Largest “Fun Ship” Ever Built to Operate Seven-Day Mexican Riviera Cruises in March 2009

Carnival Cruise Lines’ 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor -the largest “Fun Ship” ever constructed- will launch year-round seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach, Calif., beginning in March 2009, following its inaugural schedule of European and Caribbean voyages.

The Carnival Splendor will further bolster the line’s dominant position as cruise industry leader in Southern California, which is currently home to four Carnival ships. With the arrival of Carnival Splendor, the line expects to carry approximately 650,000 guests annually on these highly popular West Coast cruises -almost twice the number of any other cruise line.

Carnival is the only cruise line to feature three ships offering year-round cruises from Southern California - two from Long Beach and one from San Diego -as well as a fourth ship sailing seasonally from San Diego. In addition, Carnival offers the widest available choice of cruise lengths, ranging from three to eight days, with visits to exciting ports in Baja Mexico and the Mexican Riviera.

A new class of “Fun Ship,” the 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor will introduce a host of innovations, highlighted by a luxurious 21,000-square-foot health and fitness facility surrounded by 68 exclusive spa staterooms and suites -a first for the line.

“With its vast array of on-board facilities and features, including the most elaborate and magnificent spa ever introduced on a Carnival ship, Carnival Splendor will usher in an exciting new era in “Fun Ship” vacations and provide a fresh and exciting West Coast cruise option,” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.