Captain Michele Bartolomei Dies in the Middle of a 19-Day Cruise – Details

Aside from reports disclosing details surrounding the tragic demise of a Princess Cruises captain, who worked with the company for nearly 30 years, a close friend of the deceased posted a heartfelt tribute.

On May 19, 2025, tragedy struck on a cruise ship called the Diamond Princess when Captain Michele Bartolomei died suddenly amid a 19-day cruise. He was 52 years old. The company that owns the sea vessel, Princess Cruises, addressed the incident and expressed sorrow for the great loss.

According to reports, Captain Bartolomei was leading the Diamond Princess voyage when he experienced a sudden medical crisis while the ship was docked in Keelung, Taiwan.

Princess Cruises confirmed the tragic news to People magazine via a statement. "Captain Bartolomei was a respected leader, whose decades of service at sea exemplified professionalism, dedication, and care for both guests and crew," they added.

The company also shared a public tribute on social media, honoring Bartolomei's enduring legacy within the maritime world.

Like in their statement to People, Princess Cruises' Facebook dedication praised the late captain's career and leadership, and highlighted his love for the ocean. The company also expressed its heartfelt condolences to Bartolomei's family and the Diamond Princess crew. Accompanying the post were two poignant images.

One shows a formal portrait of Bartolomei in full uniform, beaming beneath a gold-trimmed hat that signified his rank. The second photo displays a candid moment by a scenic harbor, where he stood with a smile on his face and a small coffee cup in his hand. Behind him sat a majestic bridge and water.

Together, the words and images painted a picture of a man deeply respected by his colleagues and fondly remembered by those who sailed under his command.

In the early hours of May 19, a sense of unease quietly swept through the Diamond Princess. Passengers reported being awakened around 2 a.m. by a ship-wide call summoning the medical response team to the medical center on Deck 4.

The announcement, urgent and unexpected, hinted at a serious situation unfolding behind the scenes. Before long, confirmation of Captain Bartolomei's death was relayed over the public address system, sending shockwaves through the vessel.

The gravity of the moment was deeply felt. Though the ship continued its journey, the atmosphere onboard shifted palpably. Crew members — many of whom regarded Bartolomei as more than just a commanding officer — were left stunned and heartbroken.

As noted in tributes, he was considered part of their "other family," and his absence has left a noticeable void among those who had served under his guidance for years.

In response to the tragedy, Staff Captain Salvatore Macera stepped in to assume command of the Diamond Princess. His leadership, now thrust into a spotlight under the most difficult of circumstances, was addressed in a formal letter distributed to all guests aboard the ship.

The message, dated the same day as Bartolomei's death, acknowledged the captain's sudden medical emergency and praised his professional character and role.

"Our hearts are with Captain Bartolomei's family during this incredibly difficult time, and we extend our deepest condolences to them," the letter reads. "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."

Macera then reassured passengers by affirming, "Our commitment to your safety and the smooth operation of this voyage remains our utmost priority."

He emphasized that the highly trained bridge team remained fully capable and that the rest of the journey would proceed as planned. "Thank you for your understanding and compassion during this challenging time. We appreciate your continued trust in us," concluded Macera.

Guests and crew have united in remembrance, exchanging stories of a captain who, through calm confidence and quiet warmth, made even the vastness of the ocean feel like home.

Among the many heartfelt tributes that have surfaced in the wake of Captain Bartolomei's death, one of the most poignant came from his dear friend, Dave Wallensky. He shared a deeply personal remembrance on Facebook.

Their friendship, Wallensky explained, had spanned years and ports, anchored by shared rituals, humor, and mutual admiration. Accompanying the tribute were several photographs that added even more warmth and color to the memories shared.

"Over the last 10 years," Wallensky wrote, "we saw him every single Brisbane port. We took him to the Gold Coast to see surfers paradise. We made him eat kangaroo and chicken hearts. We drove him to yatala for a pie [sic]."

Their bond extended beyond brief reunions. Wallensky recalled countless moments spent together, like the night Bartolomei joyfully announced his promotion to captain.

From conversations shared over chamomile tea and cashews to sentimental chats on Facebook, their connection was steadfast and sincere. "He sent me an anniversary message a couple of days ago. I've clipped it for all to see what kind of man he was," expressed Wallensky in his message.

The tribute also offered a glimpse into Bartolomei's personal world. He was a family man, devoted to his wife, Sherri Kosti-Bartolomei, and their children.

Bartolomei's love for the sea was rivaled only by his love for fishing, his homeland of Italy, and his favorite hockey team, the Vancouver Canucks.

"He was a legend on the sea — but he was my friend," highlighted Wallensky. The emotional weight of Bartolomei's passing was evident in Wallensky's words, as he admitted to sobbing through the night, and then remembering and laughing at the memories they had created together. "Captains now. And forever," he stated solemnly. "RIP Michele [sic]. We will always love you and miss you."

Captain Bartolomei's path to the helm was shaped by years of rigorous training and hands-on experience. Educated at top maritime institutions in Italy, including the Nautical School in La Spezia and Marina di Carrara, he laid a strong foundation in navigation and ship traffic early on.

His seafaring career began in the early 1990s, with roles on a private motor yacht, a gas tanker, and a coal and cargo ship, before he found his calling in cruise operations.

In August 1995, Bartolomei joined Princess Cruises — a company he would remain loyal to for nearly 30 years. During that time, he captained numerous voyages, including 18 seasons in Alaska, cruising the inside passage from Vancouver and Seattle.

As a passionate fisherman with his own boat, the sea was more than a work location — it was Bartolomei's home. His legacy, built on decades of dedication and heart, now lives on in every ship that sails with his memory on board.

At this time, we wish to extend our most heartfelt condolences to Bartolomei's family, all his loved ones, crew, and colleagues as they mourn such a significant loss. We hope for their healing amid their time of grief. RIP, Captain Bartolomei.