Diamond Princess Captain Passes Suddenly During Voyage
Passengers sailing on Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess heard a distressing call in the wee hours of the night, May 19, 2025.
A medical emergency call rang through the ship’s loudspeaker at 2:30 a.m. local time, according to one passenger aboard.
It turns out the emergency was for one of Princess Cruises’ own: Captain Michele Bartolomei.
The esteemed captain, who was approaching his 30-year anniversary with the cruise line, was unable to be rescued and passed suddenly.
“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 shared in a letter to passengers sailing in Taiwan.
A second announcement was also made over the ship’s loudspeaker in the morning before passengers disembarked for their excursions.
“As we stood with our fellow cruise planners waiting to disembark for out tour, another announcement came over the ship’s PA system, this time, delivering heartbreaking news,” wrote one guest.
“We stood in stunned silence, mouths agape, as the weight of the moment settled over us,” he continued.
The announcement was made as guests were enjoying an overnight call in Keelung, Taiwan, which would not have warranted at-sea assistance from the Taiwanese coast guard.
The ship departed Yokohama, Japan, on May 16, 2025, for a 9-night cruise that will continue to Ishigaki and Naha, Japan, before returning to port on May 25, 2025.
Diamond Princess’ Staff Captain Salvatore Macera, who has been with Princess Cruises since 2000, is now at the helm.
“Please be assured that our commitment to your safety and the smooth operation of this voyage remains our utmost priority,” Princess Cruises stated.
“Our highly experienced and professional bridge team is fully capable and will ensure the remainder of our journey continues as planned.”
A Lifetime at Sea
Captain Bartolomei, who resided in British Colombia, Canada, joined Princess Cruises in August 1995 after working as a member of the crew on a gas tank and as a cadet on a coal cargo ship. He attended a nautical school in La Spezia, Italy.
A self-described passionate fisherman, Captain Bartolomei kept his own fishing boat in the Pacific Northwest and spent 18 seasons cruising Alaska’s Inner Passage from Vancouver or Seattle.
Enjoying his time sailing in Asia and Australia, Captain Bartolomei had recently joined Captain Mario Consentino of Crown Princess for a unique photo op celebrating Princess Cruises’ Australian adventures earlier this year.
Captain Macera called Bartolomei “a respected leader, whose decades of service at sea exemplified professionalism, dedication, and care for both guests and crew.”
“Our hearts are with Captain Bartolomei’s family during this incredibly difficult time, and we extend our deepest condolences to them,” Princess Cruises said.
“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.”
Current and former passengers also shared their condolences to his family and crew on social media, including photos with the captain who died doing what he loved at the age of 52.
His death is nearly a year to the day Captain James MacDonald of Royal Caribbean passed away while mastering Harmony of the Seas’ Caribbean cruise, also leaving passengers, crew, and loved ones in shock.
Cruise Hive extends sincere condolences to Captain Bartolomei’s family and friends, as well as the crew aboard Diamond Princess and the entire Princess Cruises fleet.