Gay Cruise Ship Story: Progressivism and Fundamentalist Islam Incompatible

Roughly 2,000 gay men and Broadway star Patti LuPone were adrift in the middle of the Mediterranean after Turkey and Egypt denied their cruise ship, the Scarlet Lady, access to the Muslim-majority countries this past week. If one were a travel agent specializing in all-gay getaways, perhaps the first thing to consider when planning the itinerary for a cruise ship filled with gay men is how the ports of call feel about gay people. In the agent’s defense, one doesn’t come up with the ad copy “Play Like a Virgin” without sacrificing attention elsewhere.

The ten-day voyage, organized by LGBT vacation company Atlantis Events, set sail from Greece and was scheduled to dock in Kuşadasi and Istanbul, but the ship was turned away by Turkish authorities, who cited the ship’s incongruity with “moral standards” and “family values.” Turkish officials explained that the experience was organized by groups “known for behaviors incompatible with the fabric of our society and our moral values.” Cairo followed suit. Now, the men and Ms. LuPone have nothing to do but party and post videos of their shock and outrage on social media.

About the Author

Lauren Veldhuizen

Lauren Veldhuizen is an associate producer for National Review. She is a graduate of Wake Forest University and a classically trained soprano.

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Roughly 2,000 gay men and Broadway star Patti LuPone were adrift in the middle of the Mediterranean after Turkey and Egypt denied their cruise ship, the Scarlet Lady, access to the Muslim-majority countries this past week. If one were a travel agent specializing in all-gay getaways, perhaps the first thing to consider when planning the itinerary for a cruise ship filled with gay men is how the ports of call feel about gay people. In the agent’s defense, one doesn’t come up with the ad copy “Play Like a Virgin” without sacrificing attention elsewhere.

The ten-day voyage, organized by LGBT vacation company Atlantis Events, set sail from Greece and was scheduled to dock in Kuşadasi and Istanbul, but the ship was turned away by Turkish authorities, who cited the ship’s incongruity with “moral standards” and “family values.” Turkish officials explained that the experience was organized by groups “known for behaviors incompatible with the fabric of our society and our moral values.” Cairo followed suit. Now, the men and Ms. LuPone have nothing to do but party and post videos of their shock and outrage on social media.