Turkey has refused to let the Scarlet Lady – an LGBTQ+ cruise ship from Virgin Voyages – enter its ports. Two pre-planned stops at the last minute had to be canceled.
The cruise ship was set to sail from Athens to Venice, starting on July 5th. Its itinerary included making a stop at the Aegean resort of Kuşadası and the big metropolis of Istanbul. However, both were canceled after the Turkish government informed the organizer about their decision. Later, it was discovered that the reason for the refusal was based on Turkey’s ‘morals’ and ‘family values’. So the Scarlet Lady’s revised itinerary now includes Port Said, Egypt, and Heraklion, Crete, instead of Turkey.
A First for a Specialized Operator
American LGBT-travel agency Atlantis Events, which has been arranging LGBT-themed vacations for 36 years, called such actions of Turkey “unprecedented”. The company’s CEO Rich Campbell was left speechless due to this situation. According to him, it was the first time in the company’s history that it had to cancel the planned stops due to the passengers’ sexuality or gender diversity.
It is no joke, as any detail in the cruise industry counts, including itinerary. Even one-day changes can spoil the whole vacation for people who look forward to seeing particular places. Besides, companies usually plan trips months or even years ahead, making it hard to alter any details last minute. In this situation, however, Turkey’s pressure not to allow a gay cruise ship in its ports took the matter to another level.
Virgin Voyages and Its Flagship
The LGBTQ+ cruise ship involved in the dispute is by no means ordinary. Scarlet Lady is the flagship of Virgin Voyages, Sir Richard Branson’s private cruise line. This ship is part of Branson’s larger plan to disrupt the cruise industry, offering a more alternative version of ocean voyages. Scarlet Lady is 30% luxury, 100% adults-only, with its 1,330 cabins and 78 suites. Onboard, passengers can enjoy a selection of dining and drinking options, a full-service spa, and unique experiences such as a tattoo parlor. Thus, Scarlet Lady is more like a boutique hotel than a conventional cruise ship.
Though Virgin Voyages was not explicitly accused of causing trouble, the issue was in the profile of their customers. So, the company is not in a better position here, even though it does not have direct responsibility.
Wider Context in Turkey
Turkey is a secular state, but the government has shown its opposition to LGBT+ rallies in recent years. Especially in Istanbul, where Pride events are regularly challenged, resulting in mass arrests of activists. So, this situation with the Scarlet Lady is in line with Turkey’s recent actions against the LGBT+ community.
The controversy around this incident is another reminder that the world is not as globalized and liberal as it wants to be. There are still places where visitors are not welcome, even if they arrive on a luxury cruise ship.
A Warning Sign to Cruise Lines?
Companies that operate in the cruise industry tend to keep a low profile in the face of political or governmental confrontations, as this incident demonstrates. So, for the industry as a whole, this situation may act as a warning not to expect unconditional support from all countries. Although the cruise industry is a multi-billion dollar business, its reputation is fragile in the face of emerging social controversies.
On the other hand, the Scarlet Lady passengers will have new places to explore. But the experience will not be the same due to the last-minute changes and controversy. Thus, while the journey may broaden one’s horizons, not all ports are welcoming to diverse travelers.
After Turkish authorities refused to authorize the planned stops in Kuşadası and Istanbul, Egyptian authorities in turn blocked the ship's arrival in Alexandria, forcing the operator to find an alternative for its passengers urgently.