Virgin Voyages Charter Denied Entry to Turkish Ports
Turkey has blocked an upcoming Virgin Voyages charter from visiting Turkish ports, forcing itinerary changes after authorities denied entry.
Sailors aboard the upcoming Atlantis Events charter on Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady will no longer visit Turkey after Turkish authorities blocked the LGBTQ+ charter from calling at the country’s ports.
The decision affects the 10-night Atlantis Charter sailing departing Athens on 5 July 2026. The voyage was originally scheduled to visit both Kuşadası and Istanbul before continuing through the Mediterranean.
You can view the original voyage itinerary on VV Insider here: Atlantis Charter on Scarlet Lady.
Turkey Cites “Moral Values”
According to CNN, officials in Turkey said the charter would not be permitted to visit because it was organized by groups “known for behaviors incompatible with the fabric of our society and our moral values.”
The Atlantis charter is expected to carry around 1,900 guests, including approximately 1,100 sailors from the United States. Others are travelling from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and several other countries.
Atlantis Events has confirmed the itinerary has been revised. Cairo, Egypt, and Crete, Greece, will replace the canceled Turkish port calls.
Atlantis Events Responds
Rich Campbell, President and CEO of Atlantis Events, described the decision as unprecedented. Speaking to CNN, Campbell said it was the first time in the company’s 36-year history that a destination had refused entry because of the guests onboard.
He added that the company was disappointed by the decision. Campbell also said Atlantis voyages are focused on travel, entertainment and tourism rather than political activity.
Patti LuPone Reacts
Broadway performer Patti LuPone, who is scheduled to perform onboard during the charter, also reacted publicly following the news.
In a message shared with fans on social media, LuPone wrote that she was “shocked.” She went on to say she believed the ship had been denied entry “simply because of who is on board.”
LuPone added that she still plans to sail and perform for the guests onboard.
Virgin Voyages Other Itineraries Unaffected
The decision applies to this privately chartered Atlantis sailing, rather than Virgin Voyages as a cruise line generally. However questions may be raised by authorities and sailors regarding her stops there. VV Insider has reached out to Virgin Voyages for comment and will update this article if a response is received.
Read More
CNN has published a full report covering the announcement and statements from Atlantis Events: Turkey blocks American LGBTQ+ cruise from docking.
