The Scarlet Lady, a Virgin Voyages cruise ship chartered by Atlantis Events, has faced consecutive bans from Turkey and Egypt, leaving its 2,000 passengers in an unexpected predicament. The ship, which departed from Athens on a 10-day journey to Venice, was initially blocked from docking in Turkey and later denied entry to Egypt.
The cruise, which includes notable figures like Broadway star Patti LuPone, has sparked international attention due to the unprecedented nature of the bans. The decisions have left passengers and organizers alike searching for answers and alternative plans.
The Unfolding of Events
This morning, passengers aboard the Scarlet Lady received a letter from Atlantis Events CEO Rich Campbell informing them that the ship would no longer be calling at Alexandria. Egyptian authorities had denied the vessel access to the country’s waters without providing an official reason. This decision came just days after Turkish authorities barred the ship from docking in their country.
The stop in Alexandria had been added to the itinerary as a last-minute change after the ship was refused entry to Turkey. The original plan included stops in Turkey, but authorities there blocked the visit, citing concerns about the ship’s passengers.
Reactions and Responses
Rich Campbell expressed his disappointment and surprise at the decisions, stating that the cruise had successfully sailed a similar itinerary last year without any issues. He emphasized the efforts made by both Atlantis and Virgin Voyages teams to make the call in Alexandria a possibility.
Broadway star Patti LuPone, who is performing onboard, criticized Turkey’s decision before the cruise departed. She expressed her fury at the ban, describing the ship as ‘a magnificent ship full of gay men. And me. Denied entry to Turkey simply because of who is onboard.’
Travel blogger Randy Slovacek, who is onboard, highlighted the unprecedented nature of the bans, noting that in the company’s 36-year history, Atlantis had never had a ship denied entry to dock. He remarked, ‘And now it’s happened in two countries in one week.’
The Impact on Passengers
The bans have left passengers in limbo, with many having planned and paid for private tours to see the pyramids and museums in Egypt. The sudden change in itinerary has disrupted their travel plans and left them seeking alternative arrangements.
Kyle Olsen, the owner of Hermes Holidays, another LGBTQ+ tour company, expressed his concern about the broader implications of the bans. He believed that if Turkey had not refused entry to the ship this week, Egypt would not have issued its ban. Olsen warned that other countries might be emboldened to ban gay cruises from their ports as well.
The Scarlet Lady is now expected to call at Chania, Crete, before continuing to Montenegro later in the voyage. Despite the setbacks, passengers and organizers are determined to make the most of the journey and explore the alternative destinations.
