunate decision."
The note added: "Please know that both the Atlantis and Virgin Voyages teams worked tirelessly to make this call in Alexandria a possibility. This news came as a surprise to all of us, and we’re just as disappointed as you are." No official reason has been given by the Egyptian government.
Background of the Ban
The 10-day Athens to Venice cruise was initially blocked from Turkey after authorities published a statement saying the cruise was chartered "by groups known for behaviours that do not align with the structure of our society and our moral values." The ship's arrival was cancelled due to "significant public concern."
Randy Slovacek, a passenger on the cruise, wrote on his blog: "In the company’s 36-year history, Atlantis had never had a ship denied entry to dock. And now it’s happened in two countries in one week. Trust and believe, me and my fellow passengers will be fine: if they don’t want our tourism, we will sparkle and spend elsewhere."
Industry Concerns
Kyle Olsen, owner of Hermes Holidays, another LGBTQ+ tour company, said he believes Egypt's ban was influenced by Turkey's decision. "I worry that other countries are going to be emboldened in turn to ban gay cruises from their ports as well," he said. "This is a sad representation of the way the world is going. Successive governments are falling to rightwing groups and the rights of LGBT+ people are being taken away as a result across the globe."
Olsen noted that he would not recommend Turkey or Egypt to his customers, but added: "It’s important to note that the views of the government are not necessarily reflective of the views of the peoples of those countries. We’ve been to Turkey and Egypt many times in the past and have found the people very warm, friendly and engaging."
Passenger Impact
Olsen, who has friends onboard, said the Egypt stop was expected to be a highlight. "Lots of passengers had paid a lot of money for private tours to see the pyramids and the museums. It was going to be the trip of a lifetime but now they’re in limbo." The ship has been rerouted to Chania, Crete, on Friday and Montenegro on Sunday.
Campbell called Turkey's decision "stunning," telling CNN: "The reasoning behind it is that it’s a gay group." Atlantis had chartered cruises to Turkey 13 times over 25 years without incident, and US embassy calls failed to reverse the ban.
LuPone, 77, shared her shock on Instagram: "The Atlantis cruise I am performing on next week has been banned from entering Turkey. A ship – a magnificent ship – full of gay men. And me. Denied entry to Turkey simply because of who is onboard. I am furious, but I am sailing, as the ship will make other ports of call. I am ready to perform for all the wonderful men on this Atlantis cruise, who deserve so much better than this."
