CARNIVAL (United States), world leader in cruises with a fleet of 45 vessels, has made a surprise counter-bid of USD 2.1 billion plus debt recovery of 800 million for Norway's NCL, following a failed attempt last December. CARNIVAL is now offering NEK 40 per share, up from its previous bid of 30. This offer is also higher than STAR CRUISES' bid of 35 crowns a share. See EI of 18 December 1999.