SAMPIERO NAMED VICE PRESIDENT – TECHNICAL SERVICES AND PURCHASING AT CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES

             MIAMI (January 20, 2009) – Umberto Sampiero, a 32-year veteran of the cruise industry, has been promoted to vice president of technical services and purchasing at Miami-based Carnival Cruise Lines, the world’s largest cruise operator.

            In this newly created position, Sampiero is responsible for all aspects of the technical management of Carnival’s 22-vessel fleet, including technical operations, purchasing, system engineering and budgeting.  He will report to Carnival’s Senior Vice President of Marine Operations Brendan Corrigan.

            Sampiero joined Carnival Cruise Lines in 1977 as an engineer officer and then transferred to the company’s Miami headquarters in 1984.  In 1991, he joined Miami-based Martinoli Ship Management followed by five years at Costa Cruises where he worked as director of budgeting and purchasing.  In 2000, he rejoined Carnival Cruise Lines as vice president of purchasing and budgeting.

            “Cruise ships today are more advanced than ever and Umberto’s extensive knowledge and experience in all facets of shipboard operations – from technical engineering and refurbishment projects to purchasing and budgeting systems – will be of tremendous benefit to our company going forward,” Corrigan said.

            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, New England, Canada, Bermuda, Europe, and South America.  The line has two new ships scheduled for delivery between now and 2011.             

            The first of these, the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream, is slated to debut in Europe Sept. 21, 2009.

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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.