UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
xANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20172023
or
oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                                   to                                   
Commission file number: 1-11884
ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Republic of Liberia
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
98-0081645
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1050 Caribbean Way, Miami, Florida 33132
(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)
(305) 539-6000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $.01 per shareRCLNew York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x    No o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o    No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x    No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x    No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o
Emerging growth company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. Yes   No ☐


If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant's executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o    No x
The aggregate market value of the registrant's common stock at June 30, 20172023 (based upon the closing sale price of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2017)2023) held by those persons deemed by the registrant to be non-affiliates was approximately $19.9$24.4 billion. Shares of the registrant's common stock held by each executive officer and director and by each entity or person that, to the registrant's knowledge, owned 10% or more of the registrant's outstanding common stock as of June 30, 2017 have been excluded from this number in that these persons may be deemed affiliates of the registrant. This determination of possible affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.
There were 213,749,009256,650,147 shares of common stock outstanding as of February 12, 2018.16, 2024.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement relating to its 20182024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference in Part III, Items 10-14 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K as indicated herein.


F-1

Table of Contents
ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Business
Item 6.Reserved



F-2


PART I

As used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the terms “Royal Caribbean,” "Royal Caribbean Group," the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and, depending on the context, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.’s consolidated subsidiaries and/or affiliates. The terms “Royal Caribbean International,” “Celebrity Cruises,” and “Azamara Club“Silversea Cruises” refer to our wholly-ownedwholly owned global cruise brands. Throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we also refer to regionalour partner brands in which we hold an ownership interest, including “TUI Cruises,” “Pullmantur” and “SkySea“Hapag-Lloyd Cruises."However, because these regionalpartner brands are unconsolidated investments, our operating results and other disclosures herein do not include these brands unless otherwise specified. In accordance with cruise vacation industry practice, the term “berths” is determined based on double occupancy per cabin even though many cabins can accommodate three or more passengers.

This Annual Report on Form 10-K also includes trademarks, trade names and service marks of other companies. Use or display by us of other parties’ trademarks, trade names or service marks is not intended to and does not imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, these other parties other than as described herein.



1


Item 1. Business.

General

We are one of the world’s second largestleading cruise company.companies in the world. We own and operate three global cruise brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara ClubSilversea Cruises (our(collectively, our "Global Brands"). We also own a 50% joint venture interest in TUI Cruises GmbH ("TUIC"), which operates the German brandbrands TUI Cruises a 49% interest in the Spanish brand Pullmantur and a 36% interest in the Chinese brand SkySeaHapag-Lloyd Cruises (collectively, our "Partner Brands"). We account for our investments in our Partner Brands under the equity method of accounting. Together, our Global Brands and our Partner Brands operatehave a combined totalfleet of 4965 ships in the cruise vacation industry with an aggregate capacity of approximately 124,070157,575 berths as of December 31, 2017.

2023. Our ships operate onoffer a selection of worldwide itineraries that call on approximately 540more than 1,000 destinations on all seven continents. In addition to our headquarters in Miami, Florida, we have offices and a network of international representatives around the world which primarily focus on sales and market development.

We compete principally by establishingoperating valued brands that offer exceptional service provided by our crew and on the basis of innovation and quality of ships, variety of itineraries, choice of destinations and price. We believe that our commitment to build state-of-the-art ships and to invest in the maintenance and upgrade of our fleet to, among other things, incorporate many of our latest signature innovations, allows us to continue to attract new and loyal repeat guests.

We believe cruising continues to be a popular vacation choice due to its inherent value, extensive itineraries and variety of shipboard and shoreside activities. In addition, we believe our brands are well-positioned globally and possess the ability to attract a wide range of guests by appealing to multiple customer bases allowing our global sourcing to be well diversified.

Royal Caribbean was founded in 1968 as a partnership. Its corporate structure has evolved over the years and, the current parent corporation, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., was incorporated on July 23, 1985 in the Republic of Liberia under the Business Corporation Act of Liberia.

Our Global Brands

Our Global Brands include Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara ClubSilversea Cruises.

