Turkey Blocks LGBTQ Cruise From Docking, Forcing Major Itinerary Change
July 3, 2026 Team Contributor
Turkey blocks LGBTQ cruise to Mediterranean, carrying nearly 1900 passengers, and has been forced to change its itinerary after the authorities stopped the vessel from docking at two planned ports. The reasons cited were related to the country’s ‘family values’ and ‘moral values’.
This decision affects the ‘Athens to Venice’ sailing, organised by Atlantis Events aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady, which was scheduled to stop in Istanbul and Kuşadası during a 10-day voyage departing from Greece on 5th July.
Turkey blocks LGBTQ cruise – reasons
As per reports, officials of Aydın province in Turkey informed the organisers that the cruise had been chartered by groups “known for behaviours incompatible with the fabric of our society and our moral values”.
The authorities reportedly stated that there was “absolutely no possibility” of allowing the visit to proceed.
The ship was expected to bring more than 1,000 American travellers to Turkey, as well as travellers from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other countries.
“It’s pretty stunning, to be honest.”
Rich Campbell, CEO and President of Atlantis Events, said that the move was unprecedented in the company’s 36-year history.
“…the reason behind it is that it’s the gay group…It’s very concerning to me when a country decides they can pick and choose which tourists are allowed in and which are not.”.
Campbell said that it was the first time Atlantis Events had been “actively told we may not berth here because of who we are”.
Cruise route change at the last minute
After Turkey blocks LGBTQ cruise, Atlantis Events revised the itinerary and replaced the Turkish port calls with visits to Egypt and the Greek island of Crete.
The Scarlet Lady is expected to carry around 1,900 guests, with approximately 1,100 passengers coming from the United States.
An incident that’s drawing global attention
The decision of Turkey blocks LGBTQ cruise has sparked controversy across the travel industry because it involves a major international cruise itinerary being changed days before departure.
It also comes amid the ongoing scrutiny of Turkey’s policies towards LGBTQ+ events, including Pride marches in Istanbul recently.
For cruise travellers and operators alike, this incident underscores how destination policies can unexpectedly affect itineraries, even after voyages have been fully sold and planned.
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