Turkish government blocks gay cruise carrying Americans from docking...

[Jessica_Rose ✅]

Turkish government blocks gay cruise carrying Americans from docking, citing 'moral standards'

https://www.advocate.com/news/turkiye-blocks-gay-atlantis-cruise 🔗

Christopher Wiggins (3 July 2026)

Turkish authorities have blocked an LGBTQ+ cruise carrying mostly American travelers from docking in the country, citing "moral standards" and "family values," according to CNN.

The 10-day "Athens to Venice" cruise, organized by Atlantis Events, was scheduled to depart Greece on Sunday and stop in Kuşadası, Türkiye, two days later before continuing to Istanbul. Instead, the Virgin Voyages ship Scarlet Lady will now stop in Cairo, Egypt, and Crete, Greece, Atlantis said.

Local authorities in Türkiye said they had canceled the "event" because the ship had been chartered by groups "known for behaviors incompatible with the fabric of our society and our moral values," CNN reported.

The decision affects about 1,900 passengers, including roughly 1,100 from the United States, Rich Campbell, president and CEO of Atlantis Events, told the network. Other travelers are expected from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and elsewhere.

Campbell said it was the first time in the company's 36-year history that Atlantis had been "actively told we may not berth here because of who we are." Atlantis informed passengers Thursday that the Türkiye stops had been removed "due to circumstances beyond our control," after Turkish authorities canceled the port calls.

[Lori Dee ✅]

I am always happy to stay away from places where I am not welcome.

They have no idea what they have lost from this. Tourist dollars, reputation, and so much more. Bye-bye, Turkey!

[Finally Anna]

In principle: The more to the east, the less friendly.
Hmmm, Italy also in the "bad territory"? That's a bit of a surprise. Spain being very green is known, as are the Nordics and Iceland and Germany.

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

Oddly when getting my FFS in Istanbul I found everyone friendly and accepting if me. However this is as a trans woman with a male partner in hand. I suspect this is more acceptable in the culture than homosexuality. Or maybe there is disconnect between the government stance and how much the people day to day, especially in the modern parts of Istanbul really care.

[Rochelle]

I agree with you in this is a political decision and not the common person. The Turkish government has become increasingly restrictive on LGBTQ+ issues over the past decade with it ramping up more so because of some recent world views. (these are my thoughts/observations). 💚