The LGBTQ+-focused cruise ship Scarlet Lady has been denied entry into Egyptian waters, marking the second country this week to block the vessel. Passengers aboard the Virgin Voyages ship were informed of the change on Thursday morning via a note placed under their cabin doors, stating the ship would no longer be able to dock in Alexandria.

This incident follows a similar refusal of entry by Turkey just days prior. The Scarlet Lady, chartered by tour group Atlantis Events, was scheduled to visit Alexandria as part of a 10-day Athens to Venice cruise. The visit to Egypt was a last-minute alteration to the itinerary after the ship was turned away from Turkey.

Rich Campbell, chief executive of Atlantis Events, informed the 2,000 passengers that both Atlantis and Virgin Voyages teams had worked diligently to ensure the stop in Alexandria was possible. He expressed surprise at the decision, noting that a similar itinerary was completed without issue the previous year. The note concluded with a message of shared disappointment.

No official reason has been provided by the Egyptian government for the denial of entry. The Turkish authorities, however, had stated that the cruise was chartered by groups whose "behaviors do not align with the structure of our society and our moral values," adding that the ship's arrival had "sparked significant public concern."

Randy Slovacek, a passenger on the cruise, noted on his blog that in Atlantis's 36-year history, this was the first time a ship had been denied entry to dock, and that it had now happened in two countries within a single week. The passengers were informed that the ship was actively seeking alternative ports.

Atlantis Events specializes in chartering ships for LGBTQ+ themed vacations, aiming to provide a safe and inclusive environment for its travelers. The Scarlet Lady, operated by Virgin Voyages, is one of the vessels used for these specialized cruises.

The unexpected rejections highlight potential challenges for LGBTQ+-focused travel in certain regions. While the specific reasons for Egypt's decision remain undisclosed, the parallel with Turkey's stance suggests a possible alignment in concerns regarding the nature of the charter group.

Passengers have expressed their disappointment, with one onboard stating they would "sparkle and spend elsewhere." The ship's revised itinerary is now being determined as it navigates these port access issues.