Türkiye bars gay cruise from port over “morals” concern; Patti LuPone "furious"

Turkish authorities have denied entry to a cruise ship carrying nearly 2,000 predominantly gay men, citing concerns that the voyage conflicts with the country's moral and social values.

The 10-day Mediterranean cruise, organized by Atlantis Events, is scheduled to depart Athens on July 5.

The itinerary originally included stops in the Turkish coastal city of Kuşadası and later Istanbul before continuing to Venice.

However, Turkish officials informed organizers that the ship would not be permitted to dock, CNN reports.

In a statement, authorities said the charter had been booked by groups "known for behaviours incompatible with the fabric of our society and our moral values," adding that the planned visit did not align with the country's emphasis on family values.

The ship Atlantis has chartered is the Scarlet Lady, operated by Virgin Voyages.

Following Türkiye’s decision, Atlantis announced it had revised the itinerary. Instead of visiting Turkish ports, the cruise will now make stops in Cairo, Egypt, and on the Greek island of Crete.

Türkiye’s stance reflects the government's increasingly hardline position toward LGBTQ+ rights under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his ruling AK Party.

Over the past decade, officials have intensified anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, while Pride marches in Istanbul have been banned since 2015, with authorities citing security and public safety concerns. Human rights organizations have repeatedly criticized those policies.

"Very concerning"

Rich Campbell, the president and CEO of Atlantis Events, which organizes all-gay cruises, told CNN "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 added it was the first time in 36 years that Atlantis has been “actively told we may not berth here because of who we are.”

Approximately 1,100 of the 1,900 expected guests on the voyage are from the United States, while the remaining guests are from the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, among other nations.

The announcement coincides with the conclusion of Pride celebrations in many major cities.

“I am shocked”

One entertainer who is scheduled to perform on the cruise is speaking out.

Iconic actress and singer Patti LuPone took to her social media on Thursday (July 2) to express her disappointment in Türkiye’s decision to ban the ship.  

“I am shocked,” LuPone wrote on her Facebook page. “A ship — a magnificent ship — full of well-heeled gay men. And me. Denied entry to [Türkiye] simply because of who is on board.”

“I am furious, but I am sailing, as the ship will make other ports of call. I am ready to perform for all the wonderful men on this Atlantis cruise, who deserve so much better than this.”

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