EXHIBIT 12 CARNIVAL CORPORATION RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (in thousands, except ratios) Six Months Ended May 31, 1998 1997 Net income $270,510 $212,807 Income tax benefit (6,861) (6,353) Income before income tax benefit 263,649 206,454 Adjustment to earnings: Loss from affiliated operations and dividends received 23,621 17,334 Earnings as adjusted 287,270 223,788 Fixed Charges: Interest expense, net 24,735 31,536 Interest portion of rental expense (1) 704 669 Capitalized interest 15,979 7,415 Total fixed charges 41,418 39,620 Fixed charges not affecting earnings: Capitalized interest (15,979) (7,415) Earnings before fixed charges $312,709 $255,993 Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 7.6 x 6.5 x ________________________ (1) Represents one-third of rental expense, which management believes to be representative of the interest portion of rental expense.