MIAMI, April 29, 2008 -- Fodor's Complete Guide to European Cruises has awarded Carnival nine "Best of Cruising" designations.

Fodor's annual publication named Carnival "Best of Cruising" in the following categories:

• Best Regular Dining Room Cuisine
• Best Specialty Restaurants
• Best Cruise Line For Families
• Best Regular Cabins
• Best Beds
• Best Entertainment At Sea
• Best Sports and Fitness Centers
• Best Shops on Board
• Best Fun & Funky Activities

According to Carnival's Executive Vice President of Marketing and Guest Experience Ruben Rodriguez, Carnival's nine awards reflect many of the signature elements of a "Fun Ship" cruise -- outstanding dining, spacious and comfortable accommodations, modern spa and children's facilities, and fun- filled activities for guests of all ages, all of which add up to memorable vacations.

"Considering that Carnival has been sailing in Europe for just three years, it is indeed an honor to be named 'Best of Cruising' by Fodor's in so many different categories," Rodriguez said. "We pride ourselves on providing our guests with fun, high quality vacations -- regardless of where our 'Fun Ships' are sailing -- and this recognition is a wonderful validation of our efforts," he added.

"By providing the 'Best of Cruising' to readers, Fodor's identifies the cruise lines and ships that offer the highest quality in features sought by today's passengers. I'm pleased that Carnival Cruise Lines has consistently met and exceeded our expectations in nine 'Best of Cruising' categories," said Linda Coffman, who, along with veteran travel journalists Ralph Grizzle and Lindsay Bennett, serve as editors of Fodor's "Best of Cruising" section.

Carnival's entry into Europe began in 2005 with a series of cruises aboard Carnival Liberty and, over the past three years, the line has tripled its number of voyages within the region.

This year, Carnival will deploy two ships in Europe for the first time, including its newest and largest ship, the 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor, which will launch the line's first-ever 12-day Northern Europe program. Joining the Carnival Splendor will be the Carnival Freedom, which will operate Carnival's popular Mediterranean, Greece and Turkey cruises. Carnival will deploy two ships to Europe in 2009, as well.

In addition to European cruises, Carnival operates three- to 18-day voyages to destinations such as the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, New England, the Panama Canal, Bermuda and South America aboard its 22-vessel fleet.

Carnival describes itself as follows:

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.