A recent Mediterranean cruise organized by Atlantis Events faced significant challenges when it was denied entry to ports in both Turkey and Egypt within a single week. Initially set to offer a 10-night journey aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady, the itinerary was heavily revised following the port closures.
Turkey Cancels Planned Port Visits
The cruise, which journeyed from Athens to Venice, originally scheduled stops in Kusadası and Istanbul. However, Turkish authorities canceled both port calls, citing that the charter did not align with the country’s moral standards. A spokesperson from Aydın province, which is home to Kusadası, declared there was “absolutely no possibility” for the group to visit, labeling the event as being at odds with societal values.
Rich Campbell, the president and CEO of Atlantis Events, described Turkey’s decision as “pretty stunning.” He expressed concern about a country’s ability to selectively deny entry to tourists. Campbell had attempted to negotiate with Turkish authorities to reverse their decision but faced significant barriers. He pointed out that the cruise was not a political demonstration or statement and had been advertised well in advance.
Historically, Atlantis Events has chartered cruises to these Turkish ports 13 times over the last 25 years without any prior issues. Approximately 1,100 of the ship’s 1,900 passengers were from the United States, with others coming from countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia. In light of these cancellations, Atlantis replaced the Turkish stops with calls in Alexandria, Egypt, and Crete, Greece.
Egypt Denies Entry Just Hours Before Arrival
The situation escalated when Egyptian officials denied the Scarlet Lady entry to Alexandria mere hours before it was slated to dock. Campbell recounted that the cruise had been fully approved for arrival in Egypt. Yet, just four hours before the ship was to pick up pilot and customs officers, they were notified that entry into the harbor would be denied without any explanation.
This marked a significant departure from previous experiences, as Campbell noted that Atlantis had successfully brought charter cruises to Egypt at least five times before without any incident. In recent years, they had also transported 2,500 guests to Alexandria. The lack of a public explanation from Egyptian authorities regarding this latest denial has left many in the cruise community puzzled and disappointed.
Future Itinerary Adjustments
With Alexandria no longer on the itinerary, the Scarlet Lady is now scheduled to make a stop in Kotor, Montenegro. Virgin Voyages expressed profound disappointment over both denied port entries, affirming their commitment to providing guests with a remarkable cruise experience despite the setbacks. Atlantis Events expressed hope that the circumstances will remain isolated, wishing for a future where all guests can be welcomed without reservations in these countries.
The recent developments highlight ongoing tensions concerning tourism and inclusivity in the Mediterranean region. As cruise lines navigate these challenges, the hope remains for a more open and welcoming environment for all travelers in the future.