LGBTQ+ Cruise Ship Denied Entry to Egypt

The LGBTQ+ friendly cruise ship Scarlet Lady was denied entry into Egypt on July 9, 2026. This decision followed a similar refusal of entry into Turkish waters earlier in the week. The ship, carrying approximately 2,000 passengers, received notification of the change in itinerary through notes placed under cabin doors on Thursday morning. Passengers, including notable figures like Broadway performer Patti LuPone, were informed that the vessel was urgently seeking alternative ports of call. The specific reasons for Egypt's refusal of entry were not immediately detailed, but the incident follows a pattern of such rejections for cruises catering to the LGBTQ+ community. The ship's operator is now actively searching for new destinations to accommodate its passengers and itinerary. The passengers were informed of the need to "sparkle and spend elsewhere" as the ship sought new docking arrangements. This event highlights ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+-focused travel in certain international destinations. The cruise was scheduled to include stops in various locations, and the denial of access by both Turkey and Egypt significantly disrupted its planned route. The company is working to mitigate the impact on the passengers' experience while navigating these diplomatic and logistical hurdles.