By: Paul Goldberg – Senior Correspondent | LGBT International News

LGBTQ POLITICS ASIA — (July 3, 2026) — Turkey’s decision to deny entry to an American LGBTQ-focused cruise has triggered international criticism and renewed debate over equal treatment for LGBTQ travelers abroad.




Officials in Turkey’s Aydın Province refused permission for the Scarlet Lady, operated by Virgin Voyages and chartered by Atlantis Events, to dock at the scheduled ports of Kuşadası and Istanbul during its Mediterranean itinerary. Authorities reportedly cited the country’s “moral values” and “family structure” when explaining why the vessel would not be permitted to proceed with its planned visits.

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More Than 1,000 American Travelers Affected

The 10-day “Athens to Venice” voyage departed Greece on July 5 and was expected to bring thousands of LGBTQ travelers to Turkey before continuing through the Mediterranean.

According to Atlantis Events, the itinerary has now been revised, replacing the Turkish ports with destinations in Crete and Cairo, Egypt, allowing guests to continue their vacation without interruption. The company describes the cruise as one of its signature annual Mediterranean sailings welcoming LGBTQ travelers from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and dozens of other countries.




Atlantis Events: “We Came to Visit, Not Protest”

Atlantis Events CEO Rich Campbell expressed disappointment to the media with Turkey’s decision, emphasizing that the company is a travel organization—not a political movement.

Campbell said passengers were visiting Turkey for tourism, sightseeing, local excursions, shopping, restaurants, and cultural experiences—not demonstrations or political activism.

The company notified guests that the itinerary change resulted entirely from the Turkish government’s decision to deny the scheduled port calls.




Turkey’s LGBTQ Record Faces Renewed Scrutiny

Turkey’s action comes amid years of increasing restrictions affecting LGBTQ visibility.

Under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government, authorities have repeatedly prohibited Pride marches in Istanbul and several other cities, often citing public safety, public order, or morality. Human rights organizations have criticized those restrictions as discriminatory and inconsistent with international human rights standards.




JRL CHARTS LGBT Politics continues to champion equality, safe international travel, and fair treatment for LGBTQ communities worldwide by delivering trusted reporting on the policies and events shaping global LGBTQ rights and tourism.




Paul Goldberg
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