Carnival Cruise Lines was named the “top contemporary cruise line” at the recent WAVE (Western Agents Votes of Excellence) Awards presented by TravelAge West Magazine.

The annual awards, which recognize travel companies in a wide range of product- and service-related categories, are based on feedback from TravelAge West readers, which include travel agents from 14 western U.S. states, as well as information gleaned from the publication’s editors.

Carnival Cruise Lines- the West Coast’s number one cruise line with four ships based within the region on a year-round or seasonal basis - was recognized for providing guests with memorable, high quality vacations at affordable prices. Its “Fun Ship” fleet offers guests a variety of on-board facilities and features - a diversity of full-service and casual dining options, expansive spa and children’s facilities, spacious accommodations, and fun-filled activities for guests of all ages.

Carnival Cruise Lines’ West Coast-based ships include the Carnival Pride and Carnival Paradise based in Long Beach, Calif., and Carnival Elation and Carnival Spirit in San Diego. In March 2009, Carnival will continue is West Coast expansion when the 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor - the largest “Fun Ship” to date - replaces the Carnival Pride on year-round seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach.

These four ships are part of the line’s 22-vessel fleet which operates three- to 18-day voyages to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Europe and other popular destinations.

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.

** News Release from Carnival Cruise Lines