LGBTQ+ cruise featuring Patti LuPone denied entry to Egypt after Turkey rejection
Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady, carrying an LGBTQ+ cruise organized by Atlantis Events and starring Patti LuPone, was blocked from Egyptian waters following a prior denial by Turkey, with officials offering no explanation.
Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady, the vessel for an LGBTQ+ cruise organized by Atlantis Events and featuring Tony Award winner Patti LuPone, was denied clearance to enter Egyptian waters, CNN reported on Friday. The ship had previously been turned away by Turkish authorities, prompting LuPone to post on Instagram that the cruise was "banned" from Turkey because of its passenger composition.
"We had full approval and they denied us clearance at the 11th hour," said Rich Campbell, president and CEO of Atlantis Events.
After the Turkish denial, the cruise itinerary was amended to include an Egyptian port, but Egyptian officials did not provide a reason for the subsequent blockage. A statement posted on a Turkish government account criticized the organization behind the cruise, describing its activities as inconsistent with the country's moral values.
Passenger Greg Morley told CNN that the incident highlighted broader challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals in the region, noting that discrimination extends beyond a single voyage.
LuPone shared a photo of herself with fellow passengers on Instagram, reiterating her disappointment but confirming that the cruise would continue to other destinations. The Hollywood Reporter sought comment from LuPone's representatives without receiving a response.