Patti LuPone and Kyle Olsen Discuss Cruise Bans After Turkey and Egypt Bar Scarlet Lady Ship.
The Scarlet Lady cruise ship was blocked from docking in both Turkey and Egypt, prompting commentary on differing national moral standards. Among the passengers, Patti LuPone, and expert Kyle Olsen, commented on the incidents. Officials in Turkey blocked the vessel, stating it was chartered by groups whose behaviors did not align with the nation's moral values. Egypt followed suit, denying the cruise clearance. Kyle Olsen, owner of the LGBTQ travel company Hermes Holidays, suggested the bans reflect a broader global trend of conservative movements. While some sources interpret these events as evidence of a rollback of rights, Olsen noted the decisions made by Turkey and Egypt are separate matters. The administration announced no public condemnation regarding the incidents. For some travelers, these closures served as a reminder of local cultural guidelines.
Sources
- Douglas Murray: How a Gay Cruise Got Stuck Between Islam and the West — The Free Press
- Twice-rejected American cruise puts spotlight on rollback of LGBTQ rights, passengers say — CNN
- LGBTQ+ cruise ship refused entry to Egypt days after Turkey turned it away — The Guardian
- Turkey barred a cruise with gay travelers before Egypt turned it away. The Trump admin stayed silent — Advocate.com
- Patti LuPone’s Gay Cruise Ship Blocked (Again) From Entering Egypt — Yahoo News Canada