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 certain parts of the world. This incident, coupled with the earlier denial of entry by Turkish authorities, underscores the need for continued vigilance and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights globally. The fact that the ship was previously able to sail a similar itinerary without issue suggests a potential shift in government attitudes, which could have implications for future LGBTQ+ travel and events in the region. The presence of prominent LGBTQ+ individuals, such as former Tempe, Ariz., Mayor Neil Giuliano, on the cruise also draws attention to the issue of LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance. As the cruise now heads back to Europe, it is likely that the incident will spark further discussion and activism around LGBTQ+ rights, particularly in countries with limited protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, such as Egypt.
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 .