Princess Cruises is mourning the sudden death of Captain Michele Bartolomei, who passed away unexpectedly onboard Diamond Princess early May 19 while the ship was docked in Keelung, Taiwan.
The 52-year-old captain was at the helm of a 19-night sailing through Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China when a medical emergency occurred in the early morning.
Passengers recalled being awakened around 2 a.m. by a ship-wide call for the medical team.
Hours later, the heartbreaking news was confirmed in a public announcement and a letter delivered to staterooms. Staff Captain Salvatore Macera, a 25-year Princess Cruises veteran, has commanded the vessel.
“Captain Bartolomei was a respected leader, whose decades of service at sea exemplified professionalism, dedication, and care for both guests and crew,” the letter stated. “Our hearts are with his family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Guests and Crew Reactions
Tributes from guests and crew quickly followed across social media. “He wasn’t just our captain, he was the ship’s soul,” one guest wrote.
Another added, “He had this quiet confidence and kindness that made everyone feel at ease. You always knew you were in good hands.” Crew members described him as “a mentor, a leader, and a friend.”
Just months earlier, Bartolomei had shared a lighthearted moment with fellow captain Mario Consentino of Crown Princess.
On January 11, 2025, the two met for coffee in Sydney Harbor while their ships crossed paths in Australia—a rare event that thrilled passengers and offered a unique photo op.
“It’s the first time our ships are together in Sydney and the first time I’ve seen Michele in almost 10 years,” said Consentino. Guests on both ships waved and cheered as the vessels saluted each other with their horns.
Bartolomei, originally from Italy and residing in British Columbia, had spent 18 seasons cruising Alaska and was known for his calm demeanor, strong leadership, and passion for the sea.
His final voyage, which departed Yokohama on May 16, is scheduled to continue to Ishigaki and Naha before returning to Japan on May 25.
One crew member summed it up: “He treated us like family. It was an honor to sail with him.”
The cruise industry has said goodbye to several well-respected captains in the past few years. Captain James MacDonald of Royal Caribbean died in May 2024 after a heart attack while leading Harmony of the Seas.
In 2023, Captain Ron Holmes, also with Royal Caribbean, passed away after a battle with cancer; he was known for his passion and kindness, often giving bridge tours to children from the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Carnival also mourned Captain Antonio Marchetti, who passed in 2019 after retiring in 2017.
