LGBTQ+ Cruise Blocked by Egypt and Turkey Amid Escalating Anti-LGBTQ+ Policies Greg Morley, a 59-year-old Philadelphian now living in Paris, has spent decades sailing the world on LGBTQ+ cruises with his husband, exploring destinations across the Americas, Asia, and Europe. His latest voyage, organized by LGBTQ+ travel company Atlantis Events, was meant to take passengers from Athens to Venice, offering a mix of iconic sights and cultural experiences. However, the trip faced a dramatic setback when Egyptian authorities blocked the cruise ship Scarlet Lady from entering their waters at the last minute, days after the vessel had been denied entry to Turkey. Rich Campbell, president and CEO of Atlantis Events, told CNN that the decision was “unfortunate” and “outrageous,” emphasizing that the cruise had previously sailed a similar itinerary without issue. In a memo to passengers, Campbell acknowledged the disappointment but noted the community’s resilience, with many travelers turning their frustration into a renewed commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy. For Morley, the last-minute change highlighted the stark realities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in countries like Egypt and Turkey, where human rights groups warn of declining protections for the community. The cruise’s troubles began last week when Turkish authorities barred the Scarlet Lady from docking in two of the country’s ports, citing concerns over the vessel’s charter by groups “known for behaviors incompatible with the fabric of our society and our moral values.” Atlantis Events quickly diverted the ship to Cairo, but Egypt followed Turkey’s lead, banning the cruise from entering its waters. On Friday, the ship sailed to the Greek island of Crete instead.#greg_morley #atlantis_events #scarlet_lady #tayyip_erdogan #international_lgbtq_travel_association
