LGBTQ+ cruise ship Scarlet Lady denied entry to Egypt after Turkey rejection

The cruise liner Scarlet Lady, marketed as an LGBTQ+‑focused vacation, set sail with roughly 2,000 passengers on board, including Broadway star Patti LuPone, only to encounter a series of port denials that left travelers stranded at sea. After Turkish authorities barred the vessel from entering their waters earlier this week, the ship’s captain received a refusal from Egyptian officials, prompting the crew to distribute a notice placed under each cabin door on Thursday morning. The memo warned that the ship was urgently seeking alternative ports, urging passengers to prepare for an extended itinerary and to “sparkle and spend elsewhere” as the cruise’s itinerary was reshaped.

The sudden change has forced the Scarlet Lady to chart a new course while authorities in both Turkey and Egypt cited undisclosed reasons for the rejections. Cruise operators have confirmed that they are in contact with maritime agencies to secure a safe harbor for disembarkation and to address the logistical challenges posed by the unexpected diversions. As the situation develops, passengers remain on board awaiting further updates on the ship’s next destination and the timeline for resuming their scheduled activities.