We believe our Global Brands possess the versatility to enter multiple cruise market segments within the cruise vacation industry. Although each of our Global Brands has its own marketing style, as well as ships and crews of various sizes, the nature of the products sold and services delivered by our Global Brands share a common base (i.e., the sale and provision of cruise vacations). Our Global Brands also have similar itineraries as well as similar cost and revenue components. In addition, our Global Brands sourcehistorically sourced passengers from similar markets around the world and operateoperated in

similar economic environments with a significant degree of commercial overlap. As a result, we strategically manage our Global Brands as a single business with the ultimate objective of maximizing long-term shareholder value.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International is positioned to competethe world's largest cruise brand. The brand competes in both the contemporary family market and premium segments of the cruise vacation industry. The brand appealsindustry appealing to both families with children of all ages as well as bothand older and younger couples, providingcouples. Royal Caribbean International offers cruises and land destinations that generally feature a casual ambiance, as well as a variety of activities and entertainment venues. We believe that the quality of the Royal Caribbean International brand allows it to achieve market coverage that is among the broadest of any of the major cruise brands in the cruise vacation industry. Royal Caribbean International’s strategy is to attract an array of vacationing guests by providingoffering a wide variety of itineraries to destinations worldwide, including Alaska, Asia, Australia, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, the Panama Canal and New Zealand, with cruise lengths that rangegenerally ranging from two to 2318 nights. Royal Caribbean International offers multiple innovative options for onboard dining, entertainment and other onboard activities. Because of the brand’s ability to deliver extensive and innovative product offerings at an excellent value to consumers, we believe Royal Caribbean International is well positioned to attract new consumers to cruising and to continue to bring loyal repeat guests back for their next vacation.

Under our Royal Caribbean International brand, we operate 24operates 26 ships with an aggregate capacity of approximately 76,45094,100 berths. Additionally, we have sixas of December 31, 2023, Royal Caribbean International had three ships on order with an aggregate capacity of approximately 30,50016,900 berths. TheseThe ships on order include our fourth and fifth Quantum-classtwo Icon-class ships, which are scheduled to enter service inStar of the second quarter of 2019 and fourth quarter of 2020, respectively, the fourth and fifth Oasis-class ships, which are scheduled to enter service in the first quarter of 2018 and second quarter of 2021, respectively, Seas and the first and second ships of a new generation, known as ourthird Icon-class ship, which are expected to enter servicebe delivered in 2025 and 2026, respectively, and our sixth Oasis-class ship, Utopia of the second quarters of 2022 and 2024, respectively.

Seas, which is expected to be delivered in 2024.
Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises is positioned within the premium segment of the cruise vacation industry. Celebrity Cruises’ strategy is to target affluent consumers by delivering a destination-rich modern luxury experience on upscale ships that offer, among other things, luxuriousexcellent food and drink, elevated hospitality, world-class spaces and accommodations, high-end design spaces, high-standard service and fine dining.live entertainment. Celebrity Cruises offers a range of itineraries to destinations, including Alaska, Asia, Australia, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, the Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, India, New Zealand, the Panama Canal and South America, with cruise lengths ranging from twothree to 1918 nights.


Under our 2


Celebrity Cruises brand, we operate 12operates 16 ships with an aggregate capacity of approximately 23,17035,715 berths. Additionally, we have five shipsas of December 31, 2023, Celebrity Cruises had one Edge-class ship on order, Celebrity Xcel, with an aggregate capacity of approximately 11,700 berths. These ships include four ships of a new generation, known as our Edge-class, which are expected to enter service in the fourth quarter of 2018, the first quarter of 2020 and the fourth quarters of 2021 and 2022, respectively, and a ship designed for the Galapagos Islands,3,250 berths, which is expected to enter servicebe delivered in the second quarter of 2019.2025.

Azamara ClubSilversea Cruises

Azamara ClubSilversea Cruises is designed to serve the up-market segment of the North American, United Kingdoman ultra-luxury and Australian markets. The up-market segment incorporates elements of the premium segment and the luxury segment which is generally characterized byexpedition cruise line with smaller ships, high standards of accommodation andaccommodations, fine dining, personalized service and exotic itineraries. Azamara Club Cruises’ strategy is to deliverSilversea Cruises delivers distinctive destination experiences throughby visiting unique itineraries with more overnights and longer stays as well as comprehensive tours allowing guests to experience the destination in more depth. Azamara Club Cruises offers a variety of itineraries to popularremote destinations, including Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Northern and Western Europe, the Mediterranean, Central and North AmericaGalapagos Islands, Antarctica and the less-traveled islands of the Caribbean.Arctic with cruise itineraries generally ranging from five to 24 nights.

