| Cover | Oct. 13, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 13, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 1-11884 |
| Entity Registrant Name | ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000884887 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-0081645 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | N0 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1050 Caribbean Way |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Miami |
| Entity Address, State or Province | FL |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 33132 |
| City Area Code | 305 |
| Local Phone Number | 539-6000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | RCL |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
