Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL) 10-Q 26 Oct 18 2018 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 18, 2018
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD
Entity Central Index Key	884,887
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2018
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		208,996,396
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Total revenues	$ 2,796,187	$ 2,569,544	$ 7,161,548	$ 6,773,378
Cruise operating expenses:
Total cruise operating expenses	1,411,364	1,318,269	3,901,794	3,750,878
Marketing, selling and administrative expenses	325,167	273,637	975,451	874,957
Depreciation and amortization expenses	259,923	240,150	753,529	710,836
Operating Income	799,733	737,488	1,530,774	1,436,707
Other income (expense):
Interest income	5,831	4,693	26,662	16,756
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized	(86,510)	(73,233)	(236,252)	(230,182)
Equity investment income	95,169	85,120	168,232	120,359
Other expense	(3,832)	(1,226)	5,923	(6,546)
Total other income (expense)	10,658	15,354	(35,435)	(99,613)
Net Income	$ 810,391	$ 752,842	$ 1,495,339	$ 1,337,094
Earnings per Share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 3.88	$ 3.51	$ 7.08	$ 6.22
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 3.86	$ 3.49	$ 7.05	$ 6.19
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	209,054	214,694	211,099	214,882
Diluted (in shares)	209,928	215,824	211,973	215,905
Comprehensive Income
Net Income	$ 810,391	$ 752,842	$ 1,495,339	$ 1,337,094
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(3,479)	5,889	(13,840)	14,210
Change in defined benefit plans	1,153	(1,990)	6,949	(6,280)
Gain on cash flow derivative hedges	36,946	230,245	110,576	381,660
Total other comprehensive income	34,620	234,144	103,685	389,590
Comprehensive Income	845,011	986,986	1,599,024	1,726,684
Passenger ticket revenues
Total revenues	2,042,911	1,893,152	5,141,125	4,892,760
Onboard and other revenues
Total revenues	753,276	676,392	2,020,423	1,880,618
Cruise operating expenses:
Total cruise operating expenses	171,028	157,041	412,805	395,472
Commissions, transportation and other
Cruise operating expenses:
Total cruise operating expenses	430,039	409,597	1,078,953	1,060,176
Payroll and related
Cruise operating expenses:
Total cruise operating expenses	221,205	210,764	674,676	636,861
Food
Cruise operating expenses:
Total cruise operating expenses	133,324	126,223	381,349	369,198
Fuel
Cruise operating expenses:
Total cruise operating expenses	182,415	160,752	515,065	508,914
Other operating
Cruise operating expenses:
Total cruise operating expenses	$ 273,353	$ 253,892	$ 838,946	$ 780,257

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 254,821	$ 120,112
Trade and other receivables, net	385,297	318,641
Inventories	152,157	111,393
Prepaid expenses and other assets	459,792	258,171
Derivative financial instruments	106,933	99,320
Total current assets	1,359,000	907,637
Property and equipment, net	22,599,589	19,735,180
Goodwill	1,374,923	288,512
Other assets	1,760,028	1,429,597
Total assets	27,093,540	22,360,926
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt	1,528,613	1,188,514
Commercial paper	998,835	0
Accounts payable	432,086	360,113
Accrued interest	94,977	47,469
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	859,948	903,022
Derivative financial instruments	46,801	47,464
Customer deposits	3,111,682	2,308,291
Total current liabilities	7,072,942	4,854,873
Long-term debt	7,646,988	6,350,937
Other long-term liabilities	497,705	452,813
Total liabilities	15,217,635	11,658,623
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	537,770	0
Shareholders’ equity
Preferred stock ($0.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; none outstanding)	0	0
Common stock ($0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 235,808,807 and 235,198,901 shares issued, September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively)	2,358	2,352
Paid-in capital	3,425,810	3,390,117
Retained earnings	10,093,892	9,022,405
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(230,580)	(334,265)
Treasury stock (26,830,765 and 21,861,308 common shares at cost, September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively)	(1,953,345)	(1,378,306)
Total shareholders’ equity	11,338,135	10,702,303
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and shareholders’ equity	$ 27,093,540	$ 22,360,926

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	235,808,807	235,198,901
Treasury stock, common shares (in shares)	26,830,765	21,861,308

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Operating Activities
Net income	$ 1,495,339	$ 1,337,094
Adjustments:
Depreciation and amortization	753,529	710,836
Impairment losses	33,651	0
Net deferred income tax (benefit) expense	(2,926)	516
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments not designated as hedges	41,397	(56,836)
Share-based compensation expense	63,420	52,469
Equity investment income	(168,232)	(120,359)
Amortization of debt issuance costs	31,656	37,562
Gain on sale of property and equipment	0	(30,902)
Gain on sale of unconsolidated affiliate	(13,680)	0
Recognition of deferred gain	(21,794)	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in trade and other receivables, net	(17,141)	16,245
Increase in inventories	(21,760)	(6,131)
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets	(76,471)	10,211
Increase in accounts payable	35,433	77,436
Increase in accrued interest	45,735	46,748
(Decrease) increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities	(15,856)	12,870
Increase in customer deposits	349,230	256,855
Dividends received from unconsolidated affiliates	241,697	107,267
Other, net	(6,243)	2,720
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,746,984	2,454,601
Investing Activities
Purchases of property and equipment	(2,509,127)	(387,335)
Cash received on settlement of derivative financial instruments	74,008	57,004
Cash paid on settlement of derivative financial instruments	(50,891)	0
Investments in and loans to unconsolidated affiliates	(15,194)	0
Cash received on loans to unconsolidated affiliates	49,501	31,633
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment	0	230,000
Proceeds from the sale of unconsolidated affiliate	13,215	0
Acquisition of Silversea Cruises, net of cash acquired	(916,135)	0
Other, net	(3,989)	(9,313)
Net cash used in investing activities	(3,358,612)	(78,011)
Financing Activities
Debt proceeds	6,626,295	3,682,000
Debt issuance costs	(54,775)	(25,987)
Repayments of debt	(5,833,602)	(5,598,198)
Proceeds from issuance of commercial paper notes	2,165,991	0
Repayments of commercial paper notes	(1,171,000)	0
Purchases of treasury stock	(575,039)	(124,999)
Dividends paid	(381,465)	(309,162)
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options	4,206	2,499
Other, net	(14,857)	4,137
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	765,754	(2,369,710)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(19,417)	467
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	134,709	7,347
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	120,112	132,603
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	254,821	139,950
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest, net of amount capitalized	154,231	147,789
Non-cash Investing Activities
Contingent consideration for the acquisition of Silversea Cruises	$ 44,000	$ 0

General

General	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
General	General Description of Business We are a global cruise company. As of September 30, 2018 , we control and operate four global cruise brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises and, most recently, Silversea Cruises (collectively, our "Global Brands"). We also own a 50% joint venture interest in the German brand TUI Cruises, a 49% interest in the Spanish brand Pullmantur and a 37% interest in the Chinese brand SkySea Cruises (collectively, our "Partner Brands"). We account for our investments in our Partner Brands under the equity method of accounting. On July 31, 2018, we acquired a 66.7% equity stake in Silversea Cruise Holding Ltd. ("Silversea Cruises"), an ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line with nine ships operating on all seven continents, from Silversea Cruises Group Ltd. ("SCG") for $1.02 billion in cash and contingent consideration. Refer to Note 3. Business Combination for further information on the Silversea Cruises acquisition. In March 2018, we and Ctrip.com International Ltd. ("Ctrip") announced the decision to end the Skysea Holding International Ltd. ("Skysea Holding") venture. Skysea Holding plans to cease business operations by the end of 2018. Skysea Holding has entered into an agreement to sell the Golden Era , the ship operated by SkySea Cruises and owned by a wholly owned subsidiary of Skysea Holding, to an affiliate of TUI AG, our joint venture partner in TUI Cruises, and the sale is expected to close in December 2018. Refer to Note 7. Other Assets for further information regarding our investment in SkySea Holding. Basis for Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements The unaudited consolidated financial statements are presented pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In our opinion, these statements include all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results of the interim periods reported herein. Adjustments consist only of normal recurring items, except for any items discussed in the notes below. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted as permitted by such rules and regulations. Estimates are required for the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and actual results could differ from these estimates. Refer to Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 for a discussion of our significant accounting policies. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. We consolidate entities over which we have control, usually evidenced by a direct ownership interest of greater than 50% , and variable interest entities where we are determined to be the primary beneficiary. Refer to Note 7. Other Assets for further information regarding our variable interest entities. We consolidate the operating results of Silversea Cruises on a three -month reporting lag to allow for more timely preparation of our consolidated financial statements. No material events or other transactions involving Silversea Cruises have occurred from July 31, 2018, the Silversea Cruises acquisition date, through September 30, 2018 that would require further disclosure or adjustment to our consolidated financial statements as of and for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018 . For affiliates we do not control but over which we have significant influence with respect to their financial and operating policies, usually evidenced by a direct ownership interest ranging from 20% to 50% , the investment is accounted for using the equity method.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements On January 1, 2018, we adopted the guidance codified in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , and applied the guidance to all contracts using the modified retrospective method. The new standard converged wide-ranging revenue recognition concepts and requirements that lead to diversity in application for particular industries and transactions into a single revenue standard containing comprehensive principles for recognizing revenue. The cumulative effect of applying the newly issued guidance was not material and accordingly there was no adjustment made to our retained earnings upon adoption on January 1, 2018. We do not expect the newly issued guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements on an ongoing basis. Due to the adoption of ASC 606, we currently present prepaid commissions as an asset within Prepaid expenses and other assets. In addition, we have reclassified prepaid commissions of $64.6 million from Customer deposits to Prepaid expenses and other assets in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 . Refer to Note 5. Revenues for disclosures with respect to our revenue recognition policies. On January 1, 2018, we adopted the guidance in Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") 2016-16, Income Taxes 740: Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory , w hich requires the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset, other than inventory, to be recognized at the time that the transfer occurs, rather than when the asset is sold to an outside party. We adopted the standard using the modified retrospective method and recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment to reduce retained earnings as of January 1, 2018 by $6.6 million , which reflects the elimination of the deferred tax asset related to intercompany asset transfers. On January 1, 2018, we adopted the guidance in ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities , that was issued to simplify and align the financial reporting of hedging relationships to the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities. We adopted the amended guidance using the modified retrospective approach. Adoption of the guidance allowed us to modify the designated risk in our fair value interest rate hedges to the benchmark interest rate component, resulting in changes to the cumulative and ongoing fair value measurement for the hedged debt. Upon adoption, we also elected to hedge the contractually specified components of our commodities purchase contracts. For our cash flow hedges, there will be no periodic measurement or recognition of ineffectiveness. For all hedges, the earnings effect of the hedging instrument will be reported in the same period and in the same income statement line item in which the earnings effect of the hedged item is reported. As a result of the adoption of this guidance, we recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment to reduce retained earnings as of January 1, 2018 by $16.9 million . The cumulative-effect adjustment includes an increase to the debt carrying value of $14.4 million for our fair value interest rate hedges as of January 1, 2018, which reflects the cumulative fair value measurement change to debt at adoption resulting from the modified designated risk, and an increase to other comprehensive income of $2.5 million , which represents an increase to the deferred gain on active cash flow hedges at adoption. Additionally, the new standard requires modifications to existing presentation and disclosure requirements on a prospective basis. As such, certain disclosures for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018 conform to these disclosure requirements. Refer to Note 11. Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Note 12. Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments for additional information. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Leases In February 2016, amended GAAP guidance was issued to increase the transparency and comparability of lease accounting among organizations. For leases with a term greater than 12 months, the amendments require the lease rights and obligations arising from the leasing arrangements, including operating leases, to be recognized as assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. The amendments also expand the required disclosures surrounding leasing arrangements. The guidance will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. The amended guidance requires the use of a modified retrospective approach in applying the new lease accounting standard and originally required an entity to apply the standard at the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial statements. In July 2018, updated guidance was issued which provides an additional and optional transition method that allows entities to initially apply the standard at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. While we are still evaluating the transition method of adoption, we expect to elect this optional transition method and recognize the cumulative impact of adoption in the opening balance of retained earnings as of January 1, 2019. Additionally, we are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance. In our evaluation, we have identified the contracts that provide an explicit right to use an asset and qualify as a leasing arrangement under the new guidance. We are currently evaluating certain contractual arrangements to determine if they contain an implicit or embedded right to use an asset that would qualify as a leasing arrangement under the new guidance. Upon implementation of the guidance, we expect an increase to both the assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet to reflect the lease rights and obligations arising from our operating lease arrangements. In addition, we expect to include additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures regarding our leasing arrangements as required by the guidance. Change in Accounting Principle - Stock-based Compensation In January 2018, we elected to change our accounting policy for recognizing stock-based compensation expense from the graded attribution method to the straight-line attribution method for time-based stock awards. The adoption of the straight-line attribution method for time-based stock awards represents a change in accounting principle which we believe to be preferable because it is the predominant method used in our industry. A change in accounting principle requires retrospective application, if material. The impact of the adoption of the straight-line attribution method to our time-based awards was immaterial to prior periods and is expected to be immaterial for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. As a result, we have accounted for this change in accounting principle in our consolidated results for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 . The effect of this change was an increase to net income of $9.2 million , or $0.04 per share for each of basic and diluted earnings per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , which is reported within Marketing, selling and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).

Business Combination

Business Combination	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination	Business Combination On July 31, 2018, we acquired a 66.7% equity stake in Silversea Cruises, an ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line. Silversea Cruises enhances our presence in the ultra-luxury and expedition markets and provides us with an opportunity to drive long-term capacity growth in these markets. The purchase price consisted of $1.02 billion in cash, net of assumed liabilities, and contingent consideration that can range from zero up to a maximum of approximately 472,000 shares of our common stock, and is payable upon achievement of certain 2019-2020 performance metrics by Silversea Cruises. The fair value of the contingent consideration at the acquisition date was $44.0 million and is recorded within Other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Subsequent changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration will be recorded in our results of operations in the period of the change. Refer to Note 12. Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments for further information on the valuation of the contingent consideration. To finance a portion of the purchase price, we entered into and drew in full on a $700 million credit agreement. Refer to Note 8. Debt for further information on the credit agreement . The remainder of the transaction consideration was financed through the use of our revolving credit facilities. We have accounted for this transaction under the provisions of ASC 805, Business Combinations. The purchase price for the Silversea Cruises acquisition was allocated based on preliminary estimates of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, with the excess allocated to goodwill. Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes and consisted primarily of the opportunity to expand our cruise operations in strategic growth areas. For reporting purposes, beginning with our fourth quarter 2018, we will include Silversea Cruises’ results of operations on a three -month reporting lag from the acquisition date through September 30, 2018 . We have included Silversea Cruises' balance sheet as of the acquisition date in our consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2018 . Refer to Note 1. General for further information on this three -month reporting lag. The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation based on preliminary estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed related to the Silversea Cruises acquisition. We have not finalized the allocation of the purchase price as it requires extensive use of accounting estimates and valuation methodologies in the determination of such fair values. (in thousands) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 103,865 Trade and other receivables, net 5,640 Inventories 19,004 Prepaid expenses and other assets (1) 119,920 Derivative financial instruments 2,886 Property and equipment, net (2) 1,109,467 Goodwill 1,086,539 Other assets (3) 494,657 Total assets acquired 2,941,978 Liabilities Current portion of long-term debt (4) 26,851 Accounts payable 36,960 Accrued interest 1,773 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 80,571 Customer deposits 453,798 Long-term debt (4) 727,935 Other long-term liabilities 12,320 Total liabilities assumed 1,340,208 Redeemable noncontrolling interest 537,770 Total purchase price $ 1,064,000 (1) Amount includes $32.0 million of cash held as collateral with credit card processors. (2) Property and equipment, net includes two ships under capital lease agreements amounting to $140.0 million . The respective capital lease liabilities are reported within Long-term debt . Refer to Note 8. Debt for further information on the capital lease financing arrangements. (3) Amount includes $490.8 million of intangible assets. Refer to Note 4. Goodwill and Intangible Assets for further information on the intangible assets acquired. (4) Refer to Note 8. Debt for further information on long-term debt assumed. In connection with the acquisition of Silversea Cruises, we recorded a redeemable noncontrolling interest of $537.8 million due to the put options held by SCG. The put options may require us to purchase SCG's remaining interest, or 33.3% of Silversea Cruises, upon the occurrence or nonoccurence of certain future events that are not solely within our control. At the acquisition date, the estimated fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest is based on 33.3% of Silversea Cruises' equity value, which was determined based on the transaction price paid for 66.7% of Silversea Cruises. As of September 30, 2018 , SCG's interest is presented as Redeemable noncontrolling interest and is classified outside of shareholders' equity in our consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, the noncontrolling interest will be subject to contractual accretion requirements. Similar to our other ship-operating and vessel-owning subsidiaries, Silversea Cruises is currently exempt from U.S. corporate tax on U.S. source income from the international operation of ships pursuant to Section 883 of the Internal Revenue Code. Additionally, the deferred tax liability recognized in connection with the acquisition of Silversea Cruises was not material to our consolidated financial statements and there were no Net Operating Losses recognized as of September 30, 2018 . For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , our results of operations included transaction-related costs of $25.9 million and $30.6 million , respectively, which were included primarily within Marketing, selling and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Pro-forma financial results relating to the Silversea Cruises acquisition are not presented, as this acquisition is not material to our consolidated results of operations.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets The carrying amount of goodwill attributable to each of our Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises reporting units and the changes in such balances as of September 30, 2018 were as follows (in thousands): Royal Celebrity Cruises Silversea Cruises Total Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 286,880 $ 1,632 $ — $ 288,512 Goodwill attributable to the acquisition of Silversea Cruises (1) — — 1,086,539 1,086,539 Foreign currency translation adjustment (128 ) — — (128 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 286,752 $ 1,632 $ 1,086,539 $ 1,374,923 (1) Refer to Note 3. Business Combination for further information on the Silversea Cruises acquisition. Intangible assets acquired in the Silversea Cruises acquisition were as follows: Fair Value at Acquisition Date (in thousands) Weighted Average Amortization Period Silversea Cruises trade name $ 349,500 Indefinite-life Customer relationships 97,400 15 years Galapagos operating license 32,300 26 years Other finite-life intangible assets 11,560 2 years Total intangible assets $ 490,760 Intangible assets are reported within Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , intangible assets, excluding those related to the Silversea Cruises acquisition, were not material. The estimated future amortization for finite-life intangible assets related to the Silversea Cruises acquisition for each of the next five years is as follows (in thousands): Year Remainder of 2018 $ 2,253 2019 $ 13,516 2020 $ 12,552 2021 $ 7,736 2022 $ 7,736 2023 $ 7,736