Under our Azamara ClubSilversea Cruises brand, we operate twooperates 11 ships, with an aggregate capacity of approximately 1,400

4,770 berths. As of December 31, 2023, Silversea Cruises had on order one Evolution-class ship, Silver Ray, with an aggregate capacity of approximately 730 berths, offering cruise itineraries ranging from four to 21 nights. Additionally, during 2017, we entered into an agreement to purchase a 700 berth ship thatwhich is scheduledexpected to be delivered in March 2018 and expected to enter service during the third quarter of 2018.2024.

Our Partner Brands

Our Global Brands are complemented by our interest in TUIC, our 50%-owned joint venture interest inthat operates the German brands TUI Cruises which is specifically tailored for the German market,and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises (collectively, our 49% interest in the Spanish brand Pullmantur, which is primarily focused on the cruise market in Spain, and our 36% interest in SkySea Cruises, which is specifically tailored for the Chinese market. We account for our investments in our Partner Brands under the equity method of accounting and, accordingly, the operating results of these Partner Brands are not included in our consolidated results of operations. Refer to Note 1. General and Note 6. Other Assets to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for further details."Partner Brands").

TUI Cruises

TUI CruisesTUIC is a joint venture owned 50% by us and 50% by TUI AG, a German tourism and shipping company, which is designed to serve the contemporary and premium segments of the German cruise market by offering a productproducts tailored for German guests. All onboard activities, services, shore excursions and menu offerings are designed to suit the preferences of this target market.

TUI Cruises operates six ships, with an aggregate capacity of approximately 13,80015,800 berths. Included in this count is Mein Schiff 6, which entered the fleet in May 2017. Additionally, as of December 31, 2023, TUI Cruises has twohad three ships on order which are scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2018 and the first quarter of 2019, respectively.

Pullmantur

Pullmantur Holdings S.L. ("Pullmantur Holdings"), the parent company of the Pullmantur brand, is a joint venture owned 49% by us and 51% by Springwater Capital LLC ("Springwater"). Pullmantur operates in the contemporary segment of the Spanish and Latin American cruise markets and is designed to attract Spanish-speaking families and couples and includes a Spanish-speaking crew as well as tailored food and entertainment options. The four ships operated by Pullmantur havewith an aggregate capacity of approximately 7,450 berths.11,100 berths, two of these ships are expected to be delivered in 2024, the third ship is expected to be delivered in 2026.

SkySeaHapag-Lloyd Cruises

We have a strategic partnership operates two luxury liners and three smaller expedition ships, with Ctrip.com International Ltd. ("Ctrip"), a Chinese travel service provider, to operate the cruise brand known as SkySea Cruises. We and Ctrip each own 36% of the venture, with the remaining equity held by the venture's management and a private equity fund. SkySea Cruises commenced operations during the second quarter of 2015 and operates one ship, SkySeaGolden Era, which has aan aggregate capacity of approximately 1,8001,590 berths. SkySeaHapag-Lloyd Cruises offers a custom-tailored product did not have any ships on order as of December 31, 2023.
Refer to Note 7. Investments and Other Assets to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for Chinese cruise guests. All onboard activities, services, shore excursions and menu offerings are designed to suit the preferences of this target market.further details.

Industry

Cruising isThe cruising industry has been considered a well-established vacation sector in the North American, European and EuropeanAustralian markets and a developing sector in several other emerging markets. IndustryWe believe that cruising will continue to be a popular vacation choice due to its inherent value, extensive itineraries and variety of shipboard and shoreside activities. The Company and other industry participants voluntarily suspended operations in March of 2020 and gradually resumed full operations starting in the second half of 2021 through the first half of 2022. As a result, comparative information regarding market penetration is not meaningful for 2020, 2021, and 2022. For the five year period prior to 2020, industry data indicatesindicated that market penetration rates arewere still low and that a significant portion of cruise guests carried arein those years were first-time cruisers. We believe this presents an opportunity for long-term growth and a potential for increased profitability.


