MIAMI (April 3, 2008) – Carnival Cruise Lines, the world’s largest cruise operator, was named “Number One Cruise Line” in a readers poll conducted by the Fresno Bee, the major daily newspaper in Fresno, Calif.

Carnival is the West Coast’s most popular cruise line, with four ships - the Carnival Paradise, Carnival Pride, Carnival Elation and Carnival Spirit- sailing year-round or seasonally from Long Beach and San Diego.

Carnival was recognized by Fresno Bee readers for providing an outstanding shipboard experience and high quality service, along with a wide variety of itinerary choices.
“Carnival understands the importance of providing guests with relaxing and unique vacation experiences and for that reason puts forth maximum effort to ensure guests return home with a lifetime of memories,” said Lynn Torrent, Carnival senior vice president of sales and guest services. “To be recognized for those efforts by Fresno Bee readers is a wonderful honor for both our shipboard and shoreside team members,” she added.

Carnival’s “Fun Ships” offer a number of “resort-style” features, including a variety of formal and casual dining choices, lavish production revues, elaborate spa facilities, and full casino gambling. Carnival Pride and Carnival Spirit also feature elegant reservations-only supper clubs serving prime aged beef and other gourmet fare.

Carnival also offers fun-filled activities for kids of all ages through its “Camp Carnival” program for young children, “Circle C” for 12- to 14-year-olds and “Club O2” for ages 15-17. Fleetwide Internet cafes, Wi-Fi access, and cell phone service are also available.

From Long Beach, the 2,052-passenger Carnival Paradise offers three-and four-day Baja cruises year-round, and the 2,124-passenger Carnival Pride offers seven-day cruises to the Mexican Riviera year-round. The line’s San Diego-based ships include the 2,052-passenger Carnival Elation, which offers four- and five-day voyages to Mexico year-round, and the Carnival Spirit, which operates eight-day Exotic Mexican Riviera cruises seasonally.

Carnival is the largest and most popular cruise line in the world, with 22 "Fun Ships" operating voyages ranging from three to 18 days in length to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe and South America.

For additional information on Carnival’s "Fun Ship" vacations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

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Carnival Cruise Lines, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is a proud member of the exclusive World’s Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together, we offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable destinations.