EXHIBIT 12 CARNIVAL CORPORATION RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (in thousands, except ratios) Nine Months Ended August 31, 1997 1996 Net income $510,700 $451,479 Income tax expense 8,557 11,006 Income before income tax expense 519,257 462,485 Adjustment to earnings: Dividends received less equity in income from affiliates 8,236 (9,719) Earnings as adjusted 527,493 452,766 Fixed Charges: Interest expense, net 43,510 49,889 Interest portion of rental expense (1) 1,761 1,626 Capitalized interest 12,305 18,679 Total fixed charges 57,576 70,194 Fixed charges not affecting earnings: Capitalized interest 12,305 18,679 Earnings before fixed charges $572,764 $504,281 Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 9.9 x 7.2 x ________________________ (1) Represents one-third of rental expense, which Company management believes to be representative of the interest portion of rental expense.