THAT GAY CRUISE: What Were Atlantis and Virgin Voyages Thinking?!

Last week, we reported on Turkey's controversial decision to refuse entry to an LGBTQ+ charter cruise aboard Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady. We made our position very clear, we believe nobody should be turned away because of who they are or who they love. Just days later, Egypt also denied the same cruise entry, forcing yet another last-minute itinerary change. In this episode of On Watch, we ask a question that surprisingly few people seem to be asking... Why was an LGBTQ+ cruise visiting Turkey and Egypt in the first place? Atlantis Events has built its reputation over more than three decades creating holidays specifically for LGBTQ+ travellers. So, should an itinerary have been planned around countries whose governments have well-documented records on LGBTQ+ rights? Was this simply unfortunate timing, or was it a foreseeable risk that should have been identified long before passengers stepped onboard? We discuss the responsibility of cruise organisers, the balance between respecting different cultures and protecting guests, and whether where we choose to spend our money says something about our own values. As always, this video reflects our personal opinions, alongside the publicly reported facts surrounding the story. We welcome respectful debate and would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. What do you think? ⚓ Should Atlantis have planned this itinerary in the first place? ⚓ Should LGBTQ+ charter cruises avoid destinations whose governments have restrictive LGBTQ+ policies? ⚓ Or were the decisions by Turkey and Egypt impossible to predict? If you enjoy independent cruise journalism, don't forget to like, subscribe, and consider becoming a YouTube Member for exclusive videos, monthly live streams and behind-the-scenes content. If you'd like to book a no-fly cruise with Ambassador Cruise Line, don't forget you can use our exclusive code SAILAWAY5 to receive 5% off. You can use the code as many times as you like, and we don't receive any commission from it—we're simply pleased if it helps you save some money. https://sailawaymagazine.com/cruise-magazine/ YouTube: @sailawaymag Instagram: @sailawaymag Facebook: @sailawaymagazine TikTok: @sailawaymag Website: https://sailawaymagazine.com/ Contact us: info@sailawaymagazine.com This video was proudly edited by @TravellingLightLisa - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ✔✔ You Can Check Out Our Other Videos Here : 👀 I Can’t Believe Turkey BLOCKED a Virgin Voyages Gay Cruise Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5pq2fytIF4 👀 Why We’re Boycotting US Cruises (And What Trump's ESTA Changes Mean for You) Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gi7UGZYY9g4&t=360s 👀 Cruise Ships Stuck as Conflict Escalates in Middle East Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mS0HhoSl5ZQ 👀 Is Cunard Destroying Queen Mary 2 To Make More Money? Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otrTtOPNfDI&t=42s 👀 Queen Mary 2: The Last Great Ocean Liner | Full Documentary [2025] Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECRSZz3dVYk&t=2734s 👀 The Sinking of Oceanos: The Cruise Ship Without a Captain Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhexxj6fnaw 👀 Cruise Ship Passengers Abandoned In War Zone? The Real Story Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPwljfatbCU 👀 Every Cruise Has These Annoying Passengers Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjSnrtCmNmc&t=1s 👀 JANE BOULTON Spills Airline SECRETS You Never Saw on TV! Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6swIFbEEOuk&t=7s #virginvoyages #CruiseShip #Cruising #CruiseMemories #SailAway #gaytravel #turkey #istanbul