Gay Cruise: Morocco Denied Entry, Spoiled First Trip to Muslim Country

A Holland America cruise ship with more than 1,500 gay travelers was turned away from a port in Morocco over the weekend in what was to be a historic trip to a Muslim country.

The MS Nieuw Amsterdam was scheduled to dock in Casablanca on Saturday, but RSVP Vacations, which organized the trip, told its clients that the ship would have to go elsewhere.

The agency said the decision was made after the visit of a gay cruise ship turned into "a public and potentially controversial matter."

"Our port agent in Casablanca has advised us that authorities in Morocco have -- despite previous confirmations -- now denied our scheduled visit," the company said in a statement.

"For all of us, this is a very disappointing development," it added. "It was ultimately the decision by local authorities in Morocco that has necessitated us to adjust our plans." (...)