Diamond Princess Captain Passes Away During Taiwan Port Call; Command Maintained

Passengers aboard the Diamond Princess were left stunned on May 19, 2025, when Captain Michele Bartolomei passed away following a sudden medical emergency while docked in Keelung, Taiwan. The highly respected captain, who had served Princess Cruises for nearly three decades, fell ill around 2:30 a.m. local time. Despite efforts by the ship’s medical team, he was pronounced dead hours later. Passengers were informed of the tragedy through letters delivered to their cabins and a public address announcement.

Onboard Medical Emergency and Immediate Response

In the early hours of May 19, calls for medical personnel rang out over the Diamond Princess intercom. According to onboard accounts, passengers were awakened by the urgent summons, followed by a later announcement confirming Captain Bartolomei’s death. Princess Cruises notified guests in an official statement, saying, “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.”

Captain Bartolomei’s Maritime Career

Born in Italy and educated at a maritime school in La Spezia, Bartolomei joined Princess Cruises in 1995. Over nearly 30 years with the line, he rose through the ranks to command sailings in destinations including Alaska, Asia, and Australia. Based in British Columbia, Canada, he was known for his hands-on leadership, professionalism, and genuine care for guests and crew members. Fellow crew members and passengers frequently commended his approachability and enthusiasm for maritime life.

Tributes and Official Statements

An outpouring of tributes soon followed. Passengers shared memories on social media, with one noting, “Thoughts to his family. I worked with his wife on Princess back in the day. So very tragic for this family.” Others praised Captain Bartolomei’s warmth and expertise, recalling past voyages where he made a special effort to engage with guests. Princess Cruises expressed condolences in its announcements and letters, stating, “We stand in support of the entire Diamond Princess crew and all employees across our company who had the honor of working alongside him.” The cruise line added, “Our hearts are with Captain Bartolomei’s family during this incredibly difficult time.”

Command Transition and Voyage Continuation

With the Diamond Princess in the midst of a nine-night East Asia sailing, Staff Captain Salvatore Macera assumed immediate command following Bartolomei’s passing. According to Princess Cruises, Macera has served with the company since 2000 and is well-prepared to ensure the smooth continuation of the ship’s itinerary. The voyage includes stops in Japan’s Ishigaki and Naha before returning to Yokohama, Japan, on May 25. Captain Renzo Lembo joined the crew to support the bridge team and maintain operations as planned.

Support for Crew and Family

Princess Cruises confirmed it is working closely with the captain’s family to provide assistance and is collaborating with onboard department heads to help crew members who are grieving. The unexpected loss of Captain Bartolomei underscores the importance of onboard medical readiness as well as the professionalism and resilience of modern cruise ship teams.

Captain Bartolomei’s passing follows a similar incident nearly a year prior, when Captain James MacDonald of Royal Caribbean died mid-voyage. Both events highlight how deeply such unexpected losses are felt across cruise ships, whose communities at sea are often tight-knit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Captain Michele Bartolomei?

Captain Michele Bartolomei joined Princess Cruises in 1995 after attending a maritime school in La Spezia, Italy. He served for nearly 30 years on various routes, including Alaska and Asia, and was highly regarded for his leadership, professionalism, and devotion to passengers and crew.

What caused Captain Bartolomei’s death mid-voyage?

He experienced a sudden medical emergency while the ship was docked in Keelung, Taiwan. Despite immediate efforts by the onboard medical team, Captain Bartolomei passed away several hours later on May 19, 2025.

Who is now in command of the Diamond Princess?

Staff Captain Salvatore Macera assumed command immediately upon Captain Bartolomei’s passing. Macera has served with Princess Cruises since 2000 and is supported by Captain Renzo Lembo and a professional bridge team.

Will the Diamond Princess itinerary be affected?

No changes to the itinerary have been announced. The nine-night cruise is scheduled to call at Ishigaki and Naha, Japan, before concluding on May 25 in Yokohama.

How is Princess Cruises supporting the crew and family?

Princess Cruises has pledged full support to Captain Bartolomei’s family and is providing counseling resources to crew members. The company has publicly expressed condolences and is working closely with onboard department heads to coordinate assistance for all those affected.

As the Diamond Princess completes its final ports of call, passengers and crew continue to reflect on Captain Bartolomei’s lasting legacy of compassion, expertise, and dedication to the maritime profession.