Captain Michele Bartolomei suddenly passed away during a 19-night cruise around Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China while fulfilling his duties at the helm Diamond Princess.
Guests aboard the sailing reported being awoken by a late-night announcement around 2:00am, calling for the medical team to report to the medical center on Deck 4.
Hours later, it was confirmed that Captain Bartolomei passed away as the Diamond Princess arrived in Taipei, Taiwan.
A notice, which has been shared on social media, was also delivered to guests' cabins. The message expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Captain Bartolomei, adding that the company has a deep commitment to safety and the smooth operation of the voyage.
"It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Captain Michele Bartolomei, who died onboard Diamond Princess earlier of a sudden medical emergency," the letter reads.
"Our hearts are with Captain Bartolomei's family during this incredibly difficult time, and we extend our deepest condolences to them. We also stand in support of the entire Diamond Princess crew and all employees across our company who had the honor of working alongside him."
Following the tragic and sudden loss, Staff Captain Salvatore Macera, who has been with Princess Cruises since 2000, assumed command of the Diamond Princess.
Diamond Princess, a Grand Class ship launched in 2004, is scheduled to return to Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan, on May 25 after calling at Ishigaki Island and Naha (Okinawa), Japan.
"He was loved and respected by all teammates. I am blessed to have sailed with him on my last contract"
The sudden passing of Captain Bartolomei prompted an outpouring of condolences and tributes on social media from passengers, crew, and Princess fans.
"RIP michele. You were a top guy. Such a difficult time for the family and sending love to them," wrote Nickie Sheils.
Margaret Allan added, "He was such a lovely, happy and approachable man. Feeling really saddened by this news but fortunate to have captured this memory of our cruise with him 12 months ago. He was clearly loving his job, I hope that brings his loved ones some comfort knowing he passed while doing what brought him joy. May he rest in peace."
Issy Jones said, "I worked on the diamond end of last year / beginning of this year & was honestly a beautiful [captain] - always in favour of the crew. RIP Captain Michele."
Captain Bartolomei was approaching his 30th anniversary with Princess Cruises
Captain Bartolomei joined Princess Cruises in August 1995 after attending a nautical school in La Spezia, Italy, and working as a crew member on a gas tank and a cadet on a coal cargo ship.
He was a passionate fisherman and owned a fishing boat that he kept in the Pacific Northwest. Speaking of the PNW, he spent 18 seasons cruising Alaska's Inside Passage from Vancouver and Seattle.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
