
Turkey Blocks LGBTQ+-Themed Cruise From Ports Over 'Moral Values'
Turkey barred Virgin Voyages’ LGBTQ+-themed Scarlet Lady from docking at Kuşadası and Istanbul, citing groups deemed incompatible with the country’s ‘moral values.’ The voyage’s itinerary was shifted to Cairo and Crete; Atlantis Events says this is the first time docking was denied for an LGBTQ+-focused cruise in 36 years. The move comes amid Erdoğan government crackdowns on LGBTQ+ events, including a ban on Istanbul Pride since 2015. Roughly 1,900 passengers were expected on the 10-day Mediterranean trip, about 1,100 of them from the U.S.; passengers were informed of the itinerary change.













