A recent cruise aimed at gay passengers faced challenges in the Mediterranean last week after two Muslim-majority countries refused docking permissions. Turkish authorities cited “moral values” in their decision to deny access.

The cruise liner, Scarlet Lady, chartered by Atlantis Events, an LGBTQ vacation company, faced complications when it was barred from docking in Turkey and Egypt. Originally scheduled to stop in Kusadasi, Turkey on July 7, the cruise was prohibited from entering as it was set to depart from Athens. Rich Campbell, the president of Atlantis Events, indicated that while alternative approval was secured for docking in Egypt on July 9, permission was revoked four hours before reaching Alexandria.

Authorities from Turkey’s Aydin province noted that the cruise was organized by groups identified with behaviors perceived as inconsistent with societal norms, causing significant discomfort among locals. Although Egypt offered no explanation for its refusal, Campbell suspected similar societal pressures were involved.

The Egyptian Consulate did not issue a response to requests for comments.

Ultimately, the cruise spent a day at sea before continuing to Crete, Greece, which was part of its planned itinerary. While Egypt and Turkey, both primarily Muslim countries, have heightened anti-gay measures recently, driving much of the local gay community to exist discreetly or underground.

Despite the setbacks, the Scarlet Lady, carrying 1,900 passengers—predominantly American and gay men—was able to engage in costume parties and host prominent LGBTQ entertainers. Other destinations for the 10-day cruise included Dubrovnik, Croatia, and Trieste, Italy.