The following table details industryIndustry market penetration rates for North America, Europe and Asia/Pacific computed(computed based on the number of annual cruise guests as a percentage of the total population:population) grew from 3.36% to 3.89% for North America, from 1.25% to 1.41% for Europe, and from 0.08% to 0.20% for Asia/Pacific during the five year period from 2015 through 2019. During 2023, industry market penetration rates were 3.55% for North America, 1.07% for Europe, and 0.04% for Asia/Pacific. The penetration rates in 2023 show the recovery and growth potential in the markets most served by the industry.

Year 
North America(1)(2)
 
Europe(1)(3)
 
Asia/Pacific(1)(4)
2013 3.32% 1.24% 0.05%
2014 3.46% 1.23% 0.06%
2015 3.36% 1.25% 0.08%
2016 3.43% 1.23% 0.11%
2017 3.56% 1.21% 0.12%

(1)Source: Our estimates are based on a combination of data obtained from publicly available sources including the International Monetary Fund, United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Cruise Lines International Association ("CLIA") and G.P. Wild. In addition, our estimates incorporate our own analysis utilizing the same publicly availableThe cruise industry data as a base.
(2)Our estimates include the United States and Canada.
(3)Our estimates include European countries relevant to the industry (e.g., Nordics, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom).
(4)Our estimates include the 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.

We estimate that the global cruise fleet was served by a fleet with a weighted average of approximately 517,000650,000 berths during 20172023 with approximately 311361 ships at the end of 2017.2023. As of December 31, 2017,2023, there were approximately 7551 ships on order with an estimated 184,000110,000 berths that are expected to be placed in service in the global cruise market between 2018 and 2022, although it is also possible thatthrough 2028, not taking into account ships could be ordered or taken out of service or ordered during these periods. We estimate that theThe global cruise industry carried approximately 25.821 million guests in 2023, 30 million cruise guests in 2017 compared to approximately 24.0 million cruise guests carried in 20162019 and approximately 23.028.5 million cruise guests carried in 2015.2018.


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The following table details the growth in global weighted average berths and the global,percentage of North American, European and Asia/Pacific cruise guests overfor 2023, 2022 and for each of the past five years from 2015 through 2019 (in thousands, except berth data):
Year 
Weighted-Average
Supply of
Berths
Marketed
Globally
(1)
 
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Total Berths(2)
 
Global
Cruise
Guests
(1)
 
North American Cruise Guests(1)(3)
 
European Cruise Guests(1)(4)
 
Asia/Pacific Cruise Guests(1)(5)
2013 432,000 98,750 21,343 11,710 6,430 2,045
2014 448,000 105,750 22,039 12,269 6,387 2,382
Supply of BerthsSupply of BerthsIndustry Cruise Guests
Year (1)
Year (1)
Weighted-Average
Global Supply(2)
Royal Caribbean Group(3)
Global
(2)
North American (2)(4)
Europe(2)(5)
Asia/Pacific (2)(6)
Other (2)
2015 469,000 112,700 23,000 12,004 6,587 3,1292015469,000112,70023,00052%29%14%5%
2016 493,000 123,270 24,000 12,274 6,512 4,4662016493,000123,27024,00051%27%19%3%
2017 517,000 124,070 25,800 12,854 6,435 5,0682017515,000124,07026,70048%25%20%7%
20182018546,000135,52028,50049%26%20%5%
20192019579,000141,57030,00047%25%24%4%
20222022634,000150,00513,10065%29%2%4%
20232023650,000157,57521,20063%27%6%4%

(1)Source: Our
(1)Historically, we have reported annual information for comparability across periods. The 2020 suspension of global cruise operations as a result of COVID-19 and the gradual resumption of full operations starting in the second half of 2021 through the first half of 2022 do not allow for a meaningful comparison to prior years' information and, as such, 2020 and 2021 data has been excluded from this table.
(2)The estimates of the number of global cruise guests and the weighted-average supply of berths marketed globally are based on a combination of data that we obtain from various publicly available cruise industry trade information sources. We use data obtained from Seatrade Insider, Cruise Industry News and company press releases to estimate weighted-average supply of berths and CLIA and G.P. Wild to estimate cruise guest information. In addition, our estimates incorporate our own analysis utilizing the same publicly available cruise industry data as a base.
(2)Total berths include our berths related to our Global Brands and Partner Brands.
(3)Our estimates include the United States and Canada.
(4)Our estimates include European countries relevant to the industry (e.g., Nordics, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom).

