EXHIBIT 12 CARNIVAL CORPORATION RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (in thousands, except ratios) Six Months Ended May 31, 1999 1998 Net income $361,103 $270,510 Income tax benefit (7,645) (6,861) Income before income taxes 353,458 263,649 Adjustments to Earnings: Minority interest 1,642 Dividends received in excess of income from affiliates 19,017 23,621 Earnings as adjusted 374,117 287,270 Fixed Charges: Interest expense 26,880 24,735 Interest portion of rent expense (1) 1,275 1,533 Capitalized interest 19,915 15,979 Total fixed charges 48,070 42,247 Fixed charges not affecting earnings: Capitalized interest (19,915) (15,979) Earnings before fixed charges $402,272 $313,538 Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 8.4X 7.4X (1) Represents one-third of rent expense, which management believes to be representative of the interest portion of rent expense.