As we reported last week, Turkey recently declined permission to a gay cruise operated by Atlantis to dock at two ports in the country. The reason? Officials said Atlantis is “known for behaviors incompatible with the fabric of our society and our moral values.”
The Athens to Venice 10-day cruise set sail on Sunday (July 5). The vessel is the Scarlet Lady, owned by the Richard Branson-backed cruise line Virgin Voyage. It carries around 1,900 passengers, mainly gay men from the US.
With the Turkey stops off the itinerary, Atlantis changed course to add two replacement stops: Alexandria in Egypt today (July 9), which would have allowed time for day trips to Cairo, and Crete on Saturday (July 11).
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However, passengers have now revealed that Egypt has also barred the ship from docking. One of those on board is journalist Randy Slovacek. Yesterday, on his Randy Report blog, he said that when Egypt was added to the itinerary, “Many of us quickly set up guided tours/excursions to go see the pyramids in Cairo. Even though it would be a long day – 3 hours drive there, several hours exploring, three hours back to ship – who doesn’t want to see the pyramids?
“So most of us went to bed early last night to be up and sharp for our 7 am departures. But as my hubby and I were leaving our cabin, we found a one-page notice had been slipped under our door. Egypt has been cancelled.”
“Surprised by this unfortunate decision”
The official note, on Atlantis Events headed paper, ran as follows.
“Early this morning, we were informed that Scarlet Lady has been denied entry into Egyptian waters, and, as a result, will no longer be able to call in Alexandria today.
“I know how much this visit meant to so many of you. We successfully sailed a similar itinerary last year without issue. So we were surprised by this unfortunate decision.
“Please know that both the Atlantis and Virgin Voyages teams worked tirelessly to make this call in Alexandria a possibility. This news came as a surprise to all of us, and we’re just as disappointed as you are.
“While nothing can replace the opportunity to experience Egypt, we’re already focused on making the most of the rest of our journey together. We are actively working to find an alternate port of call to enjoy and will provide an update later today.”
Patti LuPone
Other passengers shared images of the note on social media. It was signed by Rich Campbell, President of Atlantis Events.
Last week, speaking to CNN about Turkey’s refusal to allow the ship to dock, Campbell said, “It’s pretty stunning, to be honest. I mean, and the reasoning behind it is that it’s a gay group. 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 said it was the first time in its 36 years that Atlantis had been actively denied permission to dock “because of who we are.” He also says Atlantis cruises have stopped in Turkey over a dozen times in the last 25 years.
Another person to express horror was Broadway icon Patti LuPone. On social media, she said, “I am shocked. The Atlantis cruise I am performing on next week, has been banned from entering Turkey. A ship — a magnificent ship — full of well-heeled gay men. And me. Denied entry to Turkey 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.”
As yet, LuPone has not commented on Egypt also declining the ship. However, another performer on the ship, comedian Brad Loekle, took to social media to make his thoughts known.
“It’s 7 am off the coast of Egypt and those of us on our gorgeous Atlantis Events cruise have been informed that Egypt is following the disgusting lead of Turkey’s inhumane government and refusing to allow us entry based on us merely existing and loving who we love.
“I will make a much more personal and detailed post as soon as I can. But, I need a moment to process this shifting tide we all feel, globally, against our community.”
Loekle went on to praise Virgin Voyages and Atlantis for creating spaces “where our community can truly be free.”
Same-sex sexual activity is not illegal in Turkey or Egypt. However, in recent years, Turkey has cracked down on LGBTQ rights, including banning Pride marches and closing queer venues. Egypt has a number of morality laws that apply to anything considered non-traditional. These have been used to raid gay bathhouses and to persecute many in the LGBTQ community.
Queerty reached out to Atlantis for further comment.
Related
Turkey blocks Atlantis gay cruise ship from docking, citing “moral” issues
Guest performer Patti LuPone speaks out: “I am shocked … I am furious”
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