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Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Cruise ship captain dies in middle of 19-day voyage as passengers told in announcement over PA & in letters to cabins
CRUISE TRAGEDY Cruise ship captain dies in middle of 19-day voyage as passengers told in announcement over PA & in letters to cabins Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A CRUISE ship captain has died in the middle of a 19-day voyage in Asia, as passengers were told of his death in a PA announcement. Tragic Michele Bartolomei was captaining Princess Cruises' the Diamond Princess when he suddenly died on May 19 following a medical emergency. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 A cruise ship captain has died during a voyage Credit: Facebook/ Princess Cruises 2 Captain Michele Bartolomei died while on a cruise Credit: Facebook/ Princess Cruises The ship he was in charge of was on a 19-day South Islands Explorer voyage to countries including Japan and Korea. Horrified passengers and crew learned of the captain's death over a shock announcement. The ship was docked at Keelung, Taiwan at the time of the tragic revelation. A letter was also delivered to passengers to inform them of the news, according to Nine News. It read: "It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Captain Michele Bartolomei, who died on-board Diamond Princess earlier of a sudden medical emergency." The letter added: 'Our hearts are with Captain Bartolomei's family during this incredibly difficult time.' He was also described as a "respected leader" with 'decades of service at sea' in the message. According to the captain's LinkedIn page, he had nearly 30 years of experience with the cruise liner. More to follow... For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos. Like us on Facebook at TheSunUS and follow us on X at @TheUSSun
New York Post
22-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Cruise ship captain dies during 19-day voyage — passengers told over PA announcement
The captain of a major cruise liner has died during an almost month-long voyage around Asia. Michele Bartolomei was captaining Princess Cruises' the Diamond Princess when he died suddenly on May 19 following a medical emergency. The ship was on a 19-day Southern Islands Explorer voyage to locations including Japan and Korea when passengers and crew learned of the heartbreaking news over a PA announcement. The ship was docked at Keelung, Taiwan at the time. According to Nine News, a letter, which has been shared online, was also delivered to passengers' cabins with the sad update. 'It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Captain Michele Bartolomei, who died on-board Diamond Princess earlier of a sudden medical emergency,' it said. 3 Michele Bartolomei died after a medical emergency on May 19. Princess Cruises / Facebook 'Our hearts are with Captain Bartolomei's family during this incredibly difficult time.' It added that the Italian captain was a 'respected leader with 'decades of service at sea'. According to Bartolomei's LinkedIn, he was approaching 30 years with the cruise liner. 'Captain with Princess cruises, working for this great company since August 1995, just over 25 years,' his profile reads. Captain Salvatore Macera took command of the Diamond Princess ship as it continued its journey. 3 Bartolomei was approaching 30 years with the cruise liner. Princess Cruises / Facebook 'Please be assured that our commitment to your safety and the smooth operation of this voyage remains our utmost priority,' Princess continued in the letter. 'Our highly experienced and professional bridge team is fully capable and will ensure the remainder of our journey continues as planned.' Passengers reported being woken up in the early hours by an announcement asking the medical team to report to the medical centre, Nine News reported. 3 Passengers and crew learned of the heartbreaking news over a PA announcement. Faizan – Bartolomei lived in Canada and studied at nautical schools in Italy. Many have taken to social media to express their condolences to Bartolomei's family. 'Heart breaking news. I am so sorry for his family and also for the staff and crew members on that ship,' one person wrote on TikTok. 'Thoughts to his family. I worked with his wife on princess back in the day. So very tragic for this family,' another added. has contacted Princess Cruises for comment.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Princess Cruises suffers tragic loss at sea
With most cruise ships carrying thousands of people at any given time, cruise ship medical teams are well equipped to handle many types of medical emergencies that may occur on board. Each ship is typically staffed with full-time registered doctors and nurses, who are on-call 24 hours a day in the event of an when emergencies happen, it's passengers who need medical assistance, and sometimes passengers will hear a medical emergency call over the ship's onboard PA system. Passengers on board Princess Cruises' Diamond Princess who heard one of these announcements in the very early hours of May 19 assumed that a passenger needed urgent medical care. But as they prepared to depart the ship for a port day in Keelung, Taiwan, later that morning, they were shocked to learn the devastating news that they had lost their beloved captain Princess Captain Michele Bartolomei passed away on May 19 after a sudden medical emergency while the ship was in Taiwan during a 19-day Southern Islands Explorer voyage that departed from Yokohama, Japan. '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,' Princess Cruises wrote in a letter to passengers sailing aboard the ship.'Our hearts are with Captain Bartolomei's family during this incredibly difficult time, and we extend our deepest condolences to them,' the letter noted. '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.' The Italian captain was approaching his 30th anniversary with Princess Cruises.'Captain Bartolomei was a respected leader, whose decades of service at sea exemplified professionalism, dedication, and care for both guests and crew,' Princess Cruises wrote in its letter to passengers. In online tributes, passengers and crew members also remembered him fondly as a respected captain and great man who was loved by many. Early this year, Princess Cruises shared a heartwarming moment with Captain Bartolomei and Captain Mario Consentino from the Crown Princess as the two Italian captains and longtime friends enjoyed an espresso overlooking Sydney Harbour when their 'Love Boats' met there for the first time ever. It was also the first time the two friends had seen each other in nearly a the Diamond Princess continues on its voyage, which is scheduled to return to Yokohama on May 25, Staff Captain Salvatore Macera has taken over command of the ship. 'Please be assured that our commitment to your safety and the smooth operation of this voyage remains our utmost priority. Our highly experienced and professional bridge team is fully capable and will ensure the remainder of our journey continues as planned,' Princess Cruises assured passengers. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
Miami Herald
20-05-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
Princess Cruises suffers tragic loss at sea
