An LGBTQ+ cruise sailing through the Mediterranean has been forced to alter its route after both Turkey and Egypt denied the vessel permission to dock, sparking renewed discussions about international travel rights for the LGBTQ+ community. A South Florida resident aboard the ship is speaking out about the emotional impact of being turned away.
The Scarlet Lady, a Virgin Voyages ship chartered by LGBTQ+ travel company Atlantis Events, set sail from Athens, Greece on Sunday with plans to visit Istanbul and a stop near Cairo. However, Turkish authorities blocked the ship citing concerns over “moral standards” and “family values.” The decision reportedly came after a conservative Turkish newspaper publicized plans for a welcome party at a local gay bar, turning it into a political controversy.
Joshua New, a Miami-area resident traveling with his husband, described the initial shock among passengers when they learned about Turkey’s decision. “People were kind of in a lot of disbelief, angry, upset,” he shared. The disappointment deepened when Egyptian authorities also refused entry, leaving travelers with an extra day at sea instead of exploring ancient wonders near Cairo.
Despite the setbacks, New emphasized the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. He explained that many passengers choose these specialized cruises because they offer a safe space to be themselves while traveling. For some international guests, these trips represent a rare chance to feel accepted and free. “Maybe they live in a place where being gay is not acceptable,” New noted. “This is the one thing they do in a year, maybe in five years, that makes them feel free and alive.”
From the ship’s deck, New described passengers continuing to enjoy music, laughter, and each other’s company. “Life goes on, and we say, ‘You know what? We’re going to make the best of this, and we’re going to be resilient, just like we always have been,'” he said. Neither Virgin Voyages nor Atlantis Events have publicly commented on the itinerary changes as of this report.
