Turkey, the Country of the Istanbul Convention, Bars LGBTQ+ Cruise Ship from Its Ports, Citing “Moral Values”

Turkey has refused permission for the LGBTQ+ charter cruise aboard the Scarlet Lady to dock at the ports of Istanbul and Kuşadası, forcing the vessel to alter its Mediterranean itinerary. According to Turkish authorities, the decision was based on the country’s “moral standards” and “family values.” (Turkish Minute⁠)

The cruise, organised by Atlantis Events and operated aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady, was due to depart Athens before visiting several Mediterranean destinations, including two Turkish ports. Instead, the ship will now call at Cairo in Egypt and the Greek island of Crete. (People.com⁠)

Officials in Turkey’s Aydın Province, where Kuşadası is located, stated that the charter had been organised by groups “known for behaviours incompatible with the fabric of our society and our moral values.” They declared that there was “absolutely no possibility” of allowing the planned visit to proceed. (Turkish Minute⁠)

Rich Campbell, President and CEO of Atlantis Events, described the decision as unprecedented in the company’s 36-year history. He said this was the first time the company had been explicitly denied permission to dock because of its passengers’ identities. Campbell stressed that the cruise was not intended as a political event but simply as a holiday for paying tourists who wished to visit local attractions and contribute to the economies of the destinations on the itinerary. (People.com⁠)

The decision has generated international attention and renewed debate over Turkey’s increasingly restrictive approach towards LGBTQ+ issues. Human rights organisations have noted that Pride marches have been prohibited in Turkey for several years, while critics argue that the latest move reflects a broader shift towards socially conservative policies under President Erdoğan’s government. (EW.com⁠)

Supporters of the Turkish government’s decision, however, argue that every sovereign nation has the right to determine which events or organised groups are compatible with its cultural traditions and public values. From this perspective, Turkey is exercising its sovereign authority in accordance with its own legal and social framework.

The rerouting of the Scarlet Lady illustrates the growing tension between global tourism, which increasingly promotes inclusivity and diversity, and countries that choose to uphold more traditional social norms. While the passengers will continue their Mediterranean voyage with alternative stops in Egypt and Crete, the incident is likely to remain a subject of international discussion concerning national sovereignty, tourism, and differing cultural values.