Egyptian Authorities Block Virgin Voyages Ship From Entering Port

Egypt just turned away a cruise ship carrying LGBTQ+ travelers, and the story is raising serious questions about travel rights on the high seas.

Egypt Denies Entry to Virgin Voyages Ship on LGBTQ+ Cruise

The Scarlet Lady, a Virgin Voyages ship, was blocked from entering Egyptian waters on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. The ship had been heading to Alexandria as part of a planned port call.

The vessel is currently chartered by Atlantis Events for an LGBTQ+ cruise through the Eastern Mediterranean. Ship tracking data confirmed the Scarlet Lady turned around after approaching the Egyptian port in the early morning hours.

What Organizers Said

Atlantis Events shared a statement directly with guests onboard the ship. The message was blunt and disappointing.

“We’re incredibly disappointed to share that the Scarlet Lady has just been denied entry into Egyptian waters and will no longer be able to call at Alexandria,” organizers said.

The company said it was “working hard” with Virgin Voyages to find a replacement port for the cancelled stop.

This Wasn’t the First Problem on This Voyage

The ten-night cruise left Piraeus, Greece, on July 5, 2026. It was originally set to visit Greece, Croatia, and Turkey before ending in Trieste, Italy, on July 15.

However, trouble started before the ship even left port. Turkish authorities denied the Scarlet Lady access to Istanbul and Kusadasi. According to CNN, officials made it clear the vessel was not welcome.

With Turkey no longer on the schedule, Atlantis Events reworked the itinerary. They added Souda Bay in Crete and Alexandria, Egypt, as replacement stops.

What the New Itinerary Looks Like Now

Popular stops like Mykonos, Santorini, Dubrovnik, and Zadar remain on the schedule. The cruise is still set to wrap up in Trieste as planned.

With Alexandria now also off the table, it’s unclear what port will replace it. Organizers are still working to find an answer for guests onboard.

A Second LGBTQ+ Voyage Is Still on the Books

Once the first voyage ends in Trieste, the Scarlet Lady is set to sail a second Atlantis Events cruise. That nine-night trip heads from Trieste to Barcelona.

The second itinerary includes stops in Italy, Spain, France, and Croatia. Planned destinations include Split, Valletta, Palermo, Sorrento, Civitavecchia, Villefranche, and Marseille.

What This Means for LGBTQ+ Cruise Travelers

This situation is a reminder that LGBTQ+ travelers face real risks in certain parts of the world. Some countries have laws or policies that restrict entry based on the nature of a voyage or its passengers.

If you’re planning a cruise as an LGBTQ+ traveler, it’s worth researching the laws and attitudes of every destination on your itinerary. Knowing what to expect can help you make informed choices about where you travel and with whom.