Patti LuPone’s Gay Cruise Ship Blocked (Again) From Entering Egypt

Key Points:

• The LGBTQ+ cruise ship Scarlet Lady, featuring performances by Patti LuPone, was denied entry into both Turkey and Egypt, with Egyptian authorities blocking its entry at the last minute despite prior approval.
• Patti LuPone expressed shock and frustration on Instagram about the bans, emphasizing the cruise was full of gay men and highlighting the discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
• The cruise itinerary was adjusted to include Egypt after being banned from Turkey, but Egyptian officials have not provided a clear reason for the denial, citing societal and moral values as the basis for the cancellation.
• Passengers and observers noted the broader implications of such bans, reflecting on the lack of opportunities and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in countries like Turkey and Egypt.
• Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady set sail on July 5 for a Mediterranean voyage ending in Italy on July 15, with stops originally planned in iconic destinations including Athens, Venice, Mykonos, Santorini, Istanbul, and Dubrovnik.