(5)Our estimates include the 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.

North America

Industry cruise guests are primarily sourced from North America, which represented approximately 50% of global cruise guests and the weighted-average supply of berths marketed globally are based on a combination of data that we obtain from various publicly available cruise industry trade information sources. We use data obtained from Seatrade Insider, Cruise Industry News and company press releases to estimate weighted-average supply of berths and CLIA and G.P. Wild to estimate cruise guest information. For 2023, cruise guest information includes data through the third quarter of 2023. In addition, our estimates incorporate our own analysis utilizing the same publicly available cruise industry data as a base.
(3)Total berths include our berths related to our Global Brands and Partner Brands as of December 31, 2023.
(4)Our estimates include the United States and Canada.
(5)Our estimates include European countries relevant to the industry (most notably: the Nordics, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom).
(6)Our estimates include Southeast Asia (most notably: Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines), East Asia (most notably: China and Japan), South Asia (most notably: India) and Oceania (most notably: Australia and New Zealand) regions. The decrease in 2017. The compound annual growth rate inAsia/Pacific cruise guests sourced from this market was approximately 2% from 20132019 to 2017.

Europe

Industry cruise guests sourced from Europe represented approximately 25% of global cruise guests in 2017. Cruise guests sourced from this market remained consistent compared to 2013.

Asia/Pacific

Industry cruise guests sourced from2023 is partly driven by China remaining closed given its COVID-19 restrictions through the Asia/Pacific region represented approximately 20% of global cruise guests in 2017. The compound annual growth rate in cruise guests sourced from this market was approximately 25% from 2013 to 2017. The Asia/Pacific region is experiencing the highest growth rate of the major regions, although it will continue to represent a relatively small sector compared to North America.

first half 2023.
Competition

We compete with a number of cruise lines.lines as well as land-based vacation alternatives for consumers’ leisure time. These include resorts (including all-inclusive resorts), hotels, internet-based alternative lodging sites, theme parks, sports, nature and sightseeing destinations. Our principal cruise competitors are Carnival Corporation & plc, which owns, among others,other brands, Aida Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises and Seabourn; Disney Cruise Line; MSC Cruises; and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, which owns Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Cruise lines also compete with other vacation alternatives such as land-based resort hotels, internet-based alternative lodging sitesCruises; and sightseeing destinations for consumers’ leisure time. Demand for such activities is influenced by political and general economic conditions. Companies within the vacation market are dependent on consumer discretionary spending.Virgin Voyages.

Operating Strategies

Our mission is to deliver the best vacation experiences responsibly. We continue to prioritize operating strategies that support this mission in a socially and environmentally responsible manner, working with our various business and community partners as we build toward a more sustainable cruise industry.
Our principalCompany's operating strategies are to:as follows:

deliver the best vacation experiences responsibly;
deliver a lifetime of vacations to our customers;

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protect the health, safety and security of our guests and employeesemployees;
deepen our customer relationships in order to increase frequency and repeat booking rates;
focus on cost efficiency, adequate cash and liquidity, and strong balance sheet, with the overall goals of maximizing our return on invested capital and shareholder value;
protect the environment and communities in which our vessels and organization operate, with a focus on decarbonization;

strengthen and supportinvest in our human capitalworkforce in order to better serve our global guest base and grow our business, and promote gender equality, diversity and inclusion;

further strengthen our consumer engagement in order to enhance our revenues,

increase the awareness and market penetration of our brands globally,globally;

focus on cost efficiency, manage our operating expenditures and ensure adequate cash and liquidity, with the overall goal of maximizing our return on invested capital and long-term shareholder value,

