May 20, 2025 | Cruise News Network
In a deeply emotional and unexpected event that has shaken both guests and crew, Captain Michele Bartolomei, the long-serving and highly respected master of Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess, passed away suddenly in the early hours of May 19, 2025, during an active sailing through Asia.
The incident unfolded quietly but urgently in the dead of night, with passengers awakened by a medical emergency announcement over the ship’s public address system at approximately 2:30 a.m. local time. The announcement, which initially offered few details, hinted at a serious onboard situation.
As dawn broke, the gravity of the situation became clear: the emergency involved Captain Bartolomei himself, a veteran mariner with nearly three decades of service to Princess Cruises. Despite immediate medical efforts, he could not be saved.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Captain Michele Bartolomei, who died onboard Diamond Princess following a sudden medical emergency,” Princess Cruises confirmed in an official letter distributed to guests aboard the ship during its overnight port call in Keelung, Taiwan.
The formal announcement was later echoed over the ship’s loudspeaker as passengers prepared to disembark for their scheduled shore excursions. Witnesses described the atmosphere onboard as somber and stunned, with many visibly emotional as the tragic news reverberated throughout the vessel.
“We stood in stunned silence, mouths agape, as the weight of the moment settled over us,” wrote one guest. “It was a moment of collective grief — you could feel it in the air.”
Given the ship’s overnight docking in Taiwan, no emergency maritime assistance was requested, and Princess Cruises has since confirmed that onboard protocols were followed and medical staff responded swiftly.
Captain Bartolomei had long been a cherished figure within the Princess Cruises fleet, known for his calm leadership, extensive experience, and genuine rapport with guests and crew alike. His unexpected passing marks a significant loss for the cruise line.
In his place, Staff Captain Salvatore Macera, a seasoned officer who has served with Princess Cruises since 2000, has assumed command of Diamond Princess for the remainder of the voyage. The 9-night itinerary, which began in Yokohama, Japan, on May 16, will continue as scheduled with calls to Ishigaki and Naha, Japan, before returning to port on May 25.
“Please be assured that our commitment to your safety and the smooth operation of this voyage remains our utmost priority,” the cruise line assured guests in its official communication.
Princess Cruises is expected to hold a memorial service onboard in honor of Captain Bartolomei in the coming days, giving the Diamond Princess community a chance to collectively mourn a leader who dedicated his life to the sea.