Broadway legend Patti LuPone isn’t holding back after Turkish authorities blocked an LGBTQ+-focused cruise from docking at the country’s ports, calling the move shocking and discriminatory.
Patti LuPone condemns Turkey after an LGBTQ+ cruise she is performing on was denied entry into Turkish ports. Here's what happened and how the itinerary has changed.
The three-time Tony Award winner took to social media to voice her outrage when she learned the Atlantis Events cruise aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady would no longer be allowed to stop at Turkish ports. Still, the veteran performer says she’s sticking with the voyage and will take the stage for passengers as planned.
“I was shocked,” LuPone said in an emotional statement, expressing disbelief that a ship carrying mostly gay passengers had been turned away simply because of who was aboard. She acknowledged her frustration but emphasized her commitment to entertaining guests on the rerouted itinerary.
The cruise was originally set to dock in Istanbul and Kuşadası before heading through the Mediterranean. Turkish authorities reportedly blocked the ship’s entry, citing concerns about “moral standards” and “family values.”
For Atlantis Events President and CEO Rich Campbell, the decision is unprecedented. In the company’s 36-year history, he said, this marks the first time one of their cruises has been denied entry specifically because of passenger identity.
Campbell stressed that these cruises are about tourism, entertainment, and cultural exchange—not politics. Guests simply want to explore local attractions while respecting their destinations, he argued.
The cruise now plans to visit Cairo and the Greek island of Crete instead, allowing passengers to continue their Mediterranean getaway.
The ban underscores Turkey’s increasingly restrictive policies toward the LGBTQ+ community, which has drawn international criticism. In recent years, authorities have cracked down on Pride events and limited LGBTQ+ visibility.
Despite the disappointment, LuPone made clear she’ll be there for passengers. The show, she said, will go on.
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