MIAMI (03/11/02) - Carnival Cruise Lines has dramatically expanded its fleetwide golf program to include a variety of beautiful and challenging courses in Belize, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Bermuda, Grand Cayman, Mexico and Europe. Additionally, the line has signed an agreement to include top-of-the-line Callaway metal woods and irons as part of its equipment rental packages.

"Golf has always been a popular activity with 'Fun Ship' guests and we're delighted to expand our already  impressive offerings to provide golfers an even greater variety of spectacular courses from which to choose," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president. 

The new courses complement the more than 40 different golf options currently available within the line's comprehensive golf program, which is operated in conjunction with Sunrise, Fla.-based Elite Golf Cruises LLC and offers professional instruction both aboard ship and during golf excursions.

Included among the new course offerings are: 

• Cozumel Country Club (Cozumel) - Created by the renowned Nicklaus design team, this is the island's first and only championship-caliber course. Incorporating the natural habitat of the island, the 6,724-yard course was built around native trees, mangroves and wetlands, creating a truly spectacular golf venue.
• The White Witch (Montego Bay) - Located at the world-renowned Ritz Carlton Resort, White Witch is one of the Caribbean's most popular courses and recently hosted Shell's Wonderful World of Golf tournament. Golfers' experience is enhanced by their own caddy offering insight into the course's unique attributes (extra fee required). Non-golfers can join the excursion to enjoy the resort's tennis courts, pools and other facilities for a nominal charge.
• Port Royal Golf Course (Bermuda) - Meandering through some of Bermuda's most scenic terrain, the Port Royal course was designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones. The par-3 16th hole with its breathtaking ocean view and well-placed bunkers is fast becoming the most famous hole in Bermuda. A "must play" for any golfer. Southampton Princess Golf Club (Bermuda) - Situated on a 100-acre estate on Bermuda's highest point, this gorgeous course features views of both the harbor and sea. Its well thought-out design requires a skillful touch, with elevated tees, water hazards, and a variety of strategically placed sand traps. 
• Caye Chapel Golf Resort  (Belize) - This spectacular 6,800-yard championship course offers ocean views at virtually every turn and has received international acclaim for its creative yet challenging lay-out, beautifully manicured greens and fairways, and Caribbean Sea vistas. Adding to the day's fun is an exhilarating seaplane transfer, which is included in the price. Simply an unforgettable golfing experience. 
• Sunrise Family Golf Center (Grand Cayman) - This par-3 course features many beautiful holes ranging from 60 to 160 yards in length - perfect for beginners or those wishing to practice their short game. Sunrise Family Golf Center is an excellent value and offers couples and families the opportunity to experience the beauty of island golf. El Conquistador Resort & Country Club (San Juan) - Designed by renowned golf course architect Arthur Hill, this breathtaking course meanders over 6,660 yards and offers fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. For a small fee, non-golfers can also tag along during the excursion to enjoy the resort's wide-ranging guest amenities. 
• Fano Golf Club (Denmark) - This historic 101-year-old course - Denmark's oldest - is regarded as Scandinavia's best. With its rolling hills and undulating dunes, Fano bears a striking resemblance to many of Scotland's classic courses and is just as challenging. 
• Espoo Ringside Golf Club (Finland) - Located approximately 15 miles outside of  Helsinki, Espoo is considered Finland's finest golf course, with tight fairways, strategically placed bunkers and fast, tough-to-read greens. Four large ponds and a meandering brook add to the challenge. 

All-inclusive golf excursions include golf pro escort, priority tee times, round-trip transportation between ship and course, and cart and green fees. In addition to Callaway clubs, golfers can rent Adidas golf shoes and purchase golfing accessories such as golf balls, gloves and apparel. Carnival's golf program also features lighted shipboard "practice ranges," which protect golfers from the elements and allow for both day and nighttime lessons. Golf clinics and putting contests are held throughout the voyage, as well. Shipboard lessons are complemented by state-of-the-art "V1" teaching computers, which provide split-screen, side-by-side comparisons with top tour players and sophisticated video analysis. A take-home video re-cap is also available with 30- and 60-minute lessons, enabling golfers to continue their instruction even after returning home. (The V1 teaching software can also be purchased on board for use on guests' home computers.) 

Course information is available by visiting www.CarnivalGolf.com, calling 1-800-324-1106 or faxing a request to 1-954-382-5398. Guests can also stop by the shore excursion desk once on board. All-inclusive golf packages, which include professional golf escort, begin at $60 per person for 18 holes. Professional on-board lessons range in price from $25 for a "swing check" to $80 for a complete one-hour video analysis with a private instructor. For additional Carnival information, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit www.carnival.com.

Celebrating "30 Years of Fun" in 2002, Carnival is the largest and most popular cruise line in the world with 16 "Fun Ships" operating voyages ranging from two to 17 days in length to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, New England, Canada, Bermuda and Europe. The line currently has five new ships with an estimated value of $2.2 billion scheduled for delivery between now and 2004. Carnival Cruise Lines is a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance which also includes Holland America Line, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line, Costa Cruises and Windstar Cruises. Together, these member lines share a commitment to quality and value, offering cruise vacations that appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets and sail to some of the world's most exciting destinations. Carnival is the leader in the contemporary market of the cruise industry.