Revenues

Revenues	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenues	Revenues Revenue Recognition Revenues are measured based on consideration specified in our contracts with customers and are recognized as the related performance obligations are satisfied. The majority of our revenues are derived from passenger cruise contracts which are reported within Passenger ticket revenues in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Our performance obligation under these contracts is to provide a cruise vacation in exchange for the ticket price. We satisfy this performance obligation and recognize revenue over the duration of each cruise, which generally range from two to 23 nights. Passenger ticket revenues include charges to our guests for port costs that vary with passenger head counts. These type of port costs, along with port costs that do not vary by passenger head counts, are included in our operating expenses. The amounts of port costs charged to our guests and included within Passenger ticket revenues on a gross basis were $174.1 million and $135.9 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, and $462.2 million and $413.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Our total revenues also include onboard and other revenues, which consist primarily of revenues from the sale of goods and services onboard our ships that are not included in passenger ticket prices. We receive payment before or concurrently with the transfer of these goods and services to passengers during a cruise and recognize revenue at the time of transfer over the duration of the related cruise. As a practical expedient, we have omitted disclosures on our remaining performance obligations as the duration of our contracts with customers is less than a year. Disaggregated Revenues The following table disaggregates our total revenues by geographic regions where we provide cruise itineraries (in thousands): Quarter Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Revenues by itinerary North America (1) $ 1,450,119 $ 1,325,432 $ 4,061,545 $ 3,923,704 Asia/Pacific (2) 235,374 284,574 1,051,551 1,111,321 Europe (3) 968,952 826,524 1,566,351 1,294,354 Other regions 28,948 26,254 207,764 186,204 Total revenues by itinerary 2,683,393 2,462,784 6,887,211 6,515,583 Other revenues (4) 112,794 106,760 274,337 257,795 Total revenues $ 2,796,187 $ 2,569,544 $ 7,161,548 $ 6,773,378 (1) Includes the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. (2) Includes Southeast Asia (e.g., Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines), East Asia (e.g., China and Japan), South Asia (e.g., India and Pakistan) and Oceania (e.g., Australia and Fiji Islands) regions. (3) Includes European countries (e.g., Nordics, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom). (4) Includes revenues primarily related to cancellation fees, vacation protection insurance and pre- and post-cruise tours. Amounts also include revenues related to our bareboat charter, procurement and management related services we perform on behalf of our unconsolidated affiliates. Refer to Note 7. Other Assets for more information on our unconsolidated affiliates. Passenger ticket revenues are attributed to geographic areas based on where the reservation originates. For the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , our guests were sourced from the following areas: Quarter Ended September 30, 2018 2017 Passenger ticket revenues: United States 59 % 56 % United Kingdom 13 % 13 % China 7 % 10 % All other countries (1) 21 % 21 % For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , our guests were sourced from the following areas: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 Passenger ticket revenues: United States 60 % 60 % United Kingdom 10 % 9 % All other countries (1) 30 % 31 % (1) No other individual country's revenue exceeded 10% for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 . Customer Deposits and Contract Liabilities Our payment terms generally require an upfront deposit to confirm a reservation, with the balance due prior to the cruise. Deposits received on sales of passenger cruises are initially recorded as Customer deposits in our consolidated balance sheets and subsequently recognized as passenger ticket revenues during the duration of the cruise. ASC 606 defines a “contract liability” as an entity’s obligation to transfer goods or services to a customer for which the entity has received consideration from the customer. We do not consider customer deposits to be a contract liability until the customer no longer retains the unilateral right, resulting from the passage of time, to cancel such customer's reservation and receive a full refund. Customer deposits presented in our consolidated balance sheets include contract liabilities of $1.8 billion and $1.4 billion as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. Substantially all of our contract liabilities as of December 31, 2017 were recognized and reported within Total revenues in our consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 . Contract Receivables and Contract Assets Although we generally require full payment from our customers prior to their cruise, we grant credit terms to a relatively small portion of our revenue source in select markets outside of the United States. As a result, we have outstanding receivables from passenger cruise contracts in those markets. We also have receivables from credit card merchants for cruise ticket purchases and goods and services sold to guests during cruises that are collected before, during or shortly after the cruise voyage. In addition, we have receivables due from concessionaires onboard our vessels. These receivables are included within Trade and other receivables, net in our consolidated balance sheets. We have contract assets that are conditional rights to consideration for satisfying the construction services performance obligations under a service concession arrangement. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , our contract assets were $58.4 million and $60.1 million , respectively, and were included within Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. Given the short duration of our cruises and our collection terms, we do not have any other significant contract assets. Assets Recognized from the Costs to Obtain a Contract with a Customer Prepaid travel agent commissions are an incremental cost of obtaining contracts with customers that we recognize as an asset and include within Prepaid expenses and other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. Prepaid travel agent commissions were $134.0 million and $64.6 million as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. Substantially all of our prepaid travel agent commissions at December 31, 2017 were expensed and reported within Commissions, transportation and other in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 .

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share A reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows (in thousands, except per share data): Quarter Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net income for basic and diluted earnings per share $ 810,391 $ 752,842 $ 1,495,339 $ 1,337,094 Weighted-average common shares outstanding 209,054 214,694 211,099 214,882 Dilutive effect of stock-based awards and stock options 874 1,130 874 1,023 Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 209,928 215,824 211,973 215,905 Basic earnings per share $ 3.88 $ 3.51 $ 7.08 $ 6.22 Diluted earnings per share $ 3.86 $ 3.49 $ 7.05 $ 6.19 There were no antidilutive shares for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 .

Other Assets

Other Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Other Assets [Abstract]
Other Assets	Other Assets A Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) is an entity in which the equity investors have not provided enough equity to finance the entity’s activities or the equity investors: (1) cannot directly or indirectly make decisions about the entity’s activities through their voting rights or similar rights; (2) do not have the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity; (3) do not have the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity; or (4) have voting rights that are not proportionate to their economic interests and the entity’s activities involve or are conducted on behalf of an investor with a disproportionately small voting interest. We have determined that TUI Cruises GmbH, our 50% -owned joint venture, which operates the brand TUI Cruises, is a VIE. As of September 30, 2018 , the net book value of our investment in TUI Cruises was $550.7 million , primarily consisting of $370.4 million in equity and a loan of €154.6 million , or approximately $179.5 million based on the exchange rate at September 30, 2018 . As of December 31, 2017 , the net book value of our investment in TUI Cruises was $624.5 million , primarily consisting of $422.8 million in equity and a loan of €166.5 million , or approximately $199.8 million based on the exchange rate at December 31, 2017 . The loan, which was made in connection with the sale of Splendour of the Seas in April 2016, accrues interest at a rate of 6.25% per annum and is payable over 10 years . This loan is 50% guaranteed by TUI AG, our joint venture partner in TUI Cruises, and is secured by a first priority mortgage on the ship. The majority of these amounts were included within Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. In addition, we and TUI AG have each guaranteed the repayment by TUI Cruises of 50% of a bank loan. As of September 30, 2018 , the outstanding principal amount of the loan was €39.6 million , or approximately $46.0 million based on the exchange rate at September 30, 2018 . In April 2018, Mein Schiff 1 was sold to an affiliate of TUI AG. The proceeds were used to repay €44.2 million of the bank loan and secure the release of the first mortgage on Mein Schiff 1 . The loan amortizes quarterly and is currently secured by a first mortgage on Mein Schiff 2 . Based on current facts and circumstances, we do not believe potential obligations under our guarantee of this bank loan are probable. In addition to our guarantee of the bank loan, TUI Cruises has various ship construction and financing agreements which include certain restrictions on each of our and TUI AG’s ability to reduce our current ownership interest in TUI Cruises below 37.55% through May 2031. Our investment amount, outstanding term loan an d the potential obligations under the bank loan guarantee are subs tantially our maximum exposure to loss in connection with our investment in TUI Cruises. We have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of TUI Cruises. We believe that the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact TUI Cruises’ economic performance are shared between ourselves and TUI AG. All the significant operating and financial decisions of TUI Cruises require the consent of both parties, which we believe creates shared power over TUI Cruises. Accordingly, we do not consolidate this entity and account for this investment under the equity method of accounting. In March 2009, we sold Celebrity Galaxy to TUI Cruises for €224.4 million , or $290.9 million , to serve as the original Mein Schiff 1. Due to the related party nature of this transaction, the gain on the sale of the ship of $35.9 million was deferred and being recognized over the remaining life of the ship which was estimated to be 23 years. As mentioned above, in April 2018, TUI Cruises sold the original Mein Schiff 1 and as a result we accelerated the recognition of the remaining balance of the deferred gain, which was $21.8 million . This amount is included within Other income (expense) in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 . We have determined that Pullmantur Holdings S.L. ("Pullmantur Holdings"), in which we have a 49% noncontrolling interest, is a VIE for which we are not the primary beneficiary, as we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance. Accordingly, we do not consolidate this entity and we account for this investment under the equity method of accounting. As of September 30, 2018 , our maximum exposure to loss in Pullmantur Holdings was $59.2 million consisting of loans and other receivables. As of December 31, 2017 , our maximum exposure to loss in Pullmantur Holdings was $53.7 million consisting of loans and other receivables. These amounts were included within Trade and other receivables, net and Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. We have provided a non-revolving working capital facility to a Pullmantur Holdings subsidiary in the amount of up to €15.0 million or approximately $17.4 million based on the exchange rate at September 30, 2018 . Proceeds of the facility, which may be drawn through December 2018, will bear interest at the rate of 6.5% per annum and are payable through 2022. Springwater Capital LLC, 51% owner of Pullmantur Holdings, has guaranteed repayment of 51% of the outstanding amounts under the facility. As of September 30, 2018 , €7.5 million , or approximately $8.7 million , based on the exchange rate at September 30, 2018 , was outstanding under this facility. We have determined that Grand Bahama Shipyard Ltd. (“Grand Bahama”), a ship repair and maintenance facility in which we have a 40% noncontrolling interest, is a VIE. This facility serves cruise and cargo ships, oil and gas tankers and offshore units. We utilize this facility, among other ship repair facilities, for our regularly scheduled drydocks and certain emergency repairs as may be required. During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , we made payments of $17.3 million and $41.6 million respectively, to Grand Bahama for ship repair and maintenance services. During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , we made payments of $1.9 million and $7.5 million , respectively, to Grand Bahama for ship repair and maintenance services. We have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of this facility as we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the facility’s economic performance. Accordingly, we do not consolidate this entity and we account for this investment under the equity method of accounting. As of September 30, 2018 , the net book value of our investment in Grand Bahama was $55.9 million , consisting of $40.7 million in equity and a loan of $15.2 million . As of December 31, 2017 , the net book value of our investment in Grand Bahama was $49.4 million , consisting of $32.4 million in equity and a loan of $17.0 million . These amounts represent our maximum exposure to loss related to our investment in Grand Bahama. Our loan to Grand Bahama matures in March 2025 and bears interest at the lower of (i) LIBOR plus 3.50% and (ii) 5.5% . Interest payable on the loan is due on a semi-annual basis. We have experienced strong payment performance on the loan since its amendment in 2016, and as a result completed an evaluation and review of the loan resulting in a reclassification of the loan to accrual status as of October 2017. During both the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , no payments were received. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , we received principal and interest payments of $14.2 million and during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , we received principal payments of $4.2 million . The loan balance is included within Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. The loan is currently accruing interest under the effective yield method, which includes the recognition of previously unrecognized interest that accumulated while the loan was in non-accrual status. We monitor credit risk associated with the loan through our participation on Grand Bahama’s board of directors along with our review of Grand Bahama’s financial statements and projected cash flows. Based on this review, we believe the risk of loss associated with the outstanding loan is not probable as of September 30, 2018 . We have determined that Skysea Holding, in which we currently have a 37% noncontrolling interest, is a VIE for which we are not the primary beneficiary, as we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance. Accordingly, we do not consolidate this entity and we account for this investment under the equity method of accounting. In December 2014, we and Ctrip, which also owns 37% of Skysea Holding, each provided a debt facility to a wholly owned subsidiary of Skysea Holding in the amount of $80.0 million , with an applicable interest rate of 6.5% per annum, which originally matured in January 2030. The facilities, which are pari passu to each other, are each 100% guaranteed by Skysea Holding and are secured by first priority mortgages on the ship, Golden Era. Due to payment performance, the loans were classified to non-accrual status in 2017. In March 2018, Skysea Holding's board of directors agreed to exit the business given increasing challenges faced by the brand. Skysea Holding plans to cease business operations by the end of 2018 and has entered into an agreement to sell the Golden Era to an affiliate of TUI AG, our joint venture partner in TUI Cruises, which is expected to close December 2018. We review our equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investment may not be recoverable. Given SkySea Holding’s planned dissolution and sale of Golden Era, we reviewed the recoverability of our investment, debt facility and other receivables due from the brand. As a result of this analysis, we determined that our investment in SkySea Holding and the carrying value of our debt facility and other receivables due from the brand were impaired as of March 31, 2018 and recognized an impairment charge of $23.3 million . The charge reflected a full impairment of our investment in SkySea Holding and reduced the debt facility and other receivables due to us to their net realizable value as of March 31, 2018. This impairment charge was recognized in Other income (expense) within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 . Refer to Note 12. Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments for further information on the fair value calculation of the debt facility. As of September 30, 2018 , the net book value of our investment in Skysea Holding and its subsidiaries was $63.8 million , consisting of the net book value of the $80.0 million debt facility, its related accrued interest and other receivables due from Skysea Holding. Due to the expected sale of Golden Era in December of 2018, the amount was included within Trade and other receivables, net in our consolidated balance sheets and represents our maximum exposure to loss related to our investment in Skysea Holding as of September 30, 2018 . As of December 31, 2017 , the net book value of our investment in Skysea Holding and its subsidiaries was $96.0 million , which consisted of $4.4 million in equity and loans and other receivables of $91.6 million . The majority of these amounts were included within Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets and represented our maximum exposure to loss related to our investment in Skysea Holding as of December 31, 2017 . The following tables set forth information regarding our investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting, including the entities discussed above (in thousands): Quarter Ended September 30, 2018 Quarter Ended September 30, 2017 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Share of equity income from investments $ 95,169 $ 85,120 $ 168,232 $ 120,359 Dividends received $ 82,755 $ 49,865 $ 241,697 $ 107,267 As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 Total notes receivable due from equity investments $ 267,837 $ 314,323 Less-current portion (1) 80,189 38,658 Long-term portion (2) $ 187,648 $ 275,665 (1) Included within Trade and other receivables, net in our consolidated balance sheets. (2) Included within Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. We also provide ship management services to TUI Cruises GmbH, Pullmantur Holdings and Skysea Holding. Additionally, we bareboat charter to Pullmantur Holdings the vessels currently operated by its brands, which were retained by us following the sale of our 51% interest in Pullmantur Holdings. We recorded the following as it relates to these services in our operating results within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) (in thousands): Quarter Ended September 30, 2018 Quarter Ended September 30, 2017 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Revenues $ 12,170 $ 14,054 $ 40,400 $ 39,987 Expenses $ 1,735 $ 3,770 $ 8,643 $ 11,503

