Amtrak and Carnival to Resume “Rail and Cruise” Program in October

May 10, 2006

Amtrak and Carnival to Resume "Rail and Cruise" Program in October
May 10, 2006 – Amtrak and Carnival Cruise Lines has announced that they will resume the "Rail and Cruise" program out of New Orleans this October. Four- and five-day cruise service from the Port of New Orleans on the Fantasy will be the first to recommence. Additionally, Amtrak is offering discounts up to 25 percent for passengers traveling by rail to and from all Carnival cruises now through December 13, 2007.

"Carnival Cruise Lines is thrilled to be returning to New Orleans in October," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO. "We’re also delighted to partner once again with Amtrak in offering the Rail & Cruise" program from New Orleans which provides Fantasy guests with an affordable, hassle-free transportation option," he added.

Passengers may combine their voyage on the Fantasy with travel to and from the ship aboard Amtrak`s City of New Orleans, Crescent and Sunset Limited services. The City of New Orleans departs daily from Chicago, stopping in Memphis and 17 other cities. The Crescent departs daily from New York, with stops in Washington, Atlanta and 30 additional cities. The Sunset Limited departs Los Angeles on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, stopping in Tucson, San Antonio and 19 other cities. Fantasy`s four-day voyages from New Orleans will depart Thursdays and visit Cozumel, while five-day sailings will depart Mondays and Saturdays and visit Cozumel and either Calica or Costa Maya beginning Oct. 26, 2006.

"We are very pleased to be working with Carnival Cruise Lines once again to serve our mutual passengers while helping to rebuild one of America`s greatest travel destinations, the Crescent City, New Orleans," said David Hughes, Amtrak Acting President and CEO.

For additional information on the "Rail & Cruise" program out of New Orleans and locations in Florida, contact Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit http://www.amtrak.com/.