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Turkey Bans Scarlet Lady Cruise Over “Immoral” Guests

7/6/2026

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Summary

Turkey Bars Cruise

Turkey barred “Scarlet Lady” cruise from docking in Kusadasi on July 7 and Istanbul on July 8.
Officials said the ship was chartered by groups “known for behaviors incompatible with moral values.”
The itinerary was changed to call at Cairo, Egypt, and Crete, Greece, instead of Turkey.
CEO Rich Campbell called the ban unprecedented, the first denial in the company’s 36-year history.
Broadway star Patti LuPone said she was shocked and furious.

Summary

Turkey Bars Cruise

Turkish officials denied the Virgin Voyages cruise ship Scarlet Lady port access, citing “moral standards” and “family values.”
The voyage was marketed specifically to LGBTQ + travelers, a detail highlighted by the organizers.
More than 1,000 guests, mostly from the United States, were slated to board.
Atlantis Events President Rich Campbell said it was the first denial in the company’s 36-year history because of passenger identity.

History

Historical Context

Istanbul hosted its first Pride march in 2003, expanding to about 100,000 demonstrators by 2013. After police used water cannons to break the 2015 parade, the city banned the event each year, with arrests continuing through 2022. The same pattern now forces Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady, led by CEO Rich Campbell, to reroute away from Turkey.

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Turkey Bars Cruise

Turkey barred “Scarlet Lady” cruise from docking in Kusadasi on July 7 and Istanbul on July 8.
Officials said the ship was chartered by groups “known for behaviors incompatible with moral values.”
The itinerary was changed to call at Cairo, Egypt, and Crete, Greece, instead of Turkey.
CEO Rich Campbell called the ban unprecedented, the first denial in the company’s 36-year history.
Broadway star Patti LuPone said she was shocked and furious.

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