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt In June 2018, we entered into a credit agreement for the financing of a portion of the purchase price payable for the Silversea Cruises acquisition. This agreement made available to us an unsecured U.S. dollar denominated term loan with a maximum aggregate principal amount of $700 million . On July 31, 2018, we closed on the Silversea Cruises acquisition and subsequently drew in full on this credit agreement. The loan is due in July 2019 and we are required to prepay the loan with the proceeds of certain debt issuances prior to maturity. Interest on the loan accrues at a floating rate based on LIBOR plus a margin that varies with our credit rating and which is currently 1.00% . Upon our acquisition of Silversea Cruises, we recorded, at a fair value of $672.0 million , 7.25% senior secured notes with a principal amount of $620 million due February 2025, in accordance with ASC 805. The notes were issued by Silversea Cruise Finance Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Silversea Cruises, and are guaranteed and secured by substantially all of the assets of Silversea Cruises and a number of its subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions. Refer to Note 3. Business Combination for further information on the Silversea Cruises acquisition . In June 2018, we established a commercial paper program pursuant to which we may issue short-term unsecured notes from time to time in an aggregate amount of up to $1.2 billion . The interest rate for the commercial paper notes varies based on duration, market conditions and our credit ratings. The maturities of the commercial paper notes can vary, but cannot exceed 397 days from the date of issuance. We intend to use the proceeds from our commercial paper notes for general corporate purposes. The commercial paper issued is backstopped by our revolving credit facilities. As of September 30, 2018 , we had $1.0 billion of commercial paper notes outstanding with a weighted average interest rate of 2.73% and a weighted average maturity of approximately 32 days. In March 2018, we took delivery of Symphony of the Seas . We had previously entered into a financing arrangement for the United States dollar financing of this ship in January 2015. Through the financing arrangement, we had the right, but not the obligation, to satisfy the obligations to be incurred upon delivery and acceptance of the vessel under the shipbuilding contract by assuming through a novation agreement, at delivery and acceptance, the debt indirectly incurred by the shipbuilder during the construction of the ship. We borrowed a total of $1.2 billion under our previously committed unsecured term loan, which includes the execution of the novation to satisfy a portion of our final obligation under our shipbuilding agreement. The loan amortizes semi-annually over 12 years and bears interest at a fixed rate of 3.82% . In our consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , the acceptance of the ship and satisfaction of our obligation under the shipbuilding contract was classified as an outflow and constructive disbursement within Investing Activities while the amounts novated and effectively advanced from our lender under our previously committed unsecured term loan were classified as an inflow and constructive receipt within Financing Activities . In March 2018, we entered into and drew in full on a credit agreement in the amount of $130.0 million due February 2023. The loan accrues interest at a floating rate of LIBOR plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin varies with our debt rating and was 1.195% as of September 30, 2018 . Amounts from the issuance of this loan were used for capital expenditures. Capital Leases Silversea Cruises operates two ships, the Silver Whisper and Silver Explorer, under capital leases . The capital lease for the Silver Whisper will expire in 2022, subject to an option to purchase the ship, and the capital lease for the Silver Explorer will expire in 2021, subject to an option to extend the lease for up to an additional six years. The total aggregate amount of the finance lease obligations recorded for these ships at the acquisition date was $82.8 million with remaining net future minimum annual lease payments of $18.8 million . The lease payments on the Silver Whisper are subject to adjustments based on the LIBOR rate. Refer to Note 3. Business Combination for further information regarding the balance sheet allocation on the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Silversea Cruises acquisition.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Ship Purchase Obligations Our future capital commitments consist primarily of new ship orders. As of September 30, 2018 , we had two Quantum-class ships, one Oasis-class ship and two ships of a new generation of ships, known as our Icon-class, on order for our Royal Caribbean International brand with an aggregate capacity of approximately 25,300 berths. Additionally, as of September 30, 2018 , we have four ships of a new generation of ships, known as our Edge-class, and a ship designed for the Galapagos Islands on order for our Celebrity Cruises brand with an aggregate capacity of approximately 12,300 berths. Furthermore, as of September 30, 2018 , we have two ships on order for our Silversea Cruises brand with an aggregate capacity of approximately 1,100 berths. As of September 30, 2018 , the aggregate cost of our ships on order, not including any ships on order by our Partner Brands, was $12.2 billion , of which we had deposited $656.8 million . Approximately 54.3% of the aggregate cost was exposed to fluctuations in the Euro exchange rate at September 30, 2018 . Refer to Note 12. Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments for further information. As of September 30, 2018 , the total ships on order and their aggregate costs, mentioned above, do not include the ship order placed by Silversea Cruises during the reporting lag period. Litigation On September 24, 2018, a proposed class-action lawsuit was filed by Roger and Maureen Carretta against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. d/b/a Royal Caribbean International in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida relating to the marketing and sales of our Travel Protection Program. The plaintiffs purport to represent an alleged class of passengers who purchased the Travel Protection Program. The complaint alleges that the Company concealed that it received “kickbacks,” in the form of undisclosed commissions on the sale of the travel insurance portion of the product from an underwriter, and allegedly improperly bundled Travel Insurance Policies with non-insurance products. The complaint seeks damages in an indeterminate amount. We believe we have meritorious defenses to the claims and that any liability which may arise because of this action will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. We are routinely involved in other claims typical within the cruise vacation industry. The majority of these claims are covered by insurance. We believe the outcome of such claims, net of expected insurance recoveries, will not have a material adverse impact on our financial condition or results of operations and cash flows. Other In July 2016, we executed an agreement with Miami Dade County (“MDC”), which was simultaneously assigned to Sumitomo Banking Corporation (“SMBC”), to lease land from MDC and construct a new cruise terminal at PortMiami in Miami, Florida. The terminal is expected to be approximately 170,000 square feet and will serve as a homeport. During the construction period, SMBC will fund the costs of the terminal’s construction and land lease. Upon completion of the terminal's construction, which is expected to occur during the fourth quarter of 2018, we will operate and lease the terminal from SMBC for a five -year term. We determined that the lease arrangement between SMBC and us should be accounted for as an operating lease upon completion of the terminal. If any person acquires ownership of more than 50% of our common stock or, subject to certain exceptions, during any 24 -month period, a majority of our board of directors is no longer comprised of individuals who were members of our board of directors on the first day of such period, we may be obligated to prepay indebtedness outstanding under our credit facilities, which we may be unable to replace on similar terms. Our public debt securities also contain change of control provisions that would be triggered by a third-party acquisition of greater than 50% of our common stock coupled with a ratings downgrade. If this were to occur, it would have an adverse impact on our liquidity and operations.

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	Shareholders’ Equity In September 2018, we declared a cash dividend on our common stock of $0.70 per share, which was paid in October 2018. During both first and second quarters of 2018 , we declared a cash dividend on our common stock of $0.60 per share, which was paid in April 2018 and July 2018 , respectively. During the first quarter of 2018, we also paid a cash dividend on our common stock of $0.60 per share, which was declared during the fourth quarter of 2017. During the third quarter of 2017, we declared a cash dividend on our common stock of $0.60 per share, which was paid in October 2017. During both first and second quarters of 2017 , we declared a cash dividend on our common stock of $0.48 per share which, was paid in April 2017 and July 2017 , respectively. During the first quarter of 2017 , we also paid a cash dividend on our common stock of $0.48 per share, which was declared during the fourth quarter of 2016. In May 2018, our board of directors authorized a 24 -month common stock repurchase program for up to $1.0 billion . The timing and number of shares to be repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including price and market conditions. Repurchases under the program may be made at management's discretion from time to time on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. During the second and third quarters of 2018, we repurchased 1.3 million and 1.5 million shares of our common stock under this program, respectively, for a total of $137.5 million and $162.5 million , respectively, in open market transactions that were recorded within Treasury stock in our consolidated balance sheets. As of September 30, 2018 , we have approximately $700.0 million that remains available for future stock repurchase transactions under our Board authorized program. In April 2017, our board of directors authorized a 12 -month common stock repurchase program for up to $500.0 million that was completed in February 2018. During the first quarter of 2018, we repurchased 2.1 million shares of our common stock for a total of $275.0 million in open market transactions that were recorded within Treasury stock in our consolidated balance sheet. Our repurchases under this program, including the 1.8 million shares repurchased for $225.0 million during 2017, totaled $500.0 million .

Changes in Accumulated Other Co

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands): Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Changes related to cash flow derivative hedges Changes in defined benefit plans Foreign currency translation adjustments Accumulated other comprehensive loss Changes related to cash flow derivative hedges Changes in defined benefit plans Foreign currency translation adjustments Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated comprehensive loss at beginning of the year $ (250,355 ) $ (33,666 ) $ (50,244 ) $ (334,265 ) $ (820,850 ) $ (28,083 ) $ (67,551 ) $ (916,484 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 106,505 5,863 (13,840 ) 98,528 230,341 (7,130 ) 14,210 237,421 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 4,071 1,086 — 5,157 151,319 850 — 152,169 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 110,576 6,949 (13,840 ) 103,685 381,660 (6,280 ) 14,210 389,590 Ending balance $ (139,779 ) $ (26,717 ) $ (64,084 ) $ (230,580 ) $ (439,190 ) $ (34,363 ) $ (53,341 ) $ (526,894 ) The following table presents reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands): Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income Details About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components Quarter Ended September 30, 2018 Quarter Ended September 30, 2017 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Affected Line Item in Statements of Gain (loss) on cash flow derivative hedges: Interest rate swaps $ (1,395 ) $ (7,860 ) $ (10,371 ) $ (24,580 ) Interest expense, net of interest capitalized Foreign currency forward contracts (3,157 ) (2,710 ) (9,625 ) (8,130 ) Depreciation and amortization expenses Foreign currency forward contracts (835 ) (1,512 ) 13,808 (9,187 ) Other income (expense) Foreign currency collar options — (602 ) — (1,806 ) Depreciation and amortization expenses Fuel swaps 466 1,758 658 6,533 Other income (expense) Fuel swaps 4,548 (32,386 ) 1,459 (114,149 ) Fuel (373 ) (43,312 ) (4,071 ) (151,319 ) Amortization of defined benefit plans: Actuarial loss (372 ) (293 ) (1,086 ) (850 ) Payroll and related (372 ) (293 ) (1,086 ) (850 ) Total reclassifications for the period $ (745 ) $ (43,605 ) $ (5,157 ) $ (152,169 )