strategically invest in our fleet through the upgrade and maintenance of existing ships and the transfer of key innovations, across each brand, while prudently expanding our fleet with new state-of-the-art cruise ships,ships;

capitalize on the portability and flexibility of our ships by deploying them into those markets and

itineraries that provide opportunities to optimize returns, while continuing our focus on existing key markets,markets;

provide extraordinary destination experiences and state-of-the-art port facilities to our guests;
further enhance our technologicalcontinue to deploy technology capabilities and advanced uses of data and analytics to servicedeliver innovative customer preferencesexperiences as well as to create operational efficiencies; and expectations in an innovative manner, while supporting our strategic focus on profitability, and

maintain strong relationships with travel agencies, which continue to be the principal industry distribution channel,advisors, while enhancing our consumer outreach programs.

and e-commerce programs
Safety, environmentsecurity and health policies

We are committed to protecting the health, safety environment and healthsecurity of our guests, employees and others working on our behalf. We are also committed to protecting the marine environment and communities in which we operate. Our efforts in these areas are guided by a Maritime Advisory Board of experts, overseen by the Safety, Environment and Health Committee of our Board of Directors and managed by our dedicated Safety, Environment and Health Department which isseveral departments within the Company that are responsible for all of our maritime safety, global security, environmental stewardship and medical/public health activities. We also have a dedicated committee of our Board of Directors, the Safety, Environment, Sustainability and Health Committee, which is responsible for reviewing and monitoring our overall strategies, policies and programs that impact the safety and health of our guests and crew.

Consumer engagement
We place a strong focus on delivering a lifetime of vacations and priceless memories for our guests by identifying and creating product features and innovations that our customers value. We are focused on targeting and acquiring high-value guests by better understanding consumer data and insights to create communication strategies that resonate with our target audiences.
We target customers at important consumer decision points throughout their vacation journey and identify underlying needs for which guests value and are willing to pay a premium. We rely upon and continue to invest in various programs and technologies during the cruise-planning, cruising and after-cruise periods aimed at increasing revenues and occupancy. We have and expect to strategically invest in experiences on our ships that we believe drive marketability, profitability and improve the guest experience. In addition, we are focused on enhancing our vacation ecosystem by investing in a new travel platform, our loyalty programs and e-commerce capabilities.
Focus on cost efficiency, capital allocation, adequate cash and liquidity and improving our balance sheet
We are focused on maintaining a strong liquidity position and a balanced debt maturity profile, while making progress towards achieving lower leverage, lower interest expense, and an unsecured balance sheet. For example, during 2023, we amended our revolving credit facility with our key relationship banks to ensure adequate liquidity on a going-forward basis and additionally, we repaid approximately $4.0 billion of debt. We believe these strategies together with our continued focus on increasing operating income and margin, as well as disciplined capital allocation, enhance our ability to achieve our overall goal of maximizing our return on invested capital and long-term shareholder value.

5


Protect the environment and communities in which we operate
We are focused on the health of the environment and communities in which we operate. SEA the Future is our commitment to sustain the planet, energize the communities we visit, and accelerate innovation to improve our planet. Key programs include our Destination Net Zero strategy and Save the Waves Program.
Destination Net Zero is our decarbonization strategy that focuses on achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and delivering a net zero capable ship by 2035. This strategy also includes reducing our carbon intensity by double digits by 2025, compared to 2019.
Destination Net Zero’s four-pronged approach includes:
Modernizing our fleet with new energy-efficient and alternatively fueled vessels;
Continued investment in energy efficiency programs;
Development of alternative fuel and alternative power solutions; and
Optimized deployment and integration of strategic shore-based supply chains.
While we continue to refine our roadmap to Destination Net Zero, we know our strategy will require new fuels and technologies that are not available today. Collaboration is imperative to reaching our decarbonization goals. as such, we are partnering with governments, fuel suppliers, shipyards, and technology stakeholders to build and test a safe and reliable supply of alternative energy sources.
Another example of our commitment to sustaining our planet with key partners is our decades-long Save the Waves program, which focuses on waste management techniques and technologies, along with reuse and recycling programs, to reduce the amount of waste produced on our ships and divert the remaining waste from landfills. We also have a long-term partnership with the World Wildlife Fund to evaluate ship operations, sustainable sourcing of food supplies, waste management, sustainable destinations and guest education on ocean conservation.
We also believe in transparent reporting on our safety, environmentenvironmental and health performancesustainability stewardship, as well as our corporate responsibility effortssocial and annually publish a Sustainability Report in accordance withgovernance efforts. Our SEA the guidelinesFuture commitment and annual sustainability report, both of the Global Reporting Initiative. This report, which isare accessible on our corporate website, highlightshighlight our commitment and progress made with regards to those environmental, social and socialgovernance aspects of our business that we believe are most significant to our organization and stakeholders. In addition to providing an overview on our sustainability efforts, the report references the guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative and is aligned with the Sustainable Accounting Standards Boards Industry Standards for Cruise Lines. We continue to advance our reporting following the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Our corporate website also providescontains the current version of our reports which provide information about our environmental performance goals and our voluntary reporting of onboard security incidents.sustainability initiatives. The foregoing information contained on our website is not a part of any of these reports and is not incorporated by reference herein or in any other report or document we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Refer to the Regulation - Environmental Regulations section below for further information.

