Diamond Princess Captain Michele Bartolomei Dies at Sea
Princess Cruises is grieving the loss of Captain Michele Bartolomei, who died aboard the Diamond Princess after suffering a sudden medical emergency. The veteran mariner collapsed during a 19-night voyage that departed Yokohama and was visiting ports in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China. The ship’s officers and crew responded immediately to the incident, but Captain Bartolomei was pronounced dead on board before medical evacuation could be arranged.
Guests aboard the Diamond Princess received a letter in their cabins notifying them of the captain’s passing, and shipboard announcements were made via the public address system. In the letter, Princess Cruises expressed “profound sadness” at the news and extended condolences to Captain Bartolomei’s family. The cruise line emphasized that the safety and well-being of guests and crew remain its top priorities, and that support services were made available to all on board.
According to reports from 9News Australia, the letter described Captain Bartolomei as a “respected leader” whose career at sea spanned decades. Born in Italy, he had dedicated his life to maritime service and had commanded multiple vessels for Princess Cruises over the years. His professional legacy included guiding thousands of passengers safely across the world’s oceans, and he was admired by colleagues for his calm decision-making and commitment to excellence.
Following the captain’s death, command of the Diamond Princess was assumed by Captain Salvatore Macera, who brought his own extensive experience to ensure the ship’s itinerary proceeded without interruption. While the ship continued calls at its scheduled ports, additional medical staff were placed on standby and counseling resources were offered ashore and on board for guests and crew coping with the tragedy.
Princess Cruises arranged a memorial service on deck to honor Captain Bartolomei, during which officers and senior staff shared memories of his leadership and kindness. In private gatherings, crew members lit candles and gathered to pray, reflecting on the support he had shown them over the years. Many guests expressed gratitude for the transparency of the cruise line’s communication and the sensitivity with which the situation was handled.
In a statement to the press, Princess Cruises’ senior vice president of operations said the company was in close contact with Captain Bartolomei’s family and would cover all related expenses. The line also reminded guests that grief counseling and emotional support professionals were available throughout the remainder of the voyage. Princess Cruises noted that it would review all aspects of the medical response to further strengthen its onboard emergency protocols.
As the Diamond Princess continues her journey toward Shanghai, the ship’s crew remains dedicated to delivering the high standards of service and hospitality for which the line is known. While mourning the loss of a beloved captain, Princess Cruises has reaffirmed its commitment to guest safety, crew welfare and open communication. The memory of Captain Michele Bartolomei will endure among those who sailed under his command, and his contributions to ocean travel will not soon be forgotten.
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