Fair Value Measurements and Der

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments	Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments Fair Value Measurements The estimated fair value of our financial instruments that are not measured at fair value, categorized based upon the fair value hierarchy, are as follows (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2018 Using Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017 Using Description Total Carrying Amount Total Fair Value Level 1 (1) Level 2 (2) Level 3 (3) Total Carrying Amount Total Fair Value Level 1 (1) Level 2 (2) Level 3 (3) Assets: Cash and cash equivalents (4) $ 254,821 $ 254,821 $ 254,821 $ — $ — $ 120,112 $ 120,112 $ 120,112 $ — $ — Total Assets $ 254,821 $ 254,821 $ 254,821 $ — $ — $ 120,112 $ 120,112 $ 120,112 $ — $ — Liabilities: Long-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt) (5) $ 9,041,183 $ 9,495,498 $ — $ 9,495,498 $ — $ 7,506,312 $ 8,038,092 $ — $ 8,038,092 $ — Total Liabilities $ 9,041,183 $ 9,495,498 $ — $ 9,495,498 $ — $ 7,506,312 $ 8,038,092 $ — $ 8,038,092 $ — (1) Inputs based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Valuation of these items does not entail a significant amount of judgment. (2) Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the liability, either directly or indirectly. For unsecured revolving credit facilities and unsecured term loans, fair value is determined utilizing the income valuation approach. This valuation model takes into account the contract terms of our debt such as the debt maturity and the interest rate on the debt. The valuation model also takes into account the creditworthiness of the Company. (3) Inputs that are unobservable. The Company did not use any Level 3 inputs as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . (4) Consists of cash and marketable securities with original maturities of less than 90 days. (5) Consists of unsecured revolving credit facilities, senior notes, senior debentures and term loans. These amounts do not include our capital lease obligations or commercial paper. Other Financial Instruments The carrying amounts of accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued interest, accrued expenses and commercial paper approximate fair value at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . Assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value have been categorized based upon the fair value hierarchy. The following table presents information about the Company’s financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2018 Using Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017 Using Description Total Level 1 (1) Level 2 (2) Level 3 (3) Total Level 1 (1) Level 2 (2) Level 3 (3) Assets: Derivative financial instruments (4) $ 324,483 $ — $ 324,483 $ — $ 320,385 $ — $ 320,385 $ — Investments (5) — — — — 3,340 3,340 — — Total Assets $ 324,483 $ — $ 324,483 $ — $ 323,725 $ 3,340 $ 320,385 $ — Liabilities: Derivative financial instruments (6) $ 103,349 $ — $ 103,349 $ — $ 115,961 $ — $ 115,961 $ — Contingent consideration (7) 44,000 — — 44,000 — — — — Total Liabilities $ 147,349 $ — $ 103,349 $ 44,000 $ 115,961 $ — $ 115,961 $ — (1) Inputs based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Valuation of these items does not entail a significant amount of judgment. (2) Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. For foreign currency forward contracts, interest rate swaps and fuel swaps, fair value is derived using valuation models that utilize the income valuation approach. These valuation models take into account the contract terms, such as maturity, as well as other inputs, such as foreign exchange rates and curves, fuel types, fuel curves and interest rate yield curves. Derivative instrument fair values take into account the creditworthiness of the counterparty and the Company. (3) Inputs that are unobservable. The Company did not use any Level 3 inputs as of December 31, 2017 . (4) Consists of foreign currency forward contracts, interest rate swaps and fuel swaps. Refer to the “Fair Value of Derivative Instruments” table for breakdown by instrument type. (5) Consists of exchange-traded equity securities and mutual funds reported within Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. (6) Consists of foreign currency forward contracts, interest rate swaps and fuel swaps. Refer to the “Fair Value of Derivative Instruments” table for breakdown by instrument type. (7) The contingent consideration related to the Silversea Cruises acquisition was estimated by applying a Monte-Carlo simulation method using our closing stock price along with significant inputs not observable in the market, including the probability of achieving the milestones and estimated future operating results. The Monte-Carlo simulation is a generally accepted statistical technique used to generate a defined number of valuation paths in order to develop a reasonable estimate of fair value. Refer to Note 3. Business Combination for further information on the Silversea Cruises acquisition. The reported fair values are based on a variety of factors and assumptions. Accordingly, the fair values may not represent actual values of the financial instruments that could have been realized as of September 30, 2018 or December 31, 2017 , or that will be realized in the future, and do not include expenses that could be incurred in an actual sale or settlement. The following table presents information about the fair value of our equity method investment and note and other receivables due related to SkySea Holding, further discussed in Note 7. Other Assets, recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2018 Using Description Total Carrying Amount Total Fair Value Level 3 Total Impairment Equity-method investment - SkySea Holding (1) $ — $ — $ — $ 509 Debt facility and other receivables due from Skysea Holding (2) 63,837 63,837 63,837 22,834 Total $ 63,837 $ 63,837 $ 63,837 $ 23,343 (1) Due to the expectation that Skysea Holding will cease business operations by the end of 2018, we do not deem our investment balance to be recoverable and therefore, we estimated the fair value of our investment to be zero . The fair value of our equity investment in Skysea Holding was estimated as of March 31, 2018, the date of the last impairment test, at which point the investment was fully impaired. (2) We estimated the fair value of our debt facility and other receivables due from Skysea Holding based on the fair value of the collateral of the debt facility, Skysea Holding's ship, Golden Era, as of March 31, 2018, the date of the last impairment test, adjusted for foreign exchange rates as of September 30, 2018 . We believe this amount estimates fair value as of September 30, 2018 . The fair value of the Golden Era represents the net realizable value based on the agreed upon sale price of the ship, which is expected to be completed in December 2018. For further information on the Skysea Holding impairment, refer to Note 7. Other Assets . We have master International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) agreements in place with our derivative instrument counterparties. These ISDA agreements generally provide for final close out netting with our counterparties for all positions in the case of default or termination of the ISDA agreement. We have determined that our ISDA agreements provide us with rights of setoff on the fair value of derivative instruments in a gain position and those in a loss position with the same counterparty. We have elected not to offset such derivative instrument fair values in our consolidated balance sheets. See Credit Related Contingent Features for further discussion on contingent collateral requirements for our derivative instruments. The following table presents information about the Company’s offsetting of financial assets under master netting agreements with derivative counterparties (in thousands): Gross Amounts not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet that are Subject to Master Netting Agreements As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 Gross Amount of Derivative Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Gross Amount of Eligible Offsetting Cash Collateral Net Amount of Gross Amount of Derivative Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Gross Amount of Eligible Offsetting Cash Collateral Net Amount of Derivatives subject to master netting agreements $ 324,483 $ (90,439 ) $ — $ 234,044 $ 320,385 $ (104,751 ) $ — $ 215,634 Total $ 324,483 $ (90,439 ) $ — $ 234,044 $ 320,385 $ (104,751 ) $ — $ 215,634 The following table presents information about the Company’s offsetting of financial liabilities under master netting agreements with derivative counterparties (in thousands): Gross Amounts not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet that are Subject to Master Netting Agreements As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 Gross Amount of Derivative Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Gross Amount of Eligible Offsetting Cash Collateral Net Amount of Gross Amount of Derivative Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Gross Amount of Eligible Offsetting Cash Collateral Net Amount of Derivatives subject to master netting agreements $ (103,349 ) $ 90,439 $ — $ (12,910 ) $ (115,961 ) $ 104,751 $ — $ (11,210 ) Total $ (103,349 ) $ 90,439 $ — $ (12,910 ) $ (115,961 ) $ 104,751 $ — $ (11,210 ) Concentrations of Credit Risk We monitor our credit risk associated with financial and other institutions with which we conduct significant business and, to minimize these risks, we select counterparties with credit risks acceptable to us and we seek to limit our exposure to an individual counterparty. Credit risk, including but not limited to counterparty nonperformance under derivative instruments, our credit facilities and new ship progress payment guarantees, is not considered significant, as we primarily conduct business with large, well-established financial institutions, insurance companies and export credit agencies many of which we have long-term relationships with and which have credit risks acceptable to us or where the credit risk is spread out among a large number of counterparties. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , we had counterparty credit risk exposure under our derivative instruments of $234.9 million and $212.8 million , respectively, which were limited to the cost of replacing the contracts in the event of non-performance by the counterparties to the contracts, the majority of which are currently our lending banks. We do not anticipate nonperformance by any of our significant counterparties. In addition, we have established guidelines we follow regarding credit ratings and instrument maturities to maintain safety and liquidity. We do not normally require collateral or other security to support credit relationships; however, in certain circumstances this option is available to us. Derivative Instruments We are exposed to market risk attributable to changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and fuel prices. We try to mitigate these risks through a combination of our normal operating and financing activities and through the use of derivative financial instruments pursuant to our hedging practices and policies. The financial impact of these hedging instruments is primarily offset by corresponding changes in the underlying exposures being hedged. We achieve this by closely matching the notional amount, term and conditions of the derivative instrument with the underlying risk being hedged. Although certain of our derivative financial instruments do not qualify or are not accounted for under hedge accounting, our objective is not to hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes. We enter into various forward, swap and option contracts to manage our interest rate exposure and to limit our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and fuel prices. These instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at their fair value and the vast majority are designated as hedges. We also use non-derivative financial instruments designated as hedges of our net investment in our foreign operations and investments. At inception of the hedge relationship, a derivative instrument that hedges the exposure to changes in the fair value of a firm commitment or a recognized asset or liability is designated as a fair value hedge. A derivative instrument that hedges a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows related to a recognized asset or liability is designated as a cash flow hedge. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated as fair value hedges are offset against changes in the fair value of the underlying hedged assets, liabilities or firm commitments. Gains and losses on derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges are recorded as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss until the underlying hedged transactions are recognized in earnings. The foreign currency transaction gain or loss of our non-derivative financial instruments and the changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as hedges of our net investment in foreign operations and investments are recognized as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss along with the associated foreign currency translation adjustment of the foreign operation or investment, with the amortization of excluded components affecting earnings. On an ongoing basis, we assess whether derivatives used in hedging transactions are “highly effective” in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flow of hedged items. We use the long-haul method to assess hedge effectiveness using regression analysis for each hedge relationship under our interest rate, foreign currency and fuel hedging programs. We apply the same methodology on a consistent basis for assessing hedge effectiveness to all hedges within each hedging program (i.e., interest rate, foreign currency and fuel). We perform regression analyses over an observation period of up to three years, utilizing market data relevant to the hedge horizon of each hedge relationship. High effectiveness is achieved when a statistically valid relationship reflects a high degree of offset and correlation between the changes in the fair values of the derivative instrument and the hedged item. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or hedge accounting is discontinued, any change in fair value of the derivative since the last date at which it was determined to be effective is recognized in earnings. Cash flows from derivative instruments that are designated as fair value or cash flow hedges are classified in the same category as the cash flows from the underlying hedged items. In the event that hedge accounting is discontinued, cash flows subsequent to the date of discontinuance are classified within investing activities. Cash flows from derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments are classified as investing activities. We consider the classification of the underlying hedged item’s cash flows in determining the classification for the designated derivative instrument’s cash flows. We classify derivative instrument cash flows from hedges of benchmark interest rate or hedges of fuel expense as operating activities due to the nature of the hedged item. Likewise, we classify derivative instrument cash flows from hedges of foreign currency risk on our newbuild ship payments as investing activities and derivative instrument cash flows from hedges of foreign currency risk on debt payments as financing activities. Interest Rate Risk Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates primarily relates to our debt obligations including future interest payments. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , approximately 57.2% and 57.4% , respectively, of our debt was effectively fixed. We use interest rate swap agreements to modify our exposure to interest rate movements and to manage our interest expense. Market risk associated with our fixed rate debt is the potential increase in fair value resulting from a decrease in interest rates. We use interest rate swap agreements that effectively convert a portion of our fixed-rate debt to a floating-rate basis to manage this risk. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , we maintained interest rate swap agreements on the following fixed-rate debt instruments: Debt Instrument Swap Notional as of September 30, 2018 (In thousands) Maturity Debt Fixed Rate Swap Floating Rate: LIBOR plus All-in Swap Floating Rate as of September 30, 2018 Oasis of the Seas term loan $ 122,500 October 2021 5.41% 3.87% 6.39% Unsecured senior notes 650,000 November 2022 5.25% 3.63% 5.95% $ 772,500 These interest rate swap agreements are accounted for as fair value hedges. Market risk associated with our long-term floating rate debt is the potential increase in interest expense from an increase in interest rates. We use interest rate swap agreements that effectively convert a portion of our floating-rate debt to a fixed-rate basis to manage this risk. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , we maintained interest rate swap agreements on the following floating-rate debt instruments: Debt Instrument Swap Notional as of September 30, 2018 (In thousands) Maturity Debt Floating Rate All-in Swap Fixed Rate Celebrity Reflection term loan $ 354,521 October 2024 LIBOR plus 0.40% 2.85% Quantum of the Seas term loan 520,625 October 2026 LIBOR plus 1.30% 3.74% Anthem of the Seas term loan 543,750 April 2027 LIBOR plus 1.30% 3.86% Ovation of the Seas term loan 691,667 April 2028 LIBOR plus 1.00% 3.16% Harmony of the Seas term loan (1) 671,038 May 2028 EURIBOR plus 1.15% 2.26% $ 2,781,601 (1) Interest rate swap agreements hedging the Euro-denominated term loan for Harmony of the Seas include EURIBOR zero-floor matching the hedged debt EURIBOR zero-floor. Amount presented is based on the exchange rate as of September 30, 2018 . These interest rate swap agreements are accounted for as cash flow hedges. The notional amount of interest rate swap agreements related to outstanding debt as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was $3.6 billion and $3.8 billion , respectively. Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk Derivative Instruments Our primary exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk relates to our ship construction contracts denominated in Euros, our foreign currency denominated debt and our international business operations. We enter into foreign currency forward contracts, to manage portions of the exposure to movements in foreign currency exchange rates. As of September 30, 2018 , the aggregate cost of our ships on order, not including any ships on order by our Partner Brands and the ship order placed by Silversea Cruises during the reporting lag period, was $12.2 billion , of which we had deposited $656.8 million . At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , approximately 54.3% and 54.0% , respectively, of the aggregate cost of the ships under construction was exposed to fluctuations in the Euro exchange rate. The majority of our foreign currency forward contracts, collar options and cross currency swap agreements are accounted for as cash flow, fair value or net investment hedges depending on the designation of the related hedge. On a regular basis, we enter into foreign currency forward contracts and, from time to time, we utilize cross-currency swap agreements to minimize the volatility resulting from the remeasurement of net monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a currency other than our functional currency or the functional currencies of our foreign subsidiaries. During the third quarter of 2018 , we maintained an average of approximately $790.8 million of these foreign currency forward contracts. These instruments are not designated as hedging instruments. For the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , changes in the fair value of the foreign currency forward contracts resulted in a (loss) gain of $(12.1) million and $22.0 million , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , changes in the fair value of the foreign currency forward contracts resulted in a (loss) gain of $(43.4) million and $57.1 million , respectively. These amounts were recognized in earnings within Other income (expense) in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). We consider our investments in our foreign operations to be denominated in relatively stable currencies and to be of a long-term nature. As of September 30, 2018 , we maintained foreign currency forward contracts and designated them as hedges of a portion of our net investments primarily in TUI Cruises of €101.0 million , or approximately $117.3 million based on the exchange rate at September 30, 2018 . These forward currency contracts mature in October 2021. The notional amount of outstanding foreign exchange contracts, excluding the forward contracts entered into to minimize remeasurement volatility, as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was $4.0 billion and $4.6 billion , respectively. Non-Derivative Instruments We also address the exposure of our investments in foreign operations by denominating a portion of our debt in our subsidiaries’ and investments’ functional currencies and designating it as a hedge of these subsidiaries and investments. We had designated debt as a hedge of our net investments primarily in TUI Cruises of €284.0 million , or approximately $329.8 million , as of September 30, 2018 . As of December 31, 2017 , we had designated debt as a hedge of our net investments in TUI Cruises of €246.0 million , or approximately $295.3 million . Fuel Price Risk Our exposure to market risk for changes in fuel prices relates primarily to the consumption of fuel on our ships. We use fuel swap agreements to mitigate the financial impact of fluctuations in fuel prices. Our fuel swap agreements are generally accounted for as cash flow hedges. At September 30, 2018 , we have hedged the variability in future cash flows for certain forecasted fuel transactions occurring through 2022 . As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , we had the following outstanding fuel swap agreements: Fuel Swap Agreements As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 (metric tons) 2018 192,200 673,700 2019 758,600 668,500 2020 609,100 531,200 2021 303,000 224,900 2022 80,500 — Fuel Swap Agreements As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 (% hedged) Projected fuel purchases: 2018 54 % 50 % 2019 51 % 46 % 2020 39 % 36 % 2021 18 % 14 % 2022 5 % — At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , $79.4 million and $(23.7) million , respectively, of estimated unrealized net gain (loss) associated with our cash flow hedges pertaining to fuel swap agreements were expected to be reclassified to earnings from Accumulated other comprehensive loss within the next twelve months. Reclassification is expected to occur as the result of fuel consumption associated with our hedged forecasted fuel purchases. The fair value and line item caption of derivative instruments recorded within our consolidated balance sheets were as follows (in thousands): Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives Balance Sheet Location As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 Balance Sheet Location As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 Fair Value Fair Value Fair Value Fair Value Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20 (1) Interest rate swaps Other assets $ 58,135 $ 7,330 Other long-term liabilities $ 51,674 $ 46,509 Foreign currency forward contracts Derivative financial instruments 14,063 68,352 Derivative financial instruments 37,269 — Foreign currency forward contracts Other assets 53,981 158,879 Other long-term liabilities 4,161 6,625 Fuel swaps Derivative financial instruments 84,015 13,137 Derivative financial instruments 3,848 38,488 Fuel swaps Other assets 104,066 51,265 Other long-term liabilities 689 13,411 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments under 815-20 314,260 298,963 97,641 105,033 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20 Foreign currency forward contracts Derivative financial instruments $ 1,008 $ 9,945 Derivative financial instruments $ 70 $ 2,933 Foreign currency forward contracts Other assets 760 2,793 Other long-term liabilities 23 1,139 Fuel swaps Derivative financial instruments 7,847 7,886 Derivative financial instruments 5,614 6,043 Fuel swaps Other Assets 608 798 Other long-term liabilities 1 813 Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under 815-20 10,223 21,422 5,708 10,928 Total derivatives $ 324,483 $ 320,385 $ 103,349 $ 115,961 (1) Accounting Standard Codification 815-20 “ Derivatives and Hedging. ” The location and amount of gain or (loss) recognized in income on fair value and cash flow hedging relationships were as follows (in thousands): Quarter Ended September 30, 2018 Quarter Ended September 30, 2017 Fuel Expense Depreciation and Amortization Expenses Interest Income (Expense) Other Income (Expense) Fuel Expense Depreciation and Amortization Expenses Interest Income (Expense) Other Income (Expense) Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the statement of financial performance in which the effects of fair value or cash flow hedges are recorded $182,415 $259,923 $(80,679) $(3,832) $160,752 $240,150 $(68,540) $(1,226) The effects of fair value and cash flow hedging: Gain or (loss) on fair value hedging relationships in Subtopic 815-20 Interest contracts Hedged items n/a n/a $2,124 — n/a n/a — $1,013 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments n/a n/a $(3,512) — n/a n/a $600 $(545) Gain or (loss) on cash flow hedging relationships in Subtopic 815-20 Interest contracts Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into income n/a n/a $(1,395) n/a n/a n/a $(7,860) n/a Commodity contracts Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into income $4,548 n/a n/a $466 $(32,386) n/a n/a $1,758 Foreign exchange contracts Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into income n/a $(3,157) n/a $(835) n/a $(3,312) n/a $(1,512) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Fuel Expense Depreciation and Amortization Expenses Interest Income (Expense) Other Income (Expense) Fuel Expense Depreciation and Amortization Expenses Interest Income (Expense) Other Income (Expense) Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the statement of financial performance in which the effects of fair value or cash flow hedges are recorded $515,065 $753,529 $(209,590) $5,923 $508,914 $710,836 $(213,426) $(6,546) The effects of fair value and cash flow hedging: Gain or (loss) on fair value hedging relationships in Subtopic 815-20 Interest contracts Hedged items n/a n/a $18,680 — n/a n/a — $(841) Derivatives designated as hedging instruments n/a n/a $(21,392) — n/a n/a $2,642 $3,275 Gain or (loss) on cash flow hedging relationships in Subtopic 815-20 Interest contracts Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income n/a n/a $(10,371) n/a n/a n/a $(24,580) n/a Commodity contracts Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income $1,459 n/a n/a $658 $(114,149) n/a n/a $6,533 Foreign exchange contracts Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income n/a $(9,625) n/a $13,808 n/a $(9,936) n/a $(9,187) The carrying value and line item caption of non-derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments recorded within our consolidated balance sheets were as follows (in thousands): Carrying Value Non-derivative instrument designated as Balance Sheet Location As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 Foreign currency debt Current portion of long-term debt $ 78,746 $ 70,097 Foreign currency debt Long-term debt 251,063 225,226 $ 329,809 $ 295,323 The effect of derivative instruments qualifying and designated as hedging instruments and the related hedged items in fair value hedges on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) was as follows (in thousands): Derivatives and Related Hedged Items under ASC 815-20 Fair Value Hedging Relationships Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative and Hedged Item Amount of Gain (Loss) Amount of Gain (Loss) Quarter Ended September 30, 2018 Quarter Ended September 30, 2017 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Quarter Ended September 30, 2018 Quarter Ended September 30, 2017 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Interest rate swaps Interest expense, net of interest capitalized $ (3,512 ) $ 600 $ (21,392 ) $ 2,642 $ 2,124 $ — $ 18,680 $ — Interest rate swaps Other income (expense) — (545 ) — 3,275 — 1,013 — (841 ) $ (3,512 ) $ 55 $ (21,392 ) $ 5,917 $ 2,124 $ 1,013 $ 18,680 $ (841 ) The fair value and line item caption of derivative instruments recorded within our consolidated balance sheets for the cumulative basis adjustment for fair value hedges were as follows (in thousands): Line Item in the Statement of Financial Position Where the Hedged Item is Included Carrying Amount of the Hedged Liabilities Cumulative amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustment Included in the Carrying Amount of the Hedged Liabilities As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 Current portion of long-term debt and Long-term debt $ 728,659 $ 749,155 $ (38,772 ) $ (34,813 ) $ 728,659 $ 749,155 $ (38,772 ) $ (34,813 ) The effect of derivative instruments qualifying and designated as cash flow hedging instruments on the consolidated financial statements was as follows (in thousands): Derivatives Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Location of Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Quarter Ended September 30, 2018 Quarter Ended September 30, 2017 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Quarter Ended September 30, 2018 Quarter Ended September 30, 2017 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Interest rate swaps $ 10,166 $ (3,154 ) $ 56,223 $ (24,703 ) Interest expense, net of interest capitalized $ (1,395 ) $ (7,860 ) $ (10,371 ) $ (24,580 ) Foreign currency forward contracts (35,397 ) 122,211 (133,360 ) 221,861 Depreciation and amortization expenses (3,157 ) (2,710 ) (9,625 ) (8,130 ) Foreign currency forward contracts — — — — Other income (expense) (835 ) (1,512 ) 13,808 (9,187 ) Foreign currency collar options — — — — Depreciation and amortization expenses — (602 ) — (1,806 ) Fuel swaps — — — — Other income (expense) 466 1,758 658 6,533 Fuel swaps 61,805 67,878 183,642 33,183 Fuel 4,548 (32,386 ) 1,459 (114,149 ) $ 36,574 $ 186,935 $ 106,505 $ 230,341 $ (373 ) $ (43,312 ) $ (4,071 ) $ (151,319 ) The table below represents amounts excluded from the assessment of effectiveness for our net investment hedging instruments for which the difference between changes in fair value and periodic amortization is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (in thousands): Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income (Net Investment Excluded Components) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Net inception fair value at January 1, 2018 $ (11,335 ) Amount of gain recognized in income on derivatives for the period ended September 30, 2018 2,232 Amount of loss remaining to be amortized in accumulated other comprehensive loss, as of September 30, 2018 (2,609 ) Fair value at September 30, 2018 $ (11,712 ) The effect of non-derivative instruments qualifying and designated as net investment hedging instruments on the consolidated financial statements was as follows (in thousands): Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Non-derivative instruments under ASC 815-20 Net Quarter Ended September 30, 2018 Quarter Ended September 30, 2017 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Foreign Currency Debt $ 1,700 $ 7,949 $ 9,309 $ 34,206 $ 1,700 $ 7,949 $ 9,309 $ 34,206 There was no amount recognized in income (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing) for the quarters and nine months ended September 30,

