Turkiye has refused entry to a Virgin Voyages charter cruise organised by Atlantis Events, citing family values and moral standards.
The 10-day Athens to Venice sailing aboard Scarlet Lady, carrying nearly 2,000 predominantly American LGBTQ+ passengers, was scheduled to call at Kusadasi on 7 July and Istanbul.
Turkish authorities denied permission for both ports. Organisers have revised the itinerary to include additional stops in Cairo, Egypt, and Crete, Greece, to minimise disruption. Atlantis Events described the decision as unprecedented in its 36-year history and highlighted concerns over destinations selectively welcoming visitors, along with potential economic losses for local tourism.
