Turkish authorities in Aydın province denied port entry to the Scarlet Lady, a Virgin Voyages vessel operating a dedicated LGBTQ+ charter carrying approximately 1,900 passengers, the majority of them American citizens.
The ship was on a 10-day “Athens to Venice” cruise organized by California-based Atlantis Events.
Officials canceled scheduled stops in the tourist hubs of Kuşadası and Istanbul, according to the source material.
In a statement on the decision, authorities said the group was “known for behaviors incompatible with the fabric of our society and our moral values.”
The vessel and the charter
The Scarlet Lady is a luxury vessel operated by Virgin Voyages. The voyage was chartered by Atlantis Events, a company that organizes travel for LGBTQ+ passengers.
Kuşadası, located in Aydın province, is a common cruise stop for visitors traveling to nearby ancient sites. Istanbul is Turkey’s largest city and a major port on international cruise itineraries.
The stated basis for the decision
The source material states that officials linked the denial to concerns that the group’s presence conflicted with the societal fabric and moral values of the region.
The cancellation removed both Turkish ports from the itinerary, which had been scheduled to include stops between Athens and Venice.
Background
Turkey does not criminalize same-sex relationships, but public LGBTQ+ events have faced official restrictions in recent years. Authorities in several cities have blocked or restricted pride marches.
The source material does not indicate whether Atlantis Events, Virgin Voyages, or United States officials have responded to the decision, or whether alternative ports were arranged for the affected passengers.