Human capital

Investing in our workforce and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion
We believe that our employees, both shipboard and shoreside, are a critical success factor for our business. We strive to identify, hire, develop, motivate and retain the best employees, who provide our guests with extraordinary vacations. Attracting, engaging,Our ability to attract, engage, and retainingretain key employees has been and will remain critical to our success.

Our Talent and Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors oversees the Company's human capital management strategies, including initiatives for talent diversity, equity and inclusion, talent management, and corporate culture.
We focus on providing our employees with a competitive compensation structure, and development opportunities, and other personal and professional growth opportunities in order to strengthen and support our human capital. We also select, develop and have strategies to retain high performing leaders to advance the enterprise now and in the future. To that end, we pay special attention to identifying high performing potential leaders and developing deep bench strength so these leaders can assume leadership roles throughout the organization.
We strive to maintain a work environment that reinforces collaboration, motivation and innovation, and believe that maintaining oura strong employee-focused culture is beneficial to the growth and expansion of our business. We foster diversity and inclusion among our broad employee base. Refer to the Human Capital section below for further information.


Consumer engagement6



We place a strong focus on identifying the needs of our guests and creating product features and innovations that our customers value. We are focused on targeting high-value guests by better understanding consumer data and insights to create communication strategies that resonate with our target audiences.

We target customers across all touch points and identify underlying needs for which guests are willing to pay a premium. We rely on various programs during the cruise-planning, cruising and after-cruise periods aimed at increasing ticket prices, onboard revenues and occupancy. We have and continue to strategically invest in onboard projects on our ships that we believe drive profitability and improve the guest experience.


Global awareness and market penetration

We increase brand awareness and market penetration of our cruise brands in various ways, including the use of communication strategies and marketing campaigns designed to emphasize the qualities of each brand, and to broaden the awareness of the brand, especially among target groups. Our marketing strategies include the use of travel advisors, traditional media, mobile and digital media as well as social media, and influencers, brandour websites, and travel agencies.sponsorships. Our brands also engage past and potential guests by collaborating with travel partners and through call centers, international offices and international representatives. In addition, our Global Brands target repeat guests with exclusive benefits offered through their respective loyalty programs.

We sell and market our Global Brands Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises, to guests outside of the United States and Canada through our commercial teams located in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Norway, Italy, Spain, Singapore, China, Australia, New Zealandcombined efforts of internationally focused internal resources and Mexico. We believe that having a local presence in these markets provides us with the ability to react more quickly to local market conditions and better understand our consumer base in each market. We further extend our geographic reach with a network of approximately 60 independent international representatives located throughout the world covering more than 110 countries. Historically,world. While the majority of our focus has been to primarily source guests for our Global Brands come from North America. We continue to expand our focus on sellingAmerica, we also sell and marketingmarket our cruise brands to guests in countries outside of North America by tailoring itineraries and onboard product offerings to the cultural characteristics and preferences of our international guests. In addition, we explore opportunities that may arise to acquire or develop brands tailored to specific markets.

