LGBTQ rights rollback under spotlight as U.S. LGBTQ cruise is blocked by Turkey and Egypt

An Atlantis Events LGBTQ-focused cruise aboard the Scarlet Lady was blocked from Turkish ports and then denied entry by Egypt, forcing a reroute and touching more than 1,000 U.S. travelers aboard a 1,900-guest voyage. Turkish officials cited “morality” concerns, Egypt followed suit, and the ship diverted to Crete. The episode highlights a broader global rollback of LGBTQ rights in some countries and renews calls from passengers and rights advocates to rethink where LGBTQ travelers spend their dollars and how communities are supported by tourism.