A cruise ship that regularly visits Portsmouth has been turned away from two countries during an LGBTQ+ cruise in the Mediterranean.
Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady, which calls at Portsmouth as part of its UK itineraries, was refused permission to dock in both Turkey and Egypt while carrying around 2,000 passengers on a chartered LGBTQ+ cruise.
Passengers were first prevented from visiting the Turkish port of Kuşadası before learning their replacement stop in Alexandria, Egypt, had also been cancelled at short notice.
In a letter to guests, Atlantis Events, which chartered the vessel, said it had been 'surprised' by Egypt's decision after previously operating similar cruises without issue.
The ship has since been rerouted to Chania in Crete and Montenegro.
Turkey said the visit had prompted public concern because the cruise was organised for an LGBTQ+ group. No official reason has been given by Egyptian authorities for denying the vessel entry to Alexandria.
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