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis for Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements	Basis for Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements The unaudited consolidated financial statements are presented pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In our opinion, these statements include all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results of the interim periods reported herein. Adjustments consist only of normal recurring items, except for any items discussed in the notes below. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted as permitted by such rules and regulations. Estimates are required for the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and actual results could differ from these estimates. Refer to Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 for a discussion of our significant accounting policies.
Basis of Consolidation	All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. We consolidate entities over which we have control, usually evidenced by a direct ownership interest of greater than 50% , and variable interest entities where we are determined to be the primary beneficiary. Refer to Note 7. Other Assets for further information regarding our variable interest entities. We consolidate the operating results of Silversea Cruises on a three -month reporting lag to allow for more timely preparation of our consolidated financial statements. No material events or other transactions involving Silversea Cruises have occurred from July 31, 2018, the Silversea Cruises acquisition date, through September 30, 2018 that would require further disclosure or adjustment to our consolidated financial statements as of and for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018 . For affiliates we do not control but over which we have significant influence with respect to their financial and operating policies, usually evidenced by a direct ownership interest ranging from 20% to 50% , the investment is accounted for using the equity method.
Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements and Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements On January 1, 2018, we adopted the guidance codified in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , and applied the guidance to all contracts using the modified retrospective method. The new standard converged wide-ranging revenue recognition concepts and requirements that lead to diversity in application for particular industries and transactions into a single revenue standard containing comprehensive principles for recognizing revenue. The cumulative effect of applying the newly issued guidance was not material and accordingly there was no adjustment made to our retained earnings upon adoption on January 1, 2018. We do not expect the newly issued guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements on an ongoing basis. Due to the adoption of ASC 606, we currently present prepaid commissions as an asset within Prepaid expenses and other assets. In addition, we have reclassified prepaid commissions of $64.6 million from Customer deposits to Prepaid expenses and other assets in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 . Refer to Note 5. Revenues for disclosures with respect to our revenue recognition policies. On January 1, 2018, we adopted the guidance in Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") 2016-16, Income Taxes 740: Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory , w hich requires the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset, other than inventory, to be recognized at the time that the transfer occurs, rather than when the asset is sold to an outside party. We adopted the standard using the modified retrospective method and recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment to reduce retained earnings as of January 1, 2018 by $6.6 million , which reflects the elimination of the deferred tax asset related to intercompany asset transfers. On January 1, 2018, we adopted the guidance in ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities , that was issued to simplify and align the financial reporting of hedging relationships to the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities. We adopted the amended guidance using the modified retrospective approach. Adoption of the guidance allowed us to modify the designated risk in our fair value interest rate hedges to the benchmark interest rate component, resulting in changes to the cumulative and ongoing fair value measurement for the hedged debt. Upon adoption, we also elected to hedge the contractually specified components of our commodities purchase contracts. For our cash flow hedges, there will be no periodic measurement or recognition of ineffectiveness. For all hedges, the earnings effect of the hedging instrument will be reported in the same period and in the same income statement line item in which the earnings effect of the hedged item is reported. As a result of the adoption of this guidance, we recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment to reduce retained earnings as of January 1, 2018 by $16.9 million . The cumulative-effect adjustment includes an increase to the debt carrying value of $14.4 million for our fair value interest rate hedges as of January 1, 2018, which reflects the cumulative fair value measurement change to debt at adoption resulting from the modified designated risk, and an increase to other comprehensive income of $2.5 million , which represents an increase to the deferred gain on active cash flow hedges at adoption. Additionally, the new standard requires modifications to existing presentation and disclosure requirements on a prospective basis. As such, certain disclosures for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018 conform to these disclosure requirements. Refer to Note 11. Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Note 12. Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments for additional information. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Leases In February 2016, amended GAAP guidance was issued to increase the transparency and comparability of lease accounting among organizations. For leases with a term greater than 12 months, the amendments require the lease rights and obligations arising from the leasing arrangements, including operating leases, to be recognized as assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. The amendments also expand the required disclosures surrounding leasing arrangements. The guidance will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. The amended guidance requires the use of a modified retrospective approach in applying the new lease accounting standard and originally required an entity to apply the standard at the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial statements. In July 2018, updated guidance was issued which provides an additional and optional transition method that allows entities to initially apply the standard at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. While we are still evaluating the transition method of adoption, we expect to elect this optional transition method and recognize the cumulative impact of adoption in the opening balance of retained earnings as of January 1, 2019. Additionally, we are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance. In our evaluation, we have identified the contracts that provide an explicit right to use an asset and qualify as a leasing arrangement under the new guidance. We are currently evaluating certain contractual arrangements to determine if they contain an implicit or embedded right to use an asset that would qualify as a leasing arrangement under the new guidance. Upon implementation of the guidance, we expect an increase to both the assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet to reflect the lease rights and obligations arising from our operating lease arrangements. In addition, we expect to include additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures regarding our leasing arrangements as required by the guidance.
Change in Accounting Principle - Stock-based Compensation	Change in Accounting Principle - Stock-based Compensation In January 2018, we elected to change our accounting policy for recognizing stock-based compensation expense from the graded attribution method to the straight-line attribution method for time-based stock awards. The adoption of the straight-line attribution method for time-based stock awards represents a change in accounting principle which we believe to be preferable because it is the predominant method used in our industry. A change in accounting principle requires retrospective application, if material. The impact of the adoption of the straight-line attribution method to our time-based awards was immaterial to prior periods and is expected to be immaterial for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. As a result, we have accounted for this change in accounting principle in our consolidated results for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 . The effect of this change was an increase to net income of $9.2 million , or $0.04 per share for each of basic and diluted earnings per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , which is reported within Marketing, selling and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).

Business Combination (Tables)

Business Combination (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions	The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation based on preliminary estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed related to the Silversea Cruises acquisition. We have not finalized the allocation of the purchase price as it requires extensive use of accounting estimates and valuation methodologies in the determination of such fair values. (in thousands) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 103,865 Trade and other receivables, net 5,640 Inventories 19,004 Prepaid expenses and other assets (1) 119,920 Derivative financial instruments 2,886 Property and equipment, net (2) 1,109,467 Goodwill 1,086,539 Other assets (3) 494,657 Total assets acquired 2,941,978 Liabilities Current portion of long-term debt (4) 26,851 Accounts payable 36,960 Accrued interest 1,773 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 80,571 Customer deposits 453,798 Long-term debt (4) 727,935 Other long-term liabilities 12,320 Total liabilities assumed 1,340,208 Redeemable noncontrolling interest 537,770 Total purchase price $ 1,064,000 (1) Amount includes $32.0 million of cash held as collateral with credit card processors. (2) Property and equipment, net includes two ships under capital lease agreements amounting to $140.0 million . The respective capital lease liabilities are reported within Long-term debt . Refer to Note 8. Debt for further information on the capital lease financing arrangements. (3) Amount includes $490.8 million of intangible assets. Refer to Note 4. Goodwill and Intangible Assets for further information on the intangible assets acquired. (4) Refer to Note 8. Debt for further information on long-term debt assumed.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The carrying amount of goodwill attributable to each of our Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises reporting units and the changes in such balances as of September 30, 2018 were as follows (in thousands): Royal Celebrity Cruises Silversea Cruises Total Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 286,880 $ 1,632 $ — $ 288,512 Goodwill attributable to the acquisition of Silversea Cruises (1) — — 1,086,539 1,086,539 Foreign currency translation adjustment (128 ) — — (128 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 286,752 $ 1,632 $ 1,086,539 $ 1,374,923 (1) Refer to Note 3. Business Combination for further information on the Silversea Cruises acquisition.
Schedule of Intangible assets acquired	Intangible assets acquired in the Silversea Cruises acquisition were as follows: Fair Value at Acquisition Date (in thousands) Weighted Average Amortization Period Silversea Cruises trade name $ 349,500 Indefinite-life Customer relationships 97,400 15 years Galapagos operating license 32,300 26 years Other finite-life intangible assets 11,560 2 years Total intangible assets $ 490,760
Finite-lived Intangible Asset Amortization Expense	The estimated future amortization for finite-life intangible assets related to the Silversea Cruises acquisition for each of the next five years is as follows (in thousands): Year Remainder of 2018 $ 2,253 2019 $ 13,516 2020 $ 12,552 2021 $ 7,736 2022 $ 7,736 2023 $ 7,736

Revenues (Tables)

Revenues (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	The following table disaggregates our total revenues by geographic regions where we provide cruise itineraries (in thousands): Quarter Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Revenues by itinerary North America (1) $ 1,450,119 $ 1,325,432 $ 4,061,545 $ 3,923,704 Asia/Pacific (2) 235,374 284,574 1,051,551 1,111,321 Europe (3) 968,952 826,524 1,566,351 1,294,354 Other regions 28,948 26,254 207,764 186,204 Total revenues by itinerary 2,683,393 2,462,784 6,887,211 6,515,583 Other revenues (4) 112,794 106,760 274,337 257,795 Total revenues $ 2,796,187 $ 2,569,544 $ 7,161,548 $ 6,773,378 (1) Includes the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. (2) Includes Southeast Asia (e.g., Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines), East Asia (e.g., China and Japan), South Asia (e.g., India and Pakistan) and Oceania (e.g., Australia and Fiji Islands) regions. (3) Includes European countries (e.g., Nordics, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom). (4) Includes revenues primarily related to cancellation fees, vacation protection insurance and pre- and post-cruise tours. Amounts also include revenues related to our bareboat charter, procurement and management related services we perform on behalf of our unconsolidated affiliates. Refer to Note 7. Other Assets for more information on our unconsolidated affiliates. Passenger ticket revenues are attributed to geographic areas based on where the reservation originates. For the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , our guests were sourced from the following areas: Quarter Ended September 30, 2018 2017 Passenger ticket revenues: United States 59 % 56 % United Kingdom 13 % 13 % China 7 % 10 % All other countries (1) 21 % 21 % For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , our guests were sourced from the following areas: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 Passenger ticket revenues: United States 60 % 60 % United Kingdom 10 % 9 % All other countries (1) 30 % 31 % (1) No other individual country's revenue exceeded 10% for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 .

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reconciliation Between Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	A reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows (in thousands, except per share data): Quarter Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net income for basic and diluted earnings per share $ 810,391 $ 752,842 $ 1,495,339 $ 1,337,094 Weighted-average common shares outstanding 209,054 214,694 211,099 214,882 Dilutive effect of stock-based awards and stock options 874 1,130 874 1,023 Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 209,928 215,824 211,973 215,905 Basic earnings per share $ 3.88 $ 3.51 $ 7.08 $ 6.22 Diluted earnings per share $ 3.86 $ 3.49 $ 7.05 $ 6.19

Other Assets (Tables)

Other Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Other Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	The following tables set forth information regarding our investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting, including the entities discussed above (in thousands): Quarter Ended September 30, 2018 Quarter Ended September 30, 2017 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Share of equity income from investments $ 95,169 $ 85,120 $ 168,232 $ 120,359 Dividends received $ 82,755 $ 49,865 $ 241,697 $ 107,267
Schedule of Related Party Transactions	We recorded the following as it relates to these services in our operating results within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) (in thousands): Quarter Ended September 30, 2018 Quarter Ended September 30, 2017 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Revenues $ 12,170 $ 14,054 $ 40,400 $ 39,987 Expenses $ 1,735 $ 3,770 $ 8,643 $ 11,503 As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 Total notes receivable due from equity investments $ 267,837 $ 314,323 Less-current portion (1) 80,189 38,658 Long-term portion (2) $ 187,648 $ 275,665 (1) Included within Trade and other receivables, net in our consolidated balance sheets. (2) Included within Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets.

Changes in Accumulated Other _2

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Schedule of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component	The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands): Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Changes related to cash flow derivative hedges Changes in defined benefit plans Foreign currency translation adjustments Accumulated other comprehensive loss Changes related to cash flow derivative hedges Changes in defined benefit plans Foreign currency translation adjustments Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated comprehensive loss at beginning of the year $ (250,355 ) $ (33,666 ) $ (50,244 ) $ (334,265 ) $ (820,850 ) $ (28,083 ) $ (67,551 ) $ (916,484 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 106,505 5,863 (13,840 ) 98,528 230,341 (7,130 ) 14,210 237,421 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 4,071 1,086 — 5,157 151,319 850 — 152,169 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 110,576 6,949 (13,840 ) 103,685 381,660 (6,280 ) 14,210 389,590 Ending balance $ (139,779 ) $ (26,717 ) $ (64,084 ) $ (230,580 ) $ (439,190 ) $ (34,363 ) $ (53,341 ) $ (526,894 )
Schedule of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	The following table presents reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands): Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income Details About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components Quarter Ended September 30, 2018 Quarter Ended September 30, 2017 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Affected Line Item in Statements of Gain (loss) on cash flow derivative hedges: Interest rate swaps $ (1,395 ) $ (7,860 ) $ (10,371 ) $ (24,580 ) Interest expense, net of interest capitalized Foreign currency forward contracts (3,157 ) (2,710 ) (9,625 ) (8,130 ) Depreciation and amortization expenses Foreign currency forward contracts (835 ) (1,512 ) 13,808 (9,187 ) Other income (expense) Foreign currency collar options — (602 ) — (1,806 ) Depreciation and amortization expenses Fuel swaps 466 1,758 658 6,533 Other income (expense) Fuel swaps 4,548 (32,386 ) 1,459 (114,149 ) Fuel (373 ) (43,312 ) (4,071 ) (151,319 ) Amortization of defined benefit plans: Actuarial loss (372 ) (293 ) (1,086 ) (850 ) Payroll and related (372 ) (293 ) (1,086 ) (850 ) Total reclassifications for the period $ (745 ) $ (43,605 ) $ (5,157 ) $ (152,169 )