With most cruise ships carrying thousands of people at any given time, cruise ship medical teams are well equipped to handle many types of medical emergencies that may occur on board. Each ship is typically staffed with full-time registered doctors and nurses, who are on-call 24 hours a day in the event of an emergency. Related: How cruise ship captains keep you safe in bad weather Usually, when emergencies happen, it's passengers who need medical assistance, and sometimes passengers will hear a medical emergency call over the ship's onboard PA system. Passengers on board Princess Cruises' Diamond Princess who heard one of these announcements in the very early hours of May 19 assumed that a passenger needed urgent medical care. But as they prepared to depart the ship for a port day in Keelung, Taiwan, later that morning, they were shocked to learn the devastating news that they had lost their beloved captain overnight. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. Diamond Princess Captain Michele Bartolomei passed away on May 19 after a sudden medical emergency while the ship was in Taiwan during a 19-day Southern Islands Explorer voyage that departed from Yokohama, Japan. "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," Princess Cruises wrote in a letter to passengers sailing aboard the ship. Related: Earthquake triggers travel concerns for top cruise destination "Our hearts are with Captain Bartolomei's family during this incredibly difficult time, and we extend our deepest condolences to them," the letter noted. "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." The Italian captain was approaching his 30th anniversary with Princess Cruises. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. "Captain Bartolomei was a respected leader, whose decades of service at sea exemplified professionalism, dedication, and care for both guests and crew," Princess Cruises wrote in its letter to passengers. In online tributes, passengers and crew members also remembered him fondly as a respected captain and great man who was loved by many. Early this year, Princess Cruises shared a heartwarming moment with Captain Bartolomei and Captain Mario Consentino from the Crown Princess as the two Italian captains and longtime friends enjoyed an espresso overlooking Sydney Harbour when their "Love Boats" met there for the first time ever. It was also the first time the two friends had seen each other in nearly a decade. Related: Princess Cruises shares sneak peek of its brand-new ship As the Diamond Princess continues on its voyage, which is scheduled to return to Yokohama on May 25, Staff Captain Salvatore Macera has taken over command of the ship. "Please be assured that our commitment to your safety and the smooth operation of this voyage remains our utmost priority. Our highly experienced and professional bridge team is fully capable and will ensure the remainder of our journey continues as planned," Princess Cruises assured passengers. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@ or call or text her at 386-383-2472. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Miami Herald
13-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Princess Cruises cracks down on beverage package abuse
No matter how inclusive a cruise drink package may be or how much value it offers, there will always be passengers who try to beat the system to get even more for their money. Some cruise drink packages, like Princess Cruises' Plus and Premier packages, limit passengers to 15 alcoholic beverages per 24-hour period. This limitation leads some cruisers to view that number as a challenge to meet during a vacation day at sea to get the most bang for their buck. Related: Cruise excursion leads to illness; Princess Cruises limits drinks Surprisingly, some cruise passengers even try to find ways to order additional drinks beyond the 15-drink limit. And less surprisingly, some passengers try to get away with sharing a drink package among two or more passengers. To avoid this, Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean both require that if one passenger purchases an alcoholic drink package, all passengers of legal drinking age booked in the same stateroom must purchase it, too. Princess Cruises, however, only requires that if a passenger chooses to purchase one of its popular Plus or Premier packages for their cruise, the second passenger in the same stateroom must purchase it, too. In staterooms with three or four passengers, the third and fourth passengers are not required to purchase the package. This could potentially lead Princess cruisers with three or four passengers in a stateroom to try to share two drink packages among three or four people. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. To deter efforts to share drink packages among passengers booked in the same or separate staterooms, and other misuse, Princess Cruises is now stepping up drink package rule enforcement. Crew members recently received instructions on a fleetwide initiative to strengthen and reinforce the terms of its beverage packages, according to Crew Center, a website that shares news and insights about life and work on cruise ships. Princess Cruises says the goal of the initiative is to "maintain consistency in guest service while preserving the value and integrity of the beverage packages." Related: Princess Cruises raises key onboard fees A cruise line memo instructed onboard food and beverage teams to enforce the following beverage rules beginning May 9: Passengers are only permitted to order one drink per transaction, regardless of whether they have the Princess Plus or Princess Premier beverage beverage packages is strictly prohibited. Passengers are not permitted to use their package allowance to buy drinks for other passengers. If a passenger wants to buy a round for others, each additional drink must be charged at full pours of spirits are no longer permitted. However, crew can still serve passengers double pours of wines by the glass. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Passengers should also keep in mind that Princess Cruises beverage package terms state that: "Shipboard management reserves the right to add additional restrictions and revoke or cancel the Plus (or Premier) Beverage Package at any point during a guest's voyage for any reason with or without a prorated refund." Additional actions may be taken if guests: Become intoxicatedProvide beverages to other guests or do not comply with the terms, conditions and limitations of the packageExhibit behavior that is inappropriate, a safety risk to themselves or others, or become offensive or disruptive to other cruise guests or staffExceed, or attempt to circumvent, the daily limits and service limitations outlined Related: Princess Cruises passengers angry over key drink package change Nonalcoholic drinks are not limited with the Plus or Premier packages, nor do they count toward the 15-drink daily maximum on alcoholic beverages. Princess Cruises did, however, recently began enforcing a limitation on soda included with the packages. After including cans of soda in the packages for some time, the cruise line has reverted back to a previous policy that excludes cans of soda from the packages. Now, passengers receive a 25% discount on cans of soda with the Plus and Premier packages, while fountain sodas are still included. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@ or call or text her at 386-383-2472. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
