Virgin cruise denied entry to Turkey and Egypt amid LGBTQ travel concerns
A Virgin cruise ship carrying primarily LGBTQ passengers was turned away by authorities in Turkey and Egypt, prompting travel industry comments about a broader trend of rights rollbacks.
A Virgin cruise vessel named Scarlet Lady was denied docking permission by authorities in Turkey and Egypt earlier this week. The ship, which was transporting roughly 2,000 LGBTQ travelers from the United States and entertainer Patti LuPone, was turned away in both ports.
U.S. media outlets reported the incidents as evidence of a growing pattern of discrimination against LGBTQ travelers. CNN, for example, highlighted passenger statements linking the refusals to a perceived rollback of LGBTQ rights worldwide.
Kyle Olsen, who runs an LGBTQ-focused travel company, said the denials reflect “a broader global trend” and noted an increase in “right-wing governments and increasingly conservative political movements” that are “rolling back LGBTQI+ rights.” He added that the decisions by Turkey and Egypt “don’t exist in isolation.”
Both Turkey and Egypt have not provided detailed public explanations for the refusals, and officials in either country have not commented on the specific incident.