Turkish authorities have denied docking access to an LGBTQ+ focused cruise with nearly 2,000 passengers. The cruise, which is taking place aboard a Virgin Voyages ship, was scheduled to stop in Kuşadası, Türkiye, as part of its “Athens to Venice” Mediterranean itinerary.
According to officials in Aydın, the province where Kuşadası is located, the ban is due to the sailing being chartered by those “known for behaviors incompatible with the fabric of our society and our moral values.”
The LGBTQ+ focused cruise is organized by Atlantis Events and is taking place aboard Virgin Voyages’ first ship, the Scarlet Lady. The CEO and President of Atlantis Events, Rich Campbell, commented on Turkish officials’ move to prohibit the cruise’s docking based on the sexualities and identities of those on board.
Rich Campbell claimed that in the company’s 36 years in business, this incident is the first time it’s been “actively told we may not berth here because of who we are.” He expressed concern over the country’s decision to pick and choose which tourists are allowed in and which are not.
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“It’s pretty stunning, to be honest. I mean, and the reasoning behind it is that it’s a gay group,” said Rich Campbell about the Turkish authorities’ ban. “It’s very concerning to me when a country decides they can pick and choose which tourists are allowed in and which are not.”
The 10-day Mediterranean adventure is intended to be a non-political event, with passengers looking to spend money, have a good time, take tours, and be respectful to every culture they visit. Nearly 2,000 passengers from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other countries are embarking on the cruise.
Atlantis Events cruises have been to Istanbul and Kusadasi 13 times in the last 25 years, according to Rich Campbell. The company’s experience in the region has been positive, making the current ban all the more surprising.
While there are no laws criminalizing LGBTQIA+ in Türkiye, discrimination toward the community has been known to occur. Travelers should be aware that the country is generally more conservative, especially outside of major cities.
A request for urgent action notes that unlawful bans against Pride events have routinely occurred across Türkiye since 2015. The State Department encourages American gay and lesbian travelers to research their accommodations in advance before visiting Türkiye.
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The incident highlights the importance of understanding local customs and laws when traveling abroad. In this case, the Turkish authorities’ decision to deny docking access to the LGBTQ+ focused cruise has significant implications for the travel industry and the LGBTQ+ community.
As the situation continues to unfold, it’s essential to consider the broader context of LGBTQ+ rights in Türkiye and the potential impact on tourism. The country’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues is likely to influence the decisions of travelers and tour operators in the future.
The Virgin Voyages ship has updated its route to include Cairo, Egypt, and Crete, Greece, instead of the Kuşadası stop, which was scheduled for July 7.
The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges associated with international travel and the need for awareness and understanding of local laws and customs.