Athens, Greece – An Atlantis Events charter cruise carrying approximately 2,700 passengers has been forced to bypass two scheduled stops in Turkey after the company said Turkish authorities informed organizers the ship would not be permitted to dock.
The sailing, departing Sunday aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady, was originally scheduled to visit Kusadasi and Istanbul before continuing through the Mediterranean.
In a notice to passengers, Atlantis said, “Unfortunately, we have been informed by the Turkish authorities that Atlantis will not be permitted to dock in Kusadasi or Istanbul during this voyage. As a result, we have had to alter our sailing itinerary somewhat.”
Patti LuPone criticizes decision
Actress and singer Patti LuPone, who is scheduled to perform aboard the cruise, expressed frustration over the decision in a social media post.
“I am shocked,” LuPone wrote. “The Atlantis cruise I am performing on next week has been banned from entering Turkey. A ship — a magnificent ship — full of well-heeled gay men. And me. Denied entry to Turkey simply because of who is on board.”
“I am furious, but I am sailing, as the ship will make other ports of call,” she added. “I am ready to perform for all the wonderful men on this Atlantis cruise, who deserve so much better than this.”
Turkey has not publicly released a statement explaining the decision described by Atlantis.
Itinerary revised
Rather than calling on Turkey, the cruise will now make additional stops in Egypt and Greece.
The revised itinerary includes:
- Athens, Greece
- Mykonos, Greece
- Santorini, Greece
- Alexandria (Cairo), Egypt
- Heraklion, Crete
- Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Zadar, Croatia
- Trieste, Italy
Atlantis said the revised schedule preserves the remainder of the voyage while adding a full day in Alexandria, with excursions to Cairo and the new Egyptian Museum, as well as a stop in Heraklion on the island of Crete.
About Atlantis Events
Founded in 1991, Atlantis Events charters entire cruise ships to offer LGBTQ+ travel experiences around the world. Unlike traditional cruises, the company leases the entire vessel while the cruise line continues operating the ship, allowing Atlantis to tailor entertainment, activities, and programming for its guests.
The Mediterranean voyage aboard Scarlet Lady is expected to include passengers from more than 50 countries.
Key Points
- Atlantis Events said Turkish authorities will not allow its charter cruise to dock in Istanbul or Kusadasi.
- Patti LuPone, who is scheduled to perform aboard the voyage, criticized the decision on social media.
- The cruise itinerary has been revised to include stops in Alexandria, Egypt, and Heraklion, Crete, while keeping the remaining ports unchanged.
