An LGBTQ+ cruise on which the actress and singer Patti LuPone is performing has been refused entry to Egypt, days after being turned away from Turkey. CNN confirmed on Friday that Egyptian authorities did not permit Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady, chartered by the LGBTQ+ cruise operator Atlantis Events, into its waters. The repeated rejections have drawn attention to the treatment of LGBTQ+ people in the region, with the company's chief executive saying clearance was withdrawn at the last minute despite prior approval.

Rich Campbell, president and CEO of Atlantis Events, said the operator "had full approval and they denied us clearance at the 11th hour." The Egypt stop had itself been added after Turkey blocked the ship; a post from the Aydın government said the planned docking at Kuşadası Port on 7 July was cancelled because it caused "great discomfort" and did not align with the society's "moral values". LuPone, who described the vessel as "a magnificent ship — full of gay men, and me", said she was "furious" but continuing to sail. The Scarlet Lady set sail on 5 July with around 2,500 guests and is due to end its voyage in Italy on 15 July.