Fair Value Measurements and D_2

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Derivative Instruments
Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring	The estimated fair value of our financial instruments that are not measured at fair value, categorized based upon the fair value hierarchy, are as follows (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2018 Using Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017 Using Description Total Carrying Amount Total Fair Value Level 1 (1) Level 2 (2) Level 3 (3) Total Carrying Amount Total Fair Value Level 1 (1) Level 2 (2) Level 3 (3) Assets: Cash and cash equivalents (4) $ 254,821 $ 254,821 $ 254,821 $ — $ — $ 120,112 $ 120,112 $ 120,112 $ — $ — Total Assets $ 254,821 $ 254,821 $ 254,821 $ — $ — $ 120,112 $ 120,112 $ 120,112 $ — $ — Liabilities: Long-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt) (5) $ 9,041,183 $ 9,495,498 $ — $ 9,495,498 $ — $ 7,506,312 $ 8,038,092 $ — $ 8,038,092 $ — Total Liabilities $ 9,041,183 $ 9,495,498 $ — $ 9,495,498 $ — $ 7,506,312 $ 8,038,092 $ — $ 8,038,092 $ — (1) Inputs based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Valuation of these items does not entail a significant amount of judgment. (2) Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the liability, either directly or indirectly. For unsecured revolving credit facilities and unsecured term loans, fair value is determined utilizing the income valuation approach. This valuation model takes into account the contract terms of our debt such as the debt maturity and the interest rate on the debt. The valuation model also takes into account the creditworthiness of the Company. (3) Inputs that are unobservable. The Company did not use any Level 3 inputs as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . (4) Consists of cash and marketable securities with original maturities of less than 90 days. (5) Consists of unsecured revolving credit facilities, senior notes, senior debentures and term loans. These amounts do not include our capital lease obligations or commercial paper. The following table presents information about the fair value of our equity method investment and note and other receivables due related to SkySea Holding, further discussed in Note 7. Other Assets, recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2018 Using Description Total Carrying Amount Total Fair Value Level 3 Total Impairment Equity-method investment - SkySea Holding (1) $ — $ — $ — $ 509 Debt facility and other receivables due from Skysea Holding (2) 63,837 63,837 63,837 22,834 Total $ 63,837 $ 63,837 $ 63,837 $ 23,343 (1) Due to the expectation that Skysea Holding will cease business operations by the end of 2018, we do not deem our investment balance to be recoverable and therefore, we estimated the fair value of our investment to be zero . The fair value of our equity investment in Skysea Holding was estimated as of March 31, 2018, the date of the last impairment test, at which point the investment was fully impaired. (2) We estimated the fair value of our debt facility and other receivables due from Skysea Holding based on the fair value of the collateral of the debt facility, Skysea Holding's ship, Golden Era, as of March 31, 2018, the date of the last impairment test, adjusted for foreign exchange rates as of September 30, 2018 . We believe this amount estimates fair value as of September 30, 2018 . The fair value of the Golden Era represents the net realizable value based on the agreed upon sale price of the ship, which is expected to be completed in December 2018. For further information on the Skysea Holding impairment, refer to Note 7. Other A
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	Assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value have been categorized based upon the fair value hierarchy. The following table presents information about the Company’s financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2018 Using Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017 Using Description Total Level 1 (1) Level 2 (2) Level 3 (3) Total Level 1 (1) Level 2 (2) Level 3 (3) Assets: Derivative financial instruments (4) $ 324,483 $ — $ 324,483 $ — $ 320,385 $ — $ 320,385 $ — Investments (5) — — — — 3,340 3,340 — — Total Assets $ 324,483 $ — $ 324,483 $ — $ 323,725 $ 3,340 $ 320,385 $ — Liabilities: Derivative financial instruments (6) $ 103,349 $ — $ 103,349 $ — $ 115,961 $ — $ 115,961 $ — Contingent consideration (7) 44,000 — — 44,000 — — — — Total Liabilities $ 147,349 $ — $ 103,349 $ 44,000 $ 115,961 $ — $ 115,961 $ — (1) Inputs based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Valuation of these items does not entail a significant amount of judgment. (2) Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. For foreign currency forward contracts, interest rate swaps and fuel swaps, fair value is derived using valuation models that utilize the income valuation approach. These valuation models take into account the contract terms, such as maturity, as well as other inputs, such as foreign exchange rates and curves, fuel types, fuel curves and interest rate yield curves. Derivative instrument fair values take into account the creditworthiness of the counterparty and the Company. (3) Inputs that are unobservable. The Company did not use any Level 3 inputs as of December 31, 2017 . (4) Consists of foreign currency forward contracts, interest rate swaps and fuel swaps. Refer to the “Fair Value of Derivative Instruments” table for breakdown by instrument type. (5) Consists of exchange-traded equity securities and mutual funds reported within Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. (6) Consists of foreign currency forward contracts, interest rate swaps and fuel swaps. Refer to the “Fair Value of Derivative Instruments” table for breakdown by instrument type. (7) The contingent consideration related to the Silversea Cruises acquisition was estimated by applying a Monte-Carlo simulation method using our closing stock price along with significant inputs not observable in the market, including the probability of achieving the milestones and estimated future operating results. The Monte-Carlo simulation is a generally accepted statistical technique used to generate a defined number of valuation paths in order to develop a reasonable estimate of fair value. Refer to Note 3. Business Combination for further information on the Silversea Cruises acquisition.
Offsetting Assets	The following table presents information about the Company’s offsetting of financial assets under master netting agreements with derivative counterparties (in thousands): Gross Amounts not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet that are Subject to Master Netting Agreements As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 Gross Amount of Derivative Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Gross Amount of Eligible Offsetting Cash Collateral Net Amount of Gross Amount of Derivative Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Gross Amount of Eligible Offsetting Cash Collateral Net Amount of Derivatives subject to master netting agreements $ 324,483 $ (90,439 ) $ — $ 234,044 $ 320,385 $ (104,751 ) $ — $ 215,634 Total $ 324,483 $ (90,439 ) $ — $ 234,044 $ 320,385 $ (104,751 ) $ — $ 215,634
Offsetting Liabilities	The following table presents information about the Company’s offsetting of financial liabilities under master netting agreements with derivative counterparties (in thousands): Gross Amounts not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet that are Subject to Master Netting Agreements As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 Gross Amount of Derivative Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Gross Amount of Eligible Offsetting Cash Collateral Net Amount of Gross Amount of Derivative Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Gross Amount of Eligible Offsetting Cash Collateral Net Amount of Derivatives subject to master netting agreements $ (103,349 ) $ 90,439 $ — $ (12,910 ) $ (115,961 ) $ 104,751 $ — $ (11,210 ) Total $ (103,349 ) $ 90,439 $ — $ (12,910 ) $ (115,961 ) $ 104,751 $ — $ (11,210 )
Schedule of Price Risk Derivatives	As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , we had the following outstanding fuel swap agreements: Fuel Swap Agreements As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 (metric tons) 2018 192,200 673,700 2019 758,600 668,500 2020 609,100 531,200 2021 303,000 224,900 2022 80,500 — Fuel Swap Agreements As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 (% hedged) Projected fuel purchases: 2018 54 % 50 % 2019 51 % 46 % 2020 39 % 36 % 2021 18 % 14 % 2022 5 % —
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value	The fair value and line item caption of derivative instruments recorded within our consolidated balance sheets were as follows (in thousands): Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives Balance Sheet Location As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 Balance Sheet Location As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 Fair Value Fair Value Fair Value Fair Value Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20 (1) Interest rate swaps Other assets $ 58,135 $ 7,330 Other long-term liabilities $ 51,674 $ 46,509 Foreign currency forward contracts Derivative financial instruments 14,063 68,352 Derivative financial instruments 37,269 — Foreign currency forward contracts Other assets 53,981 158,879 Other long-term liabilities 4,161 6,625 Fuel swaps Derivative financial instruments 84,015 13,137 Derivative financial instruments 3,848 38,488 Fuel swaps Other assets 104,066 51,265 Other long-term liabilities 689 13,411 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments under 815-20 314,260 298,963 97,641 105,033 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20 Foreign currency forward contracts Derivative financial instruments $ 1,008 $ 9,945 Derivative financial instruments $ 70 $ 2,933 Foreign currency forward contracts Other assets 760 2,793 Other long-term liabilities 23 1,139 Fuel swaps Derivative financial instruments 7,847 7,886 Derivative financial instruments 5,614 6,043 Fuel swaps Other Assets 608 798 Other long-term liabilities 1 813 Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under 815-20 10,223 21,422 5,708 10,928 Total derivatives $ 324,483 $ 320,385 $ 103,349 $ 115,961 (1) Accounting Standard Codification 815-20 “ Derivatives and Hedging. ” The fair value and line item caption of derivative instruments recorded within our consolidated balance sheets for the cumulative basis adjustment for fair value hedges were as follows (in thousands): Line Item in the Statement of Financial Position Where the Hedged Item is Included Carrying Amount of the Hedged Liabilities Cumulative amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustment Included in the Carrying Amount of the Hedged Liabilities As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 Current portion of long-term debt and Long-term debt $ 728,659 $ 749,155 $ (38,772 ) $ (34,813 ) $ 728,659 $ 749,155 $ (38,772 ) $ (34,813 )
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)	The location and amount of gain or (loss) recognized in income on fair value and cash flow hedging relationships were as follows (in thousands): Quarter Ended September 30, 2018 Quarter Ended September 30, 2017 Fuel Expense Depreciation and Amortization Expenses Interest Income (Expense) Other Income (Expense) Fuel Expense Depreciation and Amortization Expenses Interest Income (Expense) Other Income (Expense) Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the statement of financial performance in which the effects of fair value or cash flow hedges are recorded $182,415 $259,923 $(80,679) $(3,832) $160,752 $240,150 $(68,540) $(1,226) The effects of fair value and cash flow hedging: Gain or (loss) on fair value hedging relationships in Subtopic 815-20 Interest contracts Hedged items n/a n/a $2,124 — n/a n/a — $1,013 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments n/a n/a $(3,512) — n/a n/a $600 $(545) Gain or (loss) on cash flow hedging relationships in Subtopic 815-20 Interest contracts Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into income n/a n/a $(1,395) n/a n/a n/a $(7,860) n/a Commodity contracts Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into income $4,548 n/a n/a $466 $(32,386) n/a n/a $1,758 Foreign exchange contracts Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into income n/a $(3,157) n/a $(835) n/a $(3,312) n/a $(1,512) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Fuel Expense Depreciation and Amortization Expenses Interest Income (Expense) Other Income (Expense) Fuel Expense Depreciation and Amortization Expenses Interest Income (Expense) Other Income (Expense) Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the statement of financial performance in which the effects of fair value or cash flow hedges are recorded $515,065 $753,529 $(209,590) $5,923 $508,914 $710,836 $(213,426) $(6,546) The effects of fair value and cash flow hedging: Gain or (loss) on fair value hedging relationships in Subtopic 815-20 Interest contracts Hedged items n/a n/a $18,680 — n/a n/a — $(841) Derivatives designated as hedging instruments n/a n/a $(21,392) — n/a n/a $2,642 $3,275 Gain or (loss) on cash flow hedging relationships in Subtopic 815-20 Interest contracts Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income n/a n/a $(10,371) n/a n/a n/a $(24,580) n/a Commodity contracts Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income $1,459 n/a n/a $658 $(114,149) n/a n/a $6,533 Foreign exchange contracts Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income n/a $(9,625) n/a $13,808 n/a $(9,936) n/a $(9,187)
Fair Value and Line Item Caption of Non-derivative Instruments	The carrying value and line item caption of non-derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments recorded within our consolidated balance sheets were as follows (in thousands): Carrying Value Non-derivative instrument designated as Balance Sheet Location As of September 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 Foreign currency debt Current portion of long-term debt $ 78,746 $ 70,097 Foreign currency debt Long-term debt 251,063 225,226 $ 329,809 $ 295,323
Non Derivative Instruments Qualifying and Designated as Hedging Instruments in Net Investment Hedges	The effect of non-derivative instruments qualifying and designated as net investment hedging instruments on the consolidated financial statements was as follows (in thousands): Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Non-derivative instruments under ASC 815-20 Net Quarter Ended September 30, 2018 Quarter Ended September 30, 2017 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Foreign Currency Debt $ 1,700 $ 7,949 $ 9,309 $ 34,206 $ 1,700 $ 7,949 $ 9,309 $ 34,206
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivative Instruments
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)	The effect of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the consolidated financial statements was as follows (in thousands): Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Location of Quarter Ended September 30, 2018 Quarter Ended September 30, 2017 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Foreign currency forward contracts Other income (expense) $ (12,097 ) $ 21,951 $ (43,356 ) $ 57,019 Fuel swaps Other income (expense) (28 ) (175 ) 155 (255 ) Fuel swaps Fuel 478 — 1,804 — $ (11,647 ) $ 21,776 $ (41,397 ) $ 56,764
Fair Value Hedging
Derivative Instruments
Schedule of Interest Rate Derivatives	At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , we maintained interest rate swap agreements on the following fixed-rate debt instruments: Debt Instrument Swap Notional as of September 30, 2018 (In thousands) Maturity Debt Fixed Rate Swap Floating Rate: LIBOR plus All-in Swap Floating Rate as of September 30, 2018 Oasis of the Seas term loan $ 122,500 October 2021 5.41% 3.87% 6.39% Unsecured senior notes 650,000 November 2022 5.25% 3.63% 5.95% $ 772,500
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)	The effect of derivative instruments qualifying and designated as hedging instruments and the related hedged items in fair value hedges on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) was as follows (in thousands): Derivatives and Related Hedged Items under ASC 815-20 Fair Value Hedging Relationships Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative and Hedged Item Amount of Gain (Loss) Amount of Gain (Loss) Quarter Ended September 30, 2018 Quarter Ended September 30, 2017 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Quarter Ended September 30, 2018 Quarter Ended September 30, 2017 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Interest rate swaps Interest expense, net of interest capitalized $ (3,512 ) $ 600 $ (21,392 ) $ 2,642 $ 2,124 $ — $ 18,680 $ — Interest rate swaps Other income (expense) — (545 ) — 3,275 — 1,013 — (841 ) $ (3,512 ) $ 55 $ (21,392 ) $ 5,917 $ 2,124 $ 1,013 $ 18,680 $ (841 )
Cash flow hedge
Derivative Instruments
Schedule of Interest Rate Derivatives	At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , we maintained interest rate swap agreements on the following floating-rate debt instruments: Debt Instrument Swap Notional as of September 30, 2018 (In thousands) Maturity Debt Floating Rate All-in Swap Fixed Rate Celebrity Reflection term loan $ 354,521 October 2024 LIBOR plus 0.40% 2.85% Quantum of the Seas term loan 520,625 October 2026 LIBOR plus 1.30% 3.74% Anthem of the Seas term loan 543,750 April 2027 LIBOR plus 1.30% 3.86% Ovation of the Seas term loan 691,667 April 2028 LIBOR plus 1.00% 3.16% Harmony of the Seas term loan (1) 671,038 May 2028 EURIBOR plus 1.15% 2.26% $ 2,781,601 (1) Interest rate swap agreements hedging the Euro-denominated term loan for Harmony of the Seas include EURIBOR zero-floor matching the hedged debt EURIBOR zero-floor. Amount presented is based on the exchange rate as of September 30, 2018 .
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)	The effect of derivative instruments qualifying and designated as cash flow hedging instruments on the consolidated financial statements was as follows (in thousands): Derivatives Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Location of Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Quarter Ended September 30, 2018 Quarter Ended September 30, 2017 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Quarter Ended September 30, 2018 Quarter Ended September 30, 2017 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Interest rate swaps $ 10,166 $ (3,154 ) $ 56,223 $ (24,703 ) Interest expense, net of interest capitalized $ (1,395 ) $ (7,860 ) $ (10,371 ) $ (24,580 ) Foreign currency forward contracts (35,397 ) 122,211 (133,360 ) 221,861 Depreciation and amortization expenses (3,157 ) (2,710 ) (9,625 ) (8,130 ) Foreign currency forward contracts — — — — Other income (expense) (835 ) (1,512 ) 13,808 (9,187 ) Foreign currency collar options — — — — Depreciation and amortization expenses — (602 ) — (1,806 ) Fuel swaps — — — — Other income (expense) 466 1,758 658 6,533 Fuel swaps 61,805 67,878 183,642 33,183 Fuel 4,548 (32,386 ) 1,459 (114,149 ) $ 36,574 $ 186,935 $ 106,505 $ 230,341 $ (373 ) $ (43,312 ) $ (4,071 ) $ (151,319 ) The table below represents amounts excluded from the assessment of effectiveness for our net investment hedging instruments for which the difference between changes in fair value and periodic amortization is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (in thousands): Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income (Net Investment Excluded Components) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Net inception fair value at January 1, 2018 $ (11,335 ) Amount of gain recognized in income on derivatives for the period ended September 30, 2018 2,232 Amount of loss remaining to be amortized in accumulated other comprehensive loss, as of September 30, 2018 (2,609 ) Fair value at September 30, 2018 $ (11,712 )

General - Narrative (Details)

General - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	Jul. 31, 2018USD ($)shipcontinent	Sep. 30, 2018brand
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of cruise brands | brand		4
Maximum
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment in a joint venture, percentage of interest		50.00%
Minimum
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment in a joint venture, percentage of interest		20.00%
TUI Cruises
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment in a joint venture, percentage of interest		50.00%
Pullmantur and CDF Croisieres de France
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment in a joint venture, percentage of interest		49.00%
SkySea Cruises
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment in a joint venture, percentage of interest		37.00%
Silversea Cruises
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of interests acquired	66.70%
Number of cruise ships | ship	9
Number of continents of operations | continent	7
Payments to acquire business | $	$ 1,020

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Decrease to customer deposits	$ (1,800)		$ (1,400)
Effect of change on net income	$ 9.2
Effect of change on basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.04
Effect of change on diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.04
Debt | Accounting Standards Update 2017-12
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of new accounting principle in period of adoption		$ 14.4
Retained Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2016-16
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of new accounting principle in period of adoption		(6.6)
Retained Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2017-12
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of new accounting principle in period of adoption		(16.9)
AOCI Attributable to Parent | Accounting Standards Update 2017-12
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of new accounting principle in period of adoption		2.5
Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Prepaid expenses and other assets		64.6
Decrease to customer deposits		$ 64.6

Business Combination (Details)

Business Combination (Details) - USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Long-term debt					$ 130,000,000
Silversea Cruises
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of interests acquired	66.70%	66.70%
Payments to acquire business	$ 1,020,000,000
Contingent consideration	44,000,000	$ 44,000,000
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	537,770,000	537,770,000
Transaction costs			$ 25,900,000	$ 30,600,000
Silversea Cruises | Silversea Cruises
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 700,000,000	$ 700,000,000
Minimum | Silversea Cruises
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Contingent consideration, shares (in shares)		0
Maximum | Silversea Cruises
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Contingent consideration, shares (in shares)		472,000
Silversea Cruises Group
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners			33.30%	33.30%

Business Combination - Schedule

Business Combination - Schedule of Assets and Liabilities (Details) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Assets
Goodwill		$ 1,374,923		$ 288,512
Liabilities
Cash held as collateral			$ 32,000
Number of ships under capital leases		2
Intangible assets		$ 490,760
Silversea Cruises
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents			103,865
Trade and other receivables, net			5,640
Inventories			19,004
Prepaid expenses and other assets	[1]		119,920
Derivative financial instruments			2,886
Property and equipment, net	[2]		1,109,467
Goodwill			1,086,539
Other assets	[3]		494,657
Total assets acquired			2,941,978
Liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt	[4]		26,851
Accounts payable			36,960
Customer deposits			453,798
Long-term debt	[4]		727,935
Other long-term liabilities			12,320
Total liabilities assumed			1,340,208
Redeemable noncontrolling interest			537,770
Total purchase price			$ 1,064,000
Number of ships under capital leases			2
Capital leases assets			$ 140,000
Intangible assets			490,800
Accrued interest | Silversea Cruises
Liabilities
Current liabilities, other			1,773
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | Silversea Cruises
Liabilities
Current liabilities, other			$ 80,571
[1]	Amount includes $32.0 million of cash held as collateral with credit card processors.
[2]	Property and equipment, net includes two ships under capital lease agreements amounting to $140.0 million. The respective capital lease liabilities are reported within Long-term debt. Refer to Note 8. Debt for further information on the capital lease financing arrangements.
[3]	Amount includes $490.8 million of intangible assets. Refer to Note 4. Goodwill and Intangible Assets for further information on the intangible assets acquired.
[4]	Refer to Note 8. Debt for further information on long-term debt assumed.

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2017	$ 288,512
Goodwill attributable to purchase of Silversea	1,086,539	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(128)
Balance at September 30, 2018	1,374,923
Royal Caribbean International
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2017	286,880
Goodwill attributable to purchase of Silversea	0	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(128)
Balance at September 30, 2018	286,752
Celebrity Cruises
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2017	1,632
Goodwill attributable to purchase of Silversea	0	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustment	0
Balance at September 30, 2018	1,632
Silversea Cruises
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2017	0
Goodwill attributable to purchase of Silversea	1,086,539	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustment	0
Balance at September 30, 2018	$ 1,086,539
[1]	Refer to Note 3. Business Combination for further information on the Silversea Cruises acquisition.

