The LGBTQ+ cruise ship hosting Patti LuPone has been denied entry to Egypt after already facing a ban from Turkey.
Egypt Blocks Scarlet Lady
On Friday, CNN confirmed that Egyptian authorities blocked Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady from entering its waters. Rich Campbell, president and CEO of Atlantis Events, stated, "We had full approval and they denied us clearance at the 11th hour."
Initial Ban in Turkey
LuPone announced on Instagram on July 2 that the ship had been barred from Turkey. "I am shocked," wrote the Tony Award winner. "The Atlantis cruise I am performing on next week has been banned from entering Turkey. A ship — a magnificent ship — full of gay men. And me. Denied entry to Turkey simply because of who is on board." She continued, "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."
Itinerary Changes
The cruise initially planned to dock in Turkey before being redirected to Egypt, according to Atlantis' website. Egyptian officials have not disclosed the reason for blocking the ship. The Aydin government posted on X: "The organization, planned by groups known for behaviors that do not align with the structure of our society and our moral values... to dock a cruise ship rented by these groups at Aydın Kuşadası Port on July 7, 2026, and which has caused great discomfort in various segments of our society, has been canceled."
Passenger Reactions
Passenger Greg Morley expressed concern to CNN, "My mind went to the LGBTQ communities in Egypt and Turkey where LGBTQ individuals don’t have the opportunities to just sail away." He added, "Discrimination and the lack of opportunities that come with the shortsighted marginalization of LGBTQ people and other minorities damages far beyond a cruise ship rescheduling."
LuPone shared a photo on Instagram of herself with fellow passengers, reinforcing her earlier sentiment: "A ship — a magnificent ship — full of gay men. And me."
Voyage Details
The Scarlet Lady set sail on July 5 and aims to conclude in Italy on July 15. Atlantis described the cruise as "an epic all-gay voyage from Athens to Venice to the Mediterranean’s most iconic destinations — Mykonos, Santorini, Istanbul, Dubrovnik, and more." The ship boasts entertainment, parties, and experiences for 2,500 guests aboard Virgin's Scarlet Lady.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/music/music-news/patti-lupones-gay-cruise-blocked-egypt-1236644606/
