MIAMI (Sept. 30, 2005) – Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) today announced that it has assigned a previously ordered 112,000-ton cruise ship to its Carnival Cruise Lines brand. 

The 3,006-passenger ship, to be built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, is expected to enter service in spring 2008.

Representing a new design for Carnival Cruise Lines, the as-yet-unnamed vessel will offer a host of innovative on-board amenities, including the largest spa and children’s facilities in the Carnival fleet.

The vessel was part of a five-ship agreement with Fincantieri announced in September 2004 that also included the 116,000-ton Emerald Princess for Princess Cruises, the 110,000-ton Carnival Freedom for Carnival Cruise Lines, and the 116,000-ton Ventura for P&O Cruises, and a significant redesign of Cunard Line’s previously ordered Queen Victoria.

“Originally, we envisioned this ship would be designated for one of our European brands. However, Carnival Cruise Lines continues to perform at a very high level and based on the tremendous consumer demand for its products, we now believe that this specific tonnage would be best utilized for Carnival’s North American market,” said Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation & plc chairman and CEO.

Arison noted that the new ship extends Carnival Cruise Lines’ newbuilding program into 2008 and will build upon the line’s distinction as the “Number One Choice for Caribbean Cruising.”

Among the new vessel’s highlights will be a 17,800-square-foot spa that will encompass two forward decks and include an elaborate thermal suite, a variety of health and beauty treatment rooms, and Carnival’s first thalasso therapy pool. Encircling the upper level of the spa will be a winter garden that will include a ceremonial tea house.

A 5,500-square-foot children’s playroom – the largest in the Carnival fleet – will be located mid-ship. Above the facility will be a new water play area – a first for the line.

The mid-ship pool – one of four on board – will be enclosed by two full decks of glass walls. The area will be covered with a two-deck-high retractable dome that can be closed during inclement weather. A large balcony will encircle the upper deck of the pool area. 

A new sports deck will be located aft and feature bleacher-style seating for games and other events, while a reservations-only supper club will be located atop the poolside Lido restaurant, providing diners with magnificent ocean vistas. 

The ship will also house 1,503 staterooms, 60 percent of which will offer an ocean view with 60 percent of those featuring private verandahs.

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