In a disheartening turn of events for LGBTQ+ travellers, the Scarlet Lady, a cruise ship carrying 2,000 passengers, has been denied entry into Egyptian waters just days after being turned away by Turkey. This unexpected development has left many onboard, including Broadway star Patti LuPone, reeling as they seek alternative destinations after their planned visit to Alexandria was abruptly cancelled.
Unexpected Denial of Entry
On the morning of July 9, 2026, passengers aboard the Scarlet Lady received a note slipped under their cabin doors, revealing that the ship was barred from docking in Egypt. Rich Campbell, CEO of Atlantis Events—the company that chartered the Virgin Voyages vessel—addressed the disappointment in a message to those onboard, stating, “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.”
The decision to refuse entry came as a shock, especially since a similar itinerary had been successfully navigated the previous year. Campbell expressed his dismay, emphasizing that both the Atlantis and Virgin Voyages teams had worked diligently to secure the Alexandria stop. “This news came as a surprise to all of us, and we’re just as disappointed as you are,” he concluded.
The Context of Rejection
The Scarlet Lady’s Egyptian stop was already a last-minute substitution after Turkish officials blocked the vessel from entering their waters, citing concerns about the ship’s passengers and their lifestyle. The Turkish government had issued a statement condemning the cruise as being associated with behaviours that are inconsistent with their societal values, leading to widespread public apprehension.
Randy Slovacek, a passenger on the ship, noted that in the 36-year history of Atlantis Events, this marked the first instance of a ship being denied entry to two countries within a single week. He remarked, “Trust and believe, me and my fellow passengers will be fine: if they don’t want our tourism, we will sparkle and spend elsewhere.”
Broader Implications for LGBTQ+ Travel
Kyle Olsen, owner of Hermes Holidays, a travel company catering to LGBTQ+ clientele, indicated that the rejection from Turkey likely influenced Egypt’s decision. “I worry that other countries are going to be emboldened in turn to ban gay cruises from their ports as well,” he cautioned. Olsen lamented that this incident reflects a troubling trend in which governments are succumbing to pressure from right-wing groups, undermining the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals globally.
Despite the official stance of these governments, Olsen noted that public sentiment often differs significantly. He remarked, “It’s important to note that the views of the government are not necessarily reflective of the views of the peoples of those countries.” Many passengers had eagerly anticipated the opportunity to explore Egypt’s rich heritage, only to find themselves in a state of uncertainty.
Re-routing and Future Prospects
Following the cancellation of the Alexandria stop, the Scarlet Lady has been rerouted to dock in Chania, Crete, on Friday, and Montenegro on Sunday. Campbell expressed disbelief at the Turkish government’s decision, highlighting the ship’s long history of successful visits to the country. Despite efforts to involve the US embassy, attempts to overturn the ban proved fruitless.
LuPone, who is performing on the cruise, expressed her anger via social media, stating, “A ship – a magnificent ship – full of gay men. And me. Denied entry to Turkey simply because of who is onboard.” While she shared her frustration, she remained determined to perform for her audience, emphasising the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community.
Why it Matters
The refusal of the Scarlet Lady’s entry into Egypt serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in parts of the world where conservative values dominate. This incident not only disrupts the travel plans of thousands but also highlights a growing trend of exclusion that could deter tourism and impact economies reliant on international visitors. As governments grapple with internal pressures, the fight for acceptance and recognition continues, underscoring the necessity for solidarity and advocacy within the global LGBTQ+ community.
