Authorities in Türkiye have blocked an Atlantis Events LGBTQIA+ charter cruise aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady from visiting Kuşadası and Istanbul, prompting a late itinerary change for the 10-night Mediterranean sailing.
The Athens-to-Venice voyage departed Greece on 5 July 2026 and had been scheduled to call at Kuşadası on 7 July before continuing to Istanbul. Instead, Atlantis has confirmed the ship will no longer dock in Türkiye and will add calls in Alexandria, Egypt, for Cairo tours, and Heraklion, Crete.
The sailing, promoted by Atlantis as a Mediterranean gay cruise, is carrying nearly 2,000 guests, according to reports, and includes Broadway performer Patti LuPone among the onboard entertainers.
Türkiye port calls removed
Atlantis Events said on its voyage page that it had been informed by Turkish authorities that the cruise would not be permitted to dock in either Kuşadası or Istanbul.
“Unfortunately, we have been informed by the Turkish authorities that Atlantis will not be permitted to dock in Kusadasi or Istanbul during this voyage,” Atlantis said in an update to guests.
The revised itinerary now includes Santorini on 7 July, a sea day on 8 July, Alexandria on 9 July, Heraklion on 11 July, Dubrovnik on 13 July, Zadar on 14 July and Trieste on 15 July.
The ship’s other scheduled calls remain unchanged.
Authorities cite “moral values”
The Aydın Governorate, whose province includes Kuşadası, said in a public statement that the planned 7 July port call had been cancelled after attracting public concern.
In the statement, the governorate referred to the cruise as having been chartered by groups whose behaviour did not align with the “structure” of society and “moral values”.
The governorate said there was “absolutely no possibility” of the group visiting the province for an event of that nature.
Atlantis Events has operated LGBTQIA+ cruises for more than three decades. Its President and CEO Rich Campbell told USA Today the company had previously visited Istanbul and Kuşadası 13 times over the past 25 years.
Atlantis says decision is a first
Campbell told CNN it was the first time in the company’s 36-year history that Atlantis had been told it could not berth because of who was on board.
He said the cruise was not a political event, adding that guests had planned to take tours, shop, eat and visit local attractions.
Patti LuPone responds onboard
Patti LuPone, who is scheduled to perform during the sailing, responded to the decision on Instagram, saying she was “shocked” and “furious”.
LuPone said the ship had been “denied entry” because of who was on board, but confirmed she would continue with the voyage as it made other port calls.
“I am furious, but I am sailing,” she wrote.
Broader context in Türkiye
Same-sex sexual activity is not criminalised in Türkiye. However, LGBTQIA+ events and public gatherings have faced increasing restrictions in recent years.
Reuters reported in 2025 that Istanbul Pride marches have been banned in Türkiye’s largest city since 2015, with authorities citing public safety and security concerns.
The latest cruise decision comes as international travel operators continue to monitor destination policies affecting LGBTQIA+ travellers, group travel and charter itineraries.
Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady is now continuing the voyage on its amended Mediterranean route.
KARRYON UNPACKS: A blocked port call over “moral values” is a jarring interruption for any sailing, and a pointed one for a themed charter. It sits alongside the fine print every cruise carries: itineraries can shift, and the welcome ashore is never guaranteed to be the same at every stop.