Passenger ticket revenues generated by sales originating in countries outsideDelivery of the United States were approximately 41% of total passenger ticket revenues in 2017state-of-the-art cruise ships, and 45% in each of 2016fleet upgrade and 2015. International guests have grown from approximately 2.3 million in 2013 to approximately 2.5 million in 2017. Refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors -“Conducting business globally may result in increased costs and other risks” for a discussion of the risks associated with our international operations.

Cost efficiency, operating expenditures and adequate cash and liquidity

In 2017, we continued our commitment to control our operating costs and will continue to do so in 2018. For example, we continue our initiatives to reduce energy consumption and, by extension, fuel costs. These include the design of more energy-efficient ships as well as the implementation of more efficient hardware, including improvements in operations and voyage planning as well as improvements to the propulsion, machinery, HVAC and lighting systems. The overall impact of these efforts has resulted in an approximate 34% improvement in energy efficiency from 2005 through 2016 and we believe that our energy consumption per guest is currently the lowest in the cruise industry. In order to sustain our competitive advantage, we will continue to seek innovative technologies.

We are focused on maintaining a strong liquidity position, reducing our debt and maintaining investment grade credit metrics. We believe these strategies enhance our ability to achieve our overall goal of maximizing our long-term shareholder value.

Fleet upgrade, maintenance and expansion

We place a strong focus on innovation, which we seek to achieve by introducing new concepts on our new ships and continuously making improvements to our fleet. Several of these innovations have become signature elements of our brands,existing fleet, such as the “Royal Promenade” (a boulevard with shopping, dininglarge-scale atriums, double hulls for increased safety, and entertainment venues) for the Royal Caribbean International brandadvanced steel structures. We are expanding our innovation efforts to cover multiple fronts, including naval and enhancedarchitectural design, guest facing features, found on our Solstice-class ships for the Celebrity Cruises brand.

Our upgradeenergy efficiency, sustainability, and maintenance programs enable us to incorporate many of our latest signature innovations throughout the brand fleet and allow us to benefit from economies of scale by leveraging our suppliers. Ensuring consistency across our fleet provides us with the flexibility to redeploy our ships among our brand portfolio.


safety.
We are committed to building state-of-the-art ships at a moderate growth rate and we believe our success in this area provides us with a competitive advantage. Our newer vessels traditionally generate higher revenue yield premiums and are more efficient and environmentally friendly to operate than older vessels.

Our Global Brands have twelve ships expectedIn 2023, we introduced three new vessels to be delivered between 2018our fleet, including Royal Caribbean International’s new flagship – Icon of the Seas, Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Ascent, and Silversea Cruises – Silver Nova. Each of these vessels represent the endlatest hardware for their respective brands and both Icon of 2024. These consist of two Quantum-class ships, whichthe Seas and Silver Nova are scheduled to enter service in the second quarter of 2019 and fourth quarter of 2020, respectively, two Oasis-class ships, which are scheduled to enter service in the first quarter of 2018 and second quarter of 2021, respectively, four shipsvessels of a new generation for Celebrity Cruises, which are scheduled to enter service in the fourth quarter of 2018, the second quarter of 2020 and the fourth quarters of 2021 and 2022, respectively, a ship designed for the Galapagos Islands, which is scheduled to enter service in the second quarter of 2019, and two ships of a new generation forclass. For Royal Caribbean International, which are schedulednew features on Icon of the Seas include a dedicated family neighborhood called “Surfside”, a pool deck featuring the largest swimming pool and waterpark at sea, and the “Aquadome” showcasing the tallest waterfall at sea in an 82-foot-tall dome. For Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Ascent represents an evolution of Celebrity Beyond and builds on the innovation that the Edge series of ships have brought to enter service in the second quartersmarket. For Silversea, Silver Nova is amongst our most environmentally friendly and energy efficient ships to date.
As of 2022 and 2024, respectively. Additionally, we entered into an agreement to purchase a ship for Azamara Club Cruises that is scheduled to enter service in the third quarter of 2018. The addition of these ships is expected to increase passenger capacity ofDecember 31, 2023, our Global Brands by approximately 42,900 berths byand Partner Brands have 8 ships on order. Refer to the end of 2024. Additionally, TUI Cruises,Operations section below for further information on our 