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Acquired Intangible Assets (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$ 490,760
Customer relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 97,400
Remaining amortization period	15 years
Galapagos operating license
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 32,300
Remaining amortization period	26 years
Other finite-life intangible assets
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 11,560
Remaining amortization period	2 years
Silversea Cruises trade name
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 349,500

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Finite-lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Remainder of 2018	$ 2,253
2,019	13,516
2,020	12,552
2,021	7,736
2,022	7,736
2,023	$ 7,736

Revenues - Narrative (Details)

Revenues - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Passenger ticket revenues	$ 2,796,187	$ 2,569,544	$ 7,161,548	$ 6,773,378
Contract liability	1,800,000		1,800,000		$ 1,400,000
Contract asset	58,400		58,400		60,100
Travel Agent Sales Commissions
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Prepaid travel agent commissions	134,000		$ 134,000		$ 64,600
Minimum
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Length of cruise			2 days
Maximum
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Length of cruise			23 days
Port Costs
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Passenger ticket revenues	$ 174,100	$ 135,900	$ 462,200	$ 413,700

Revenues - Disaggregation of Re

Revenues - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues		$ 2,796,187	$ 2,569,544	$ 7,161,548	$ 6,773,378
Cruise Itinerary
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues		2,683,393	2,462,784	6,887,211	6,515,583
Cruise Itinerary | North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	[1]	1,450,119	1,325,432	4,061,545	3,923,704
Cruise Itinerary | Asia Pacific
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	[2]	235,374	284,574	1,051,551	1,111,321
Cruise Itinerary | Europe
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	[3]	968,952	826,524	1,566,351	1,294,354
Cruise Itinerary | Other regions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues		28,948	26,254	207,764	186,204
Other Revenues
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	[4]	$ 112,794	$ 106,760	$ 274,337	$ 257,795
Passenger Ticket | Other regions
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Percentage of revenues by country	[5]	21.00%	21.00%	30.00%	31.00%
Passenger Ticket | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Percentage of revenues by country		59.00%	56.00%	60.00%	60.00%
Passenger Ticket | United Kingdom
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Percentage of revenues by country		13.00%	13.00%	10.00%	9.00%
Passenger Ticket | China
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Percentage of revenues by country		7.00%	10.00%
[1]	Includes the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
[2]	Includes Southeast Asia (e.g., Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines), East Asia (e.g., China and Japan), South Asia (e.g., India and Pakistan) and Oceania (e.g., Australia and Fiji Islands) regions.
[3]	Includes European countries (e.g., Nordics, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom).
[4]	Includes revenues primarily related to cancellation fees, vacation protection insurance and pre- and post-cruise tours. Amounts also include revenues related to our bareboat charter, procurement and management related services we perform on behalf of our unconsolidated affiliates. Refer to Note 7. Other Assets for more information on our unconsolidated affiliates.
[5]	No other individual country's revenue exceeded 10% for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income for basic and diluted earnings per share	$ 810,391	$ 752,842	$ 1,495,339	$ 1,337,094
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in shares)	209,054,000	214,694,000	211,099,000	214,882,000
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards and stock options (in shares)	874,000	1,130,000	874,000	1,023,000
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding (in shares)	209,928,000	215,824,000	211,973,000	215,905,000
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 3.88	$ 3.51	$ 7.08	$ 6.22
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 3.86	$ 3.49	$ 7.05	$ 6.19
Antidilutive securities (in shares)	0	0	0	0

Other Assets - Narrative (Detai

Other Assets - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands, € in Millions	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2009USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2009EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Other Assets
Proceeds from sale of ship							$ 0		$ 230,000
Recognized deferred gain							21,794		0
Proceeds from collection of advance to affiliate							$ 49,501		31,633
LIBOR
Other Assets
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate				1.195%
Mein Schiff 1
Other Assets
Useful life		23 years	23 years
TUI Cruises GmbH joint venture
Other Assets
Percentage of ownership interest				50.00%			50.00%			50.00%
Investments in entity				$ 550,700			$ 550,700				$ 624,500
Underlying equity in net assets				370,400			370,400				422,800
Advances to affiliate				179,500			$ 179,500			€ 154.6	199,800	€ 166.5
Debt, guaranteed percentage							50.00%	50.00%
Additional amount outstanding on line of credit provided to TUI Cruises				$ 46,000			$ 46,000			€ 39.6
Repayments of related party debt | €								€ 44.2
Proceeds from sale of ship		$ 290,900	€ 224.4
Deferred gain on sale of property		$ 35,900
Recognized deferred gain							$ 21,800
TUI Cruises GmbH joint venture | TUI cruise ships
Other Assets
Restriction on reduction of current ownership interest (as a percent)				37.55%			37.55%			37.55%
TUI Cruises GmbH joint venture | Splendour of the Seas
Other Assets
Interest rate on loan provided to related party (as a percent)	6.25%
Long term debt, term	10 years
Debt, guaranteed percentage	50.00%
Pullmantur and CDF Croisieres de France
Other Assets
Percentage of ownership interest				49.00%			49.00%			49.00%
Advances to affiliate				$ 17,400			$ 17,400			€ 15
Interest rate on loan provided to related party (as a percent)				6.50%			6.50%			6.50%
Debt, guaranteed percentage							51.00%	51.00%
Retained ownership percentage of subsidiary after sale							49.00%	49.00%
Maximum loss exposure				$ 59,200			$ 59,200				53,700
Proceeds from credit facility				$ 8,700			$ 8,700			€ 7.5
Percentage of subsidiary which has been sold				51.00%			51.00%			51.00%
Pullmantur and CDF Croisieres de France | Springwater Capital LLC
Other Assets
Percentage of ownership interest				51.00%			51.00%			51.00%
Grand Bahamas Shipyard Ltd.
Other Assets
Proceeds from collection of advance to affiliate							$ 14,200		4,200
Grand Bahamas Shipyard Ltd. | Not Primary Beneficiary
Other Assets
Percentage of ownership interest				40.00%			40.00%			40.00%
Investments in entity				$ 55,900			$ 55,900				49,400
Underlying equity in net assets				40,700			40,700				32,400
Related party transaction, payment amount for ship repair and maintenance				17,300		$ 1,900	41,600		$ 7,500
Grand Bahamas Shipyard Ltd. | Not Primary Beneficiary | Non-accrual status of advances to affiliates
Other Assets
Advances to affiliate				$ 15,200			$ 15,200				17,000
Interest rate on loan provided to related party (as a percent)				5.50%			5.50%			5.50%
Grand Bahamas Shipyard Ltd. | Not Primary Beneficiary | Non-accrual status of advances to affiliates | LIBOR
Other Assets
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate				3.50%
Skysea Holding
Other Assets
Impairment charge					$ 23,300
Skysea Holding | Not Primary Beneficiary
Other Assets
Percentage of ownership interest				37.00%			37.00%			37.00%			37.00%
Investments in entity				$ 63,800			$ 63,800				96,000
Underlying equity in net assets											4,400
Advances to affiliate				$ 80,000			$ 80,000				$ 91,600		$ 80,000
Interest rate on loan provided to related party (as a percent)													6.50%
Debt, guaranteed percentage							100.00%	100.00%

Other Assets - Share of equity

Other Assets - Share of equity income from investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Other Assets [Abstract]
Share of equity income from investments	$ 95,169	$ 85,120	$ 168,232	$ 120,359
Dividends received	$ 82,755	$ 49,865	$ 241,697	$ 107,267

Other Assets - Notes receivable

Other Assets - Notes receivable due from equity instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Total notes receivable due from equity investments		$ 267,837	$ 314,323
Less-current portion	[1]	80,189	38,658
Long-term portion	[2]	$ 187,648	$ 275,665
[1]	Included within Trade and other receivables, net in our consolidated balance sheets.
[2]	Included within Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets.

Other Assets - Related party tr

Other Assets - Related party transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Other Assets [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 12,170	$ 14,054	$ 40,400	$ 39,987
Expenses	$ 1,735	$ 3,770	$ 8,643	$ 11,503

Debt - Narrative (Details)

Debt - Narrative (Details)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2018USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2017USD ($)
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt	$ 130,000,000
Short-term debt amount outstanding		$ 1,200,000,000
Number of ships under capital leases		2	2
Aggregate lease payments		$ 18,800,000	$ 18,800,000
Symphony of the Seas
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt		$ 1,200,000,000	$ 1,200,000,000
Fixed interest rate		3.82%	3.82%
Long term debt, term	12 years
LIBOR
Long-Term Debt
Debt Floating Rate		1.195%
LIBOR | Silversea Cruises
Long-Term Debt
Debt Floating Rate		1.00%
Commercial Paper
Long-Term Debt
Borrowings outstanding		$ 1,000,000,000	$ 1,000,000,000
Weighted average interest rate		2.73%	2.73%
Long term debt, term			32 days
Senior Notes
Long-Term Debt
Fixed interest rate					7.25%
Debt fair value				$ 672,000,000
Silver Explorer | Capital Lease Obligations
Long-Term Debt
Long term debt, term			6 years
Silversea Cruises
Long-Term Debt
Number of ships under capital leases				2
Capital lease obligation				$ 82,800,000
Silversea Cruises | Silversea Cruises
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt				$ 700,000,000
Silversea Cruises | Senior Notes
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt					$ 620,000,000

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)shipberth	Dec. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016ft²
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of months considered to determine requirement of prepayment of debts	24 months
Cruise ships on order
Commitments and Contingencies
Aggregate cost of ships on order, not including TUI cruises on order | $	$ 12,200
Deposit for the purchase of ships expected to enter service | $	$ 656.8
Percentage of aggregate cost exposed to fluctuations in the euro exchange rate	54.30%	54.00%
Silversea Cruises | Cruise ships on order
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of ships under construction	2
Ship passenger capacity berths | berth	1,100
Line of Credit | Minimum
Commitments and Contingencies
Debt instrument covenant, minimum percentage of ownership by a person	50.00%
Debt Securities | Minimum
Commitments and Contingencies
Debt instrument covenant, minimum percentage of ownership by a person	50.00%
Port of Miami Terminal
Commitments and Contingencies
Area of real estate property | ft²			170,000
Operating lease term			5 years
Royal Caribbean International Cruise Ships | Quantum Class Ship | Cruise ships on order
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of ships under construction	2
Royal Caribbean International Cruise Ships | Oasis Class Ship | Cruise ships on order
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of ships under construction	1
Royal Caribbean International Cruise Ships | Project Icon ships | Cruise ships on order
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of ships under construction	2
Ship passenger capacity berths | berth	25,300
Celebrity Cruise Ships | Project Edge Class Ships | Cruise ships on order
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of ships under construction	4
Ship passenger capacity berths | berth	12,300

Shareholders' Equity - Narrativ

Shareholders' Equity - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended							3 Months Ended								9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2018	May 31, 2018	Apr. 30, 2018	Oct. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2017	Apr. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividend declared (in dollars per share)								$ 0.70	$ 0.60	$ 0.60	$ 0.60	$ 0.60	$ 0.48	$ 0.48	$ 0.48
Length of repurchase program			24 months				12 months
Common stock, dividends, per share, cash paid (in dollars per share)		$ 0.60		$ 0.60	$ 0.60	$ 0.48	$ 0.48			$ 0.60				$ 0.48
Common stock repurchase program, authorized amount			$ 1,000,000,000				$ 500,000,000
Treasury stock, shares, acquired (in shares)								1,500,000	1,300,000	2,100,000							1,800,000
Treasury stock, value, acquired, cost method								$ 162,500,000	$ 137,500,000	$ 275,000,000						$ 500,000,000	$ 225,000,000
Remaining authorized repurchase amount								$ 700,000,000								$ 700,000,000
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Common stock, dividends, per share, cash paid (in dollars per share)	$ 0.70

Changes in Accumulated Other _3

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component
Total other comprehensive income	$ 34,620	$ 234,144	$ 103,685	$ 389,590
Changes related to cash flow derivative hedges
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component
Accumulated comprehensive loss at beginning of the year			(250,355)	(820,850)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			106,505	230,341
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			4,071	151,319
Total other comprehensive income			110,576	381,660
Ending balance	(139,779)	(439,190)	(139,779)	(439,190)
Changes in defined benefit plans
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component
Accumulated comprehensive loss at beginning of the year			(33,666)	(28,083)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			5,863	(7,130)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			1,086	850
Total other comprehensive income			6,949	(6,280)
Ending balance	(26,717)	(34,363)	(26,717)	(34,363)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component
Accumulated comprehensive loss at beginning of the year			(50,244)	(67,551)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(13,840)	14,210
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			0	0
Total other comprehensive income			(13,840)	14,210
Ending balance	(64,084)	(53,341)	(64,084)	(53,341)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component
Accumulated comprehensive loss at beginning of the year			(334,265)	(916,484)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			98,528	237,421
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			5,157	152,169
Total other comprehensive income			103,685	389,590
Ending balance	$ (230,580)	$ (526,894)	$ (230,580)	$ (526,894)

Changes in Accumulated Other _4

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income - Reclassifications (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized	$ 86,510	$ 73,233	$ 236,252	$ 230,182
Depreciation and amortization	259,923	240,150	753,529	710,836
Other income (expense)	10,658	15,354	(35,435)	(99,613)
Fuel	182,415	160,752	515,065	508,914
Net income	810,391	752,842	1,495,339	1,337,094
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss
Net income	(745)	(43,605)	(5,157)	(152,169)
Loss on cash flow derivative hedges | Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss
Net income	(373)	(43,312)	(4,071)	(151,319)
Loss on cash flow derivative hedges | Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income | Interest rate swaps
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized	(1,395)	(7,860)	(10,371)	(24,580)
Loss on cash flow derivative hedges | Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income | Foreign currency forward contracts
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss
Depreciation and amortization	(3,157)	(2,710)	(9,625)	(8,130)
Other income (expense)	(835)	(1,512)	13,808	(9,187)
Loss on cash flow derivative hedges | Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income | Foreign currency collar options
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss
Depreciation and amortization	0	(602)	0	(1,806)
Loss on cash flow derivative hedges | Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income | Fuel swaps
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss
Other income (expense)	466	1,758	658	6,533
Fuel	4,548	(32,386)	1,459	(114,149)
Actuarial loss
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss
Net income	(372)	(293)	(1,086)	(850)
Actuarial loss | Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss
Payroll and related	$ (372)	$ (293)	$ (1,086)	$ (850)

Fair Value Measurements and D_3

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 254,821	$ 120,112
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Level 1
Assets:
Total Assets	[1]	254,821	120,112
Liabilities:
Long-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt)	[1],[2]	0	0
Total Liabilities	[1]	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Level 2
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	[3],[4]	0	0
Total Assets	[4]	0	0
Liabilities:
Long-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt)	[2],[4]	9,495,498	8,038,092
Total Liabilities	[4]	9,495,498	8,038,092
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Level 3
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	[3],[5]	0	0
Total Assets	[5]	0	0
Liabilities:
Long-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt)	[2],[5]	0	0
Total Liabilities	[5]	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Total Carrying Amount
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	[3]	254,821
Cash and cash equivalents	[3]		120,112
Total Assets		254,821	120,112
Liabilities:
Long-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt)	[2]	9,041,183	7,506,312
Total Liabilities		9,041,183	7,506,312
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Total Carrying Amount | Level 1
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	[1],[3]	254,821	120,112
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Total Fair Value
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	[3]	254,821	120,112
Total Assets		254,821	120,112
Liabilities:
Long-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt)	[2]	9,495,498	8,038,092
Total Liabilities		$ 9,495,498	$ 8,038,092
[1]	Inputs based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Valuation of these items does not entail a significant amount of judgment.
[2]	Consists of unsecured revolving credit facilities, senior notes, senior debentures and term loans. These amounts do not include our capital lease obligations or commercial paper.
[3]	Consists of cash and marketable securities with original maturities of less than 90 days.
[4]	Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the liability, either directly or indirectly. For unsecured revolving credit facilities and unsecured term loans, fair value is determined utilizing the income valuation approach. This valuation model takes into account the contract terms of our debt such as the debt maturity and the interest rate on the debt. The valuation model also takes into account the creditworthiness of the Company.
[5]	Inputs that are unobservable. The Company did not use any Level 3 inputs as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

Fair Value Measurements and D_4

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments - Recurring (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets:
Derivative financial instruments		$ 234,044	$ 215,634
Liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments		12,910	11,210
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1
Assets:
Derivative financial instruments	[1],[2]	0	0
Investments	[2],[3]	0	3,340
Total Assets	[2]	0	3,340
Liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments	[2],[4]	0	0
Contingent consideration	[2],[5]	0	0
Total Liabilities	[2]	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Assets:
Derivative financial instruments	[1],[6]	324,483	320,385
Investments	[3],[6]	0	0
Total Assets	[6]	324,483	320,385
Liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments	[4],[6]	103,349	115,961
Contingent consideration	[5],[6]	0	0
Total Liabilities	[6]	103,349	115,961
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Assets:
Derivative financial instruments	[1],[7]	0	0
Investments	[3],[7]	0	0
Total Assets	[7]	0	0
Liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments	[4],[7]	0	0
Contingent consideration	[5],[7]	44,000	0
Total Liabilities	[7]	44,000	0
Total | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets:
Derivative financial instruments	[1]	324,483	320,385
Investments	[3]	0	3,340
Total Assets		324,483	323,725
Liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments	[4]	103,349	115,961
Contingent consideration	[5]	44,000	0
Total Liabilities		$ 147,349	$ 115,961
[1]	Consists of foreign currency forward contracts, interest rate swaps and fuel swaps. Refer to the “Fair Value of Derivative Instruments” table for breakdown by instrument type.
[2]	Inputs based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Valuation of these items does not entail a significant amount of judgment.
[3]	Consists of exchange-traded equity securities and mutual funds reported within Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets.
[4]	Consists of foreign currency forward contracts, interest rate swaps and fuel swaps. Refer to the “Fair Value of Derivative Instruments” table for breakdown by instrument type.
[5]	The contingent consideration related to the Silversea Cruises acquisition was estimated by applying a Monte-Carlo simulation method using our closing stock price along with significant inputs not observable in the market, including the probability of achieving the milestones and estimated future operating results. The Monte-Carlo simulation is a generally accepted statistical technique used to generate a defined number of valuation paths in order to develop a reasonable estimate of fair value. Refer to Note 3. Business Combination for further information on the Silversea Cruises acquisition.
[6]	Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. For foreign currency forward contracts, interest rate swaps and fuel swaps, fair value is derived using valuation models that utilize the income valuation approach. These valuation models take into account the contract terms, such as maturity, as well as other inputs, such as foreign exchange rates and curves, fuel types, fuel curves and interest rate yield curves. Derivative instrument fair values take into account the creditworthiness of the counterparty and the Company.
[7]	Inputs that are unobservable. The Company did not use any Level 3 inputs as of December 31, 2017.

