MIAMI (January 30, 2007) – Carnival Cruise Lines, the world’s most popular cruise operator, and the Ocean Players Club, a casino rewards program for guests sailing aboard the World’s Leading Cruise Lines, have teamed up to host 20 slot and blackjack tournaments throughout 2007 offering more than $100,000 in cash prizes.

The tournaments will be held on 19 different three- to eight-day “Fun Ship” cruises operating January - October 2007, culminating in a “Grand Final Event” aboard the new Carnival Freedom in November.

“With such a wide range of ships, itineraries and departure points, these ‘Wild Winners’ tournaments provide guests with a variety of opportunities to compete in thrilling slot and blackjack tournaments for $100,000 in cash prizes,” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.

Each of the 19 preliminary tournaments offers $5,000 in cash prizes, with a first prize $2,500 and a complimentary cruise for two on the Carnival Freedom’s Nov. 12 departure to participate in the finals. The “Grand Final Event” held on the Carnival Freedom offers $20,000 in cash prizes for the slot tournament, $10,000 in cash prizes for the blackjack tournament.

Participants are encouraged to pre-register for the tournament via the Ocean Players Club Web site at www.oceanplayersclub.com. Tournament entry fee is $50 per person for the preliminary rounds, $100 per person for the “Grand Final Event.”

Tournament dates are as follows:

• Jan. 29 – Fascination – four-day Caribbean cruise from Miami (slot tournament)

• Feb. 10 – Ecstasy – five-day Caribbean cruise from Galveston, Texas (slot tournament)

• Feb. 25 – Carnival Pride – seven-day Mexican Riviera cruise from Long Beach, Calif. (slot/blackjack tournaments)

• March 9 – Fascination – three-day Bahamas cruise from Miami (slot tournament)

• March 22 – Imagination – four-day Caribbean cruise from Miami (slot tournament)

• April 9 – Carnival Legend – four-day Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (slot tournament)

• April 23 – Paradise – four-day Baja cruise from Long Beach (slot tournament)

• May 3 – Carnival Miracle – eight-day Caribbean cruise from New York (slot/blackjack tournaments)

• May 27 – Elation – six-day Baja cruise from San Diego (slot/blackjack tournaments)

• June 12 – Carnival Victory – four-day Canada cruise from New York (slot tournament)

• June 17 – Carnival Liberty – six-day Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale (slot/blackjack tournaments)

• July 9 – Elation – five-day Baja cruise from San Diego (slot tournament)

• July 28 – Carnival Glory – seven-day Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral, Fla. (slot/blackjack tournaments)

• Aug. 6 – Ecstasy – five-day Caribbean cruise from Galveston (slot tournament)

• Aug. 28 – Carnival Triumph – five-day Caribbean cruise from New Orleans (slot tournament)

• Sept. 7 – Fascination – three-day Bahamas cruise from Miami (slot tournament)

• Sept. 23 – Carnival Liberty – six-day Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale (slot/blackjack tournaments)

• Oct. 1 – Fantasy – five-day Caribbean cruise from New Orleans (slot tournament)

• Oct. 13 – Inspiration – five-day Caribbean cruise from Tampa (slot tournament)

• Nov. 12 – Carnival Freedom – four-day Caribbean cruise from Miami (Grand Final Event)

In addition to experiencing the wide variety of on-board dining, activity and entertainment options aboard the “Fun Ships,” “Wild Winners” slot and blackjack tournament participants who pre-register will receive a special Bon Voyage gift. A drawing will also be held each cruise awarding a complimentary cruise for two aboard the Carnival Freedom’s Nov. 12 departure.

The Ocean Players Club offers something for every level of player, from awards for playing slots to establishing credit lines and betting limits for high rollers. Players can earn points at the slots toward instant cash rewards, complimentary beverages, free gifts, and future cruise benefits. 

Membership in the Ocean Players Club is free and enrollment is coordinated with the casino host on board. For more information, visit www.oceanplayersclub.com.

For additional information and reservations regarding the upcoming “Wild Winners” slot and blackjack tournaments, contact any travel agent, call 1-888-OPC-CLUB or visit carnival.com.

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Carnival Cruise Lines 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, Windstar 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.