rights
Egyptian authorities refuse to allow gay cruise to dock in country
By Michael K. Lavers at Washington Blade
· July 9, 2026
· 3 min read
Egyptian authorities have refused to allow a gay cruise to dock in the country. The Scarlet Lady, a Virgin Voyages ship that Atlantis Events chartered, was to have docked in Alexandria, a port city on the Mediterranean Sea. The Washington Blade obtained a letter that Atlantis Events President Rich C
Key takeaway “Early this morning, we were informed that Scarlet Lady has been denied entry into Egyptian waters and, as a result, will no longer be able to call in Alexandria today,” he wrote.
Why this matters
The refusal of Egyptian authorities to allow the gay cruise to dock in the country highlights the significant challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the region. This incident comes on the heels of a similar refusal by Turkish authorities, demonstrating a disturbing trend of discrimination and persecution based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The fact that the ship was previously allowed to sail a similar itinerary without issue suggests a shift in attitudes or policies, potentially influenced by the increasingly conservative climate in some Middle Eastern countries. The presence of prominent LGBTQ+ advocates, such as former Tempe, Ariz., Mayor Neil Giuliano, on the cruise underscores the need for continued advocacy and support for LGBTQ+ rights globally. As the cruise returns to Europe, it serves as a stark reminder of the varying levels of acceptance and protection for LGBTQ+ individuals around the world, and the ongoing need for national and international efforts to promote equality and inclusivity.
About this story
Original reporting by Washington Blade . LGBTQ News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: rights ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: Washington Blade ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Egyptian authorities have refused to allow a gay cruise to dock in the country. The Scarlet Lady, a Virgin Voyages ship that Atlantis Events chartered, was to have docked in Alexandria, a port city on the Mediterranean Sea. The Washington Blade obtained a letter that Atlantis Events President Rich C
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by Washington Blade and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Michael K. Lavers at Washington Blade. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .