Beloved Cruise Captain Dies Overnight On Asia Cruise

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In a heart-breaking turn of events during an overnight call in Keelung, Taiwan, passengers aboard Diamond Princess awoke in the early hours of May 19, 2025, to the sound of a medical emergency being announced over the ship’s loudspeaker.

Captain Michele Bartolomei

By morning, that distress call was revealed to be for none other than the ship’s captain, Michele Bartolomei.

Despite efforts to assist, the long-time Princess Cruises captain passed away suddenly from a medical emergency onboard.

“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,” Princess Cruises confirmed in a letter to guests.

A Sudden Loss at Sea

The call for medical assistance was made around 2:30 a.m. local time, and a second announcement was delivered as passengers prepared to disembark for their scheduled excursions later that morning.

At the time, Diamond Princess was docked in Keelung, Taiwan, and not in need of emergency assistance at sea.

The vessel had departed Yokohama, Japan, on 16th May for a 9-night cruise, with port calls to Ishigaki and Naha still to come before returning on 25th May.

Following Captain Bartolomei’s untimely death, Staff Captain Salvatore Macera – himself a seasoned officer with the cruise line since 2000 – assumed command of the ship.

“Please be assured that our commitment to your safety and the smooth operation of this voyage remains our utmost priority,” Princess Cruises said in a statement to guests.

A Distinguished Career Remembered

Captain Michele Bartolomei was just shy of his 30th anniversary with Princess Cruises, having joined the company in 1995.

Born in Italy and later residing in British Columbia, Canada, he began his maritime career as a cadet on a coal cargo ship before transitioning to cruise ships.

An avid fisherman, Captain Bartolomei kept a fishing boat in the Pacific Northwest and spent 18 seasons sailing Alaska’s Inside Passage.

In more recent years, he had grown fond of deployments in Asia and Australia.

Captain Macera honoured his colleague, calling him “a respected leader, whose decades of service at sea exemplified professionalism, dedication, and care for both guests and crew.”

Tributes from current and former guests, crew members, and industry colleagues quickly poured in across social media, where many remembered him not only as a skilled mariner but also a warm and approachable leader.

Several shared photos taken with the captain during their voyages.

Princess Cruises offered their deepest condolences: “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.”

Captain Bartolomei was just 52 years old.

His passing comes nearly one year after the death of Royal Caribbean’s Captain James MacDonald aboard Harmony of the Seas in a similarly tragic and unexpected incident.

For guests aboard Diamond Princess, the cruise continues – but with heavy hearts as they remember a captain who truly lived and loved life at sea.

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