Scarlet Lady Passenger Arrested in Crete After Drug Search
The Atlantis Events charter had been forced off its original routing after planned calls in Turkey and Egypt were blocked because of the cruise’s LGBTQ+ theme.
Hellenic Coast Guard officers arrested a 35-year-old Spanish passenger from Virgin Voyages’ adults-only Scarlet Lady in Souda, Crete, on July 10 after the ship’s security team contacted the Chania Port Authority about suspected drug activity during an Atlantis Events LGBTQ+ charter. The ship had departed Piraeus on July 5 on a 10-night sailing.
The charter had already been forced off its original routing after planned calls in Turkey and Egypt were blocked because of the cruise’s LGBTQ+ theme. Souda had been added as a replacement for the canceled Alexandria, Egypt, call.
Greek outlet Gazzetta reported that security personnel suspected the passenger of possessing and distributing illegal drugs on board. During a search after the ship reached Chania, local authorities found small packets of cocaine and cannabis, and the passenger was taken ashore on suspicion of violating Greek drug laws.
After appearing before the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Chania, the passenger was released from police custody and flown back to Spain. He was not permitted to rejoin the voyage, and his cruise ended without a refund.
Neither Virgin Voyages nor Atlantis Events publicly commented on the arrest.
Virgin policy cites next-port enforcement
Virgin Voyages’ code of conduct states: “No illegal drugs or other illegal substances are allowed onboard or may be used onboard a Virgin Voyages Ship.” The policy gives the line authority to search a sailor’s cabin, belongings and person, confiscate suspect items, remove a passenger from the ship and involve law enforcement.
The policy also warns that guests who violate drug laws in a port-of-call jurisdiction may be arrested and prosecuted when the ship next arrives or is located there. More serious violations, including drug use, can lead to immediate disembarkation without refund and a lifetime ban.
In Greece, drug penalties range from short jail terms of up to five months for personal possession to life imprisonment for large-scale operations.
Atlantis charter continues after itinerary changes
Atlantis Events has chartered cruise ships since 1998 and says it has carried more than 200,000 guests across more than 190 experiences.
The voyage ends in Trieste, Italy, on July 15.
