Cruise ship passengers were stunned to learn their captain had tragically died in the middle of their 19-day vacation.

A wave of despair swept across the Diamond Princess ship after guests were informed through a letter about Captain Michele Bartolomei’s unexpected demise.

The 52-year-old, who lived in Canada, died from a medical emergency and was discovered Monday morning while the ship was docked in Keelung, Taiwan.

Prior to the official notification, the ship’s loudspeaker announced an urgent medical emergency at approximately 2 am, as reported by Crew Center.

Vacationers were unnerved by the message, but the real shock came when they learned it was about the man leading the voyage. 

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Captain Michele Bartolomei, a cherished member of the Princess Cruises family, whose maritime career spanned over 30 years,” Princess Cruises expressed in a heartfelt message.

In an attempt to ease concerns, the cruise company said in its letter to passengers ‘that our commitment to your safety and the smooth operation of this voyage remains our utmost priority.’

Captain Salvatore Macera has taken over for Bartolomei, according to the popular cruise line.  

Devastation ensued upon Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess ship when guests received a letter breaking the news of Captain Michele Bartolomei’s (pictured) sudden death

Vacationers were unnerved by the message, but the real shock came when they learned it was about the man leading the voyage (pictured: Diamond Princess)

The 52-year-old (pictured) died from a medical emergency and was discovered Monday morning while the ship was docked in Keelung, Taiwan

The Asian cruise departed from Tokyo on May 6 to visit different locations across Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China. 

It is set to return back to Tokyo on May 25, according to Cruise Mapper. 

Princess Cruises, an American cruise line, said the captain joined their team in 1995 and has led a career characterized by ‘leadership, professionalism, and deep love for the ocean.’

‘Our hearts are with his family during this incredibly difficult time, and we extend our deepest condolences to them,’ the company wrote. 

‘We also stand in support of the Diamond Princess crew and all team members across our fleet mourning this loss.’

Online tributes to the beloved captain – who completed his maritime training in Italy – have been pouring in, with friends and guests who met him sharing glowing remarks. 

One woman aboard the Diamond Princess said Bartolomei’s leadership ‘left a lasting impression.’

‘His dedication will always be remembered,’ she added. 

Princess Cruises, an American cruise line, said the Italian captain (pictured) joined their team in 1995 and has led a career characterized by ‘leadership, professionalism, and deep love for the ocean’

A close friend to the deceased captain, Dave Wallensky, described Bartolomei (pictured) as ‘a legend on the sea’ who adored his family and loved fishing in his spare time

A close friend to the deceased captain, Dave Wallensky, described him as ‘a legend on the sea’ who adored his family and loved fishing in his spare time. 

‘I’m absolutely shattered. He was one of the best things that happened to me and Lesleigh [another captain] and we spent the night last night sobbing. And laughing about what we did together. And sobbing again,’ he wrote. 

Cruise ships have onboard morgues for dead bodied to be stored if someone dies at sea, The New York Times reported. 

The area is typically a stainless steel chilled room on a cruise ship’s lowest deck. They generally are designed to fit two to 10 corpses.