Fair Value Measurements and D_5

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments - Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt facility and other receivables due from Skysea Holding		$ 267,837	$ 314,323
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Total Carrying Amount
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity-method investment- SkySea Holding	[1]	0
Debt facility and other receivables due from Skysea Holding	[2]	63,837
Total		63,837
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Total Fair Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity-method investment- SkySea Holding	[1]	0
Debt facility and other receivables due from Skysea Holding	[2]	63,837
Total		63,837
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Total Fair Value | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity-method investment- SkySea Holding	[1]	0
Debt facility and other receivables due from Skysea Holding	[2]	63,837
Total		63,837
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Total Impairment
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity-method investment- SkySea Holding	[1]	509
Debt facility and other receivables due from Skysea Holding	[2]	22,834
Total		$ 23,343
[1]	Due to the expectation that Skysea Holding will cease business operations by the end of 2018, we do not deem our investment balance to be recoverable and therefore, we estimated the fair value of our investment to be zero. The fair value of our equity investment in Skysea Holding was estimated as of March 31, 2018, the date of the last impairment test, at which point the investment was fully impaired.
[2]	We estimated the fair value of our debt facility and other receivables due from Skysea Holding based on the fair value of the collateral of the debt facility, Skysea Holding's ship, Golden Era, as of March 31, 2018, the date of the last impairment test, adjusted for foreign exchange rates as of September 30, 2018. We believe this amount estimates fair value as of September 30, 2018. The fair value of the Golden Era represents the net realizable value based on the agreed upon sale price of the ship, which is expected to be completed in December 2018. For further information on the Skysea Holding impairment, refer to Note 7. Other Assets.

Fair Value Measurements and D_6

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments - Offsetting of Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Offsetting of Financial Assets under Master Netting Agreements [Abstract]
Gross Amount of Derivative Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	$ 324,483	$ 320,385
Gross Amount of Eligible Offsetting Recognized Derivative Liabilities	(90,439)	(104,751)
Cash Collateral Received	0	0
Net Amount of Derivative Assets	234,044	215,634
Offsetting of Financial Liabilities under Master Netting Agreements [Abstract]
Gross Amount of Derivative Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	(103,349)	(115,961)
Gross Amount of Eligible Offsetting Recognized Derivative Assets	90,439	104,751
Cash Collateral Pledged	0	0
Net Amount of Derivative Liabilities	$ (12,910)	$ (11,210)

Fair Value Measurements and D_7

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments - Derivative Instruments, Interest Rate Risk, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands, € in Millions	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2018EUR (€)
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Derivative instrument, credit risk exposure	$ 234,900	$ 212,800
Maximum length of time hedged in derivative contract				3 years	3 years
Percentage of debt bearing fixed interest	57.20%	57.40%		57.20%			57.40%		57.20%
Interest rate swaps
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Derivative, notional amount	$ 3,600,000	$ 3,800,000		$ 3,600,000			$ 3,800,000
Forward Contracts
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Change in fair value of foreign currency forward contracts recognized in earnings	(12,100)		$ 22,000	(43,400)		$ 57,100
Forward Contracts | Not Designated
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Derivative, notional amount	790,800			790,800
Foreign exchange contracts
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Derivative, notional amount	4,000,000	$ 4,600,000		4,000,000			$ 4,600,000
Cruise ships on order
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Aggregate cost of ships on order, not including partner brands on order				12,200,000
Amount deposited for cost of ships on order	$ 656,800			$ 656,800
Percentage of aggregate cost exposed to fluctuations in the euro exchange rate	54.30%	54.00%		54.30%			54.00%		54.30%
TUI Cruises | Forward Contracts | Designated as Hedging Instrument
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Derivative, notional amount	$ 117,300			$ 117,300					€ 101
Foreign currency debt
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Carrying value of non-derivative instrument designated as hedging instrument				329,809			$ 295,323
Foreign currency debt | TUI Cruises
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Carrying value of non-derivative instrument designated as hedging instrument				$ 329,800	€ 284		$ 295,300	€ 246

Fair Value Measurements and D_8

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments - Interest Rate Risk (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018
Interest Rate Fair Value Hedges [Abstract]
Unsecured term loan				$ 130,000,000
Interest rate swaps | Fair Value Hedging
Interest Rate Fair Value Hedges [Abstract]
Long-term debt		$ 772,500,000	$ 772,500,000
Interest rate swaps | Fair Value Hedging | Oasis of the Seas term loan
Interest Rate Fair Value Hedges [Abstract]
Long-term debt		$ 122,500,000	$ 122,500,000
Debt Fixed Rate		5.41%	5.41%
Interest rate swaps | Fair Value Hedging | Unsecured senior notes
Interest Rate Fair Value Hedges [Abstract]
Unsecured term loan		$ 650,000,000	$ 650,000,000
Debt Fixed Rate		5.25%	5.25%
Interest rate swaps | Cash flow hedge
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Swap notional amount		$ 2,781,601,000	$ 2,781,601,000
Interest rate swaps | Cash flow hedge | Celebrity Reflection term loan
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Swap notional amount		$ 354,521,000	$ 354,521,000
All-in Swap Fixed Rate		2.85%	2.85%
Interest rate swaps | Cash flow hedge | Quantum of the Seas term loan
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Swap notional amount		$ 520,625,000	$ 520,625,000
All-in Swap Fixed Rate		3.74%	3.74%
Interest rate swaps | Cash flow hedge | Anthem of the Seas term loan
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Swap notional amount		$ 543,750,000	$ 543,750,000
All-in Swap Fixed Rate		3.86%	3.86%
Interest rate swaps | Cash flow hedge | Ovation of the Seas term loan
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Swap notional amount		$ 691,667,000	$ 691,667,000
All-in Swap Fixed Rate		3.16%	3.16%
Interest rate swaps | Cash flow hedge | Harmony of the Seas term loan
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Swap notional amount	[1]	$ 671,038,000	$ 671,038,000
All-in Swap Fixed Rate	[1]	2.26%	2.26%
LIBOR
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Debt Floating Rate		1.195%
LIBOR | Interest rate swaps | Fair Value Hedging | Oasis of the Seas term loan
Interest Rate Fair Value Hedges [Abstract]
Swap Floating Rate: LIBOR plus		3.87%	3.87%
All-in swap floating rate		6.39%	6.39%
LIBOR | Interest rate swaps | Fair Value Hedging | Unsecured senior notes
Interest Rate Fair Value Hedges [Abstract]
Swap Floating Rate: LIBOR plus		3.63%	3.63%
All-in swap floating rate		5.95%	5.95%
LIBOR | Interest rate swaps | Cash flow hedge | Celebrity Reflection term loan
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Debt Floating Rate			0.40%
LIBOR | Interest rate swaps | Cash flow hedge | Quantum of the Seas term loan
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Debt Floating Rate			1.30%
LIBOR | Interest rate swaps | Cash flow hedge | Anthem of the Seas term loan
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Debt Floating Rate			1.30%
LIBOR | Interest rate swaps | Cash flow hedge | Ovation of the Seas term loan
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Debt Floating Rate			1.00%
EURIBOR | Interest rate swaps | Cash flow hedge | Harmony of the Seas term loan
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Debt Floating Rate	[1]		1.15%
[1]	Interest rate swap agreements hedging the Euro-denominated term loan for Harmony of the Seas include EURIBOR zero-floor matching the hedged debt EURIBOR zero-floor. Amount presented is based on the exchange rate as of September 30, 2018.

Fair Value Measurements and D_9

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments - Fuel Price Risk (Details) - Fuel Swap Agreements $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)T	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)T
Derivative Instruments
Estimated unrealized net loss associated with cash flow hedges pertaining to fuel swap agreements expected to be reclassified to earnings from accumulated other comprehensive income loss | $	$ 79.4	$ (23.7)
2,018
Derivative Instruments
Fuel swap agreements (metric tons)	192,200	673,700
Percentage of projected requirements	54.00%	50.00%
2,019
Derivative Instruments
Fuel swap agreements (metric tons)	758,600	668,500
Percentage of projected requirements	51.00%	46.00%
2,020
Derivative Instruments
Fuel swap agreements (metric tons)	609,100	531,200
Percentage of projected requirements	39.00%	36.00%
2,021
Derivative Instruments
Fuel swap agreements (metric tons)	303,000	224,900
Percentage of projected requirements	18.00%	14.00%
2,022
Derivative Instruments
Fuel swap agreements (metric tons)	80,500	0
Percentage of projected requirements	5.00%	0.00%

Fair Value Measurements and _10

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments - Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Asset Derivatives
Asset Derivatives		$ 324,483	$ 320,385
Liability Derivatives
Liability Derivatives		103,349	115,961
Designated as Hedging Instrument
Asset Derivatives
Asset Derivatives	[1]	314,260	298,963
Liability Derivatives
Liability Derivatives	[1]	97,641	105,033
Notional Disclosures
Carrying Amount of the Hedged Liabilities		728,659	749,155
Cumulative amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustment Included in the Carrying Amount of the Hedged Liabilities		(38,772)	(34,813)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Asset Derivatives
Asset Derivatives		10,223	21,422
Liability Derivatives
Liability Derivatives		5,708	10,928
Interest rate swaps | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other assets
Asset Derivatives
Asset Derivatives	[1]	58,135	7,330
Interest rate swaps | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other long-term liabilities
Liability Derivatives
Liability Derivatives	[1]	51,674	46,509
Foreign currency forward contracts | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other assets
Asset Derivatives
Asset Derivatives	[1]	53,981	158,879
Foreign currency forward contracts | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Derivative financial instruments
Asset Derivatives
Asset Derivatives	[1]	14,063	68,352
Liability Derivatives
Liability Derivatives	[1]	37,269	0
Foreign currency forward contracts | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other long-term liabilities
Liability Derivatives
Liability Derivatives	[1]	4,161	6,625
Foreign currency forward contracts | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other assets
Asset Derivatives
Asset Derivatives		760	2,793
Foreign currency forward contracts | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Derivative financial instruments
Asset Derivatives
Asset Derivatives		1,008	9,945
Liability Derivatives
Liability Derivatives		70	2,933
Foreign currency forward contracts | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other long-term liabilities
Liability Derivatives
Liability Derivatives		23	1,139
Fuel swaps | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other assets
Asset Derivatives
Asset Derivatives	[1]	104,066	51,265
Fuel swaps | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Derivative financial instruments
Asset Derivatives
Asset Derivatives	[1]	84,015	13,137
Liability Derivatives
Liability Derivatives	[1]	3,848	38,488
Fuel swaps | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other long-term liabilities
Liability Derivatives
Liability Derivatives	[1]	689	13,411
Fuel swaps | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other assets
Asset Derivatives
Asset Derivatives		608	798
Fuel swaps | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Derivative financial instruments
Asset Derivatives
Asset Derivatives		7,847	7,886
Liability Derivatives
Liability Derivatives		5,614	6,043
Fuel swaps | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other long-term liabilities
Liability Derivatives
Liability Derivatives		$ 1	$ 813
[1]	Accounting Standard Codification 815-20 “Derivatives and Hedging.”

Fair Value Measurements and _11

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments - Balance Sheet Hedging Instruments (Details) - Foreign currency debt - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments
Carrying value of non-derivative instrument designated as hedging instrument	$ 329,809	$ 295,323
Current portion of long-term debt
Derivative Instruments
Carrying value of non-derivative instrument designated as hedging instrument	78,746	70,097
Long-term debt
Derivative Instruments
Carrying value of non-derivative instrument designated as hedging instrument	$ 251,063	$ 225,226

Fair Value Measurements and _12

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments - Income Statement Hedging Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Fuel	$ 182,415	$ 160,752	$ 515,065	$ 508,914
Depreciation and amortization	259,923	240,150	753,529	710,836
Interest Income (Expense)	(80,679)	(68,540)	(209,590)	(213,426)
Other income (expense)	(3,832)	(1,226)	5,923	(6,546)
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	(11,647)	21,776	(41,397)	56,836
Fuel swaps | Other income (expense)
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	(28)	(175)	155	(255)
Fuel swaps | Fuel cost
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	478	0	1,804	0
Foreign currency forward contracts | Other income (expense)
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	(12,097)	21,951	(43,356)	57,019
Fair Value Hedging
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Hedged Item	2,124	1,013	18,680	(841)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	(3,512)	55	(21,392)	5,917
Fair Value Hedging | Interest Contracts | Interest expense, net of interest capitalized
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Hedged Item	2,124		18,680
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	(3,512)	600	(21,392)	2,642
Fair Value Hedging | Interest Contracts | Other income (expense)
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Hedged Item		1,013		(841)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative		(545)		3,275
Fair Value Hedging | Interest rate swaps | Interest expense, net of interest capitalized
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Hedged Item	2,124	0	18,680	0
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	(3,512)	600	(21,392)	2,642
Fair Value Hedging | Interest rate swaps | Other income (expense)
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Hedged Item	0	1,013	0	(841)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	0	(545)	0	3,275
Cash flow hedge | Interest Contracts | Interest expense, net of interest capitalized
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (Effective Portion)	(1,395)	(7,860)	(10,371)	(24,580)
Cash flow hedge | Fuel swaps | Other income (expense)
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (Effective Portion)	466	1,758	658	6,533
Cash flow hedge | Fuel swaps | Fuel cost
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (Effective Portion)	4,548	(32,386)	1,459	(114,149)
Cash flow hedge | Foreign exchange contracts | Depreciation and amortization expenses
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (Effective Portion)	(3,157)	(3,312)	(9,625)	(9,936)
Cash flow hedge | Foreign currency forward contracts | Other income (expense)
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (Effective Portion)	$ (835)	$ (1,512)	$ 13,808	$ (9,187)

Fair Value Measurements and _13

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments - Designated Cash Flow Hedges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Depreciation and amortization	$ 259,923	$ 240,150	$ 753,529	$ 710,836
Other income (expense)	(3,832)	(1,226)	5,923	(6,546)
Fuel	182,415	160,752	515,065	508,914
Net income	810,391	752,842	1,495,339	1,337,094
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net [Abstract]
Net inception fair value at January 1, 2018					$ (11,335)
Amount of gain recognized in income on derivatives for the period ended September 30, 2018			2,232
Amount of loss remaining to be amortized in accumulated other comprehensive loss, as of September 30, 2018			2,609
Fair value at September 30, 2018	(11,712)		(11,712)
Cash flow hedge
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on Derivative	36,574	186,935	106,505	230,341
Cash flow hedge | Interest rate swaps
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on Derivative	10,166	(3,154)	56,223	(24,703)
Cash flow hedge | Foreign currency forward contracts
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on Derivative	(35,397)	122,211	(133,360)	221,861
Cash flow hedge | Foreign currency forward contracts
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on Derivative	0	0	0	0
Cash flow hedge | Foreign currency collar options
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on Derivative	0	0	0	0
Cash flow hedge | Fuel swaps
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on Derivative	0	0	0	0
Cash flow hedge | Fuel Swap
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on Derivative	61,805	67,878	183,642	33,183
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Net income	(745)	(43,605)	(5,157)	(152,169)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Changes related to cash flow derivative hedges
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Net income	(373)	(43,312)	(4,071)	(151,319)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Changes related to cash flow derivative hedges | Interest rate swaps
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized	(1,395)	(7,860)	(10,371)	(24,580)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Changes related to cash flow derivative hedges | Foreign currency forward contracts
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Depreciation and amortization	(3,157)	(2,710)	(9,625)	(8,130)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Changes related to cash flow derivative hedges | Foreign currency forward contracts
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Other income (expense)	(835)	(1,512)	13,808	(9,187)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Changes related to cash flow derivative hedges | Foreign currency collar options
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Depreciation and amortization	0	(602)	0	(1,806)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Changes related to cash flow derivative hedges | Fuel swaps
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Other income (expense)	466	1,758	658	6,533
Fuel	4,548	(32,386)	1,459	(114,149)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Changes related to cash flow derivative hedges | Fuel Swap
Effect of derivative instruments involved in hedging on the consolidated financial statements
Fuel	$ 4,548	$ (32,386)	$ 1,459	$ (114,149)

Fair Value Measurements and _14

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments - Non-Derivative Net Investment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Foreign currency debt
Net investment hedge
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$ 1,700	$ 7,949	$ 9,309	$ 34,206

Fair Value Measurements and _15

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments - Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Derivative Instruments
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives	$ (11,647)	$ 21,776	$ (41,397)	$ 56,836
Foreign currency forward contracts | Other income (expense)
Derivative Instruments
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives	(12,097)	21,951	(43,356)	57,019
Fuel swaps | Other income (expense)
Derivative Instruments
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives	(28)	(175)	155	(255)
Fuel swaps | Fuel cost
Derivative Instruments
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives	$ 478	$ 0	$ 1,804	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements and _16

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments - Credit Features (Details)	Sep. 30, 2018derivative
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Number of derivatives matured	5