MIAMI, May 5 -- Popular television talk show host and film star
Rosie O'Donnell will serve as godmother of the 102,000-ton Carnival Triumph,
Carnival Cruise Lines' new "Fun Ship," scheduled to debut in July.

As godmother, O'Donnell will preside over the ship's official naming
ceremony, which will take place July 15 in New York. The ceremony will be
held immediately prior to a gala fund-raiser aboard the Carnival Triumph for
The Association to Benefit Children, whose primary benefactors are Carnival
spokesperson Kathie Lee Gifford and her husband Frank Gifford. Carnival is
donating full use of the Carnival Triumph for the event, which includes a
cocktail reception, a lavish, multi-course dinner, dancing and entertainment,
including a performance by Kathie Lee Gifford of her critically acclaimed
cabaret act from her recent sold-out appearance at Rainbow and Stars in New
York.

"We're proud and delighted that Rosie O'Donnell has agreed to serve as
godmother of the newest addition to the 'Fun Ship' fleet," said Bob Dickinson,
Carnival president. "Rosie is well-known for her love of children and this
naming ceremony will not only serve as a memorable lead-in to what's sure to
be a fantastic evening, but also offers Carnival the unique opportunity to
contribute once again to this very worthwhile cause."

The naming ceremony and gala fund-raiser mark the beginning of a series of
pre-inaugural activities designed to introduce the Carnival Triumph to travel
agents and the media before the vessel begins a series of four- and five-day
Canada cruises from New York July 19. Following the New York sailings, the
Carnival Triumph will operate a year-round schedule of seven-day cruises from
Miami, alternating weekly to the eastern and western Caribbean, beginning Oct.
23.

Currently in the final stages of construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in
Monfalcone, Italy, the 2,758-passenger Carnival Triumph will be the largest
vessel in the Carnival fleet.

Tickets for the gala fund-raiser are available by calling the Association to
Benefit Children at 212/843-1748 or via e-mail at abc@hgmad.com. Tickets
begin at $1,000 per person and includes cocktail reception, dinner and
entertainment. A limited number of "gold level" tickets are available in
tables of eight for $10,000, which includes private cocktail reception with
godmother, overnight accommodations and breakfast the following morning.
"Platinum level" tickets, available in tables of eight for $12,000, include
all "gold level" amenities plus preferred theater seating and special
acknowledgement in the evening's program.