The captain of a cruise ship has died while working on board, guests have been told.

Captain Michele Bartolomei, who was at the helm of Diamond Princess, died while the ship was on a 19-night cruise around Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China.

A letter, which has been shared online, was delivered to passengers’ cabins announcing the devastating update.

“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,” it said.

“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”.

The letter told passengers said the ship would be commanded by Captain Salvatore Macera alongside the rest of the “experienced” bridge team.

Passengers reported being woken up in the early hours by an announcement asking the medical team to report to the medical centre.

Announcements of the captain’s death were also made over the ship’s PA.

In January, Bartolomei joined Captain Mario Consentino from Crown Princess to share a coffee in Sydney Harbour to mark the special occasion of the two ships meeting.

He was about to celebrate 30 years of service with the company, according to his LinkedIn page.

He also had his own fishing boat and had worked 18 seasons cruising Alaska, he said.

He lived in Canada and had studied at nautical schools in Italy.

Friends and cruisers paid tribute to the Captain.

Dave Wallensky said: “Captain Bartolomei spent almost 30 years flying the Princess flag. He was a legend on the sea – but he was my friend.”

“Very much loved, and will be very much missed,” another said.

Princess Cruises has been contacted for comment.