WASHINGTON & MIAMI - Amtrak, Carnival Cruise Lines, and Holland America Line today announced a special partnership that combines the pleasure of rail travel with the excitement of a cruise. Through this "Rail & Cruise" program, Amtrak is pleased to offer guests discounts of up to 25 percent when traveling by rail to and from a cruise on Carnival Cruise Lines or Holland America Line. The "Rail & Cruise" program is available to guests who travel on Amtrak in conjunction with a wide variety of three- to 16-day Carnival and Holland America voyages departing now through December 31, 2003. The program offers Amtrak rail travel between 530 cities throughout the U.S. and Canada and the 18 North American homeports currently served by Carnival and Holland America. "We are always looking for new ways to make train travel more than just a journey - to make it an adventure," said Barbara J. Richardson, Amtrak's executive vice president. "Our partnership with Carnival and Holland America does just that by offering our guests the unique experience of traveling by train and cruise ship--all in the same vacation." "Consumers today are seeking affordable, hassle-free vacation experiences and this new program combines the fun and value of a "Fun Ship" cruise with convenient, moderately-priced rail transportation, while providing travel agents with an excellent sales and marketing opportunity," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president. "The Amtrak agreement is a great complement to the nearly 400 North American cruise departures offered by Holland America Line," said David A. Giersdorf, senior vice president of marketing and sales, Holland America Line. "It provides added choices and value to consumers who are looking for a fun, relaxing and worry-free vacation with Holland America Line." The "Rail & Cruise" program is perfect for vacationing families as it applies to both rail fare and accommodation charges, which means even greater savings for Amtrak's first class guests traveling in sleeping accommodations. In addition, the program discount may be combined with Amtrak's child or AAA Show Your Card and Save Program discounts. On Amtrak, up to two children may accompany each adult at 50 percent off the full fare. Toddlers younger than two travel for free. "Rail & Cruise" is available on most Amtrak routes excluding the Auto Train, Acela Express, and Metroliner services With "Rail & Cruise," travel agents will receive discounts of up to 25 percent for their clients. The discount is determined by the date of travel. Certain restrictions and blackout dates apply. ARC-affiliated travel agents will receive a five percent commission on corridor service and an eight percent commission on long distance service on the rail portion of these bookings. Non-ARC-affiliated agencies may also contact Amtrak directly to make the booking for their clients. However, commission will be paid only on the cruise portion of the booking. The Carnival or Holland America booking number must be placed in the "remarks" field of the Amtrak reservations to be eligible for the 25 percent rail discount.

About Carnival
Carnival is the largest and most popular cruise line in the world with 16 "Fun Ships" operating voyages ranging from three to 16 days in length to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, New England/Canada, and Bermuda. Carnival "Fun Ships" feature expansive health and fitness facilities, full casinos, Internet cafes, a comprehensive golf program, multiple swimming pools, some with twisting, turning water slides, cruising's top-rated children's program, award-winning entertainment, and Carnival's Total Choice Dining.