Princess Cruises is mourning the sudden and tragic loss of Captain Michele Bartolomei, who passed away on May 19, 2025, due to a sudden medical emergency while aboard the Diamond Princess, docked in Keelung (Taiwan).
Passengers aboard the 19-day “Southern Islands Explorer” voyage—including destinations in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan—were first alerted by the ship’s public address system in the early hours. A heartfelt letter followed to their cabins, sharing the devastating news and expressing the profound sorrow of the cruise line.
Captain Bartolomei was a beloved leader with nearly 30 years of service at Princess Cruises after joining in August 1995. Crew members and guests alike remembered him for his professionalism, approachability, and genuine warmth.
In response, Staff Captain Salvatore Macera seamlessly assumed command, providing reassurance that passenger safety and the smooth continuation of the voyage remained top priorities.
A Voyage of Respect and Resilience
This tragedy, while deeply painful, brought out the resilience and solidarity of the ship’s community. The Diamond Princess continued its itinerary with careful leadership and support for crew and gueguestsp
rincess Cruises quickly began offering support to Captain Bartolomei’s family and the ship’s staff, reinforcing its commitment to caring for its people.
Real-Time Highlight: Exemplary Rescue Amid Tragedy
In a separate but uplifting demonstration of responsiveness and coordination, just weeks later on August 24, 2025, two passengers aboard the Ruby Princess were airlifted to safety approximately 145 nautical miles off the Washington coast.
A 99-year-old man suffering from esophageal obstruction was rescued by a U.S. Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter,
A 52-year-old woman in cardiac arrest was hoisted aboard a Canadian CH-149 Cormorant helicopter and taken to Victoria, B.C.’s Royal Jubilee Hospital.
This rapid, cross-border rescue highlights the vital importance of coordinated emergency response—and offers a striking contrast to the grief of loss with a moment of human compassion and technical excellence.
Princess Cruises has endured a heartbreaking setback with the passing of Captain Michele Bartolomei. His legacy as a dedicated and deeply respected maritime leader will forever remain in the hearts of those who sailed with him. In the same season, the successful rescue from Ruby Princess underscores that even at sea, rapid response, solidarity, and care prevail.
Together, these stories evoke both sorrow and hope—capturing the complexity of life aboard a cruise ship: where leadership, emergency readiness, and community intersect in moments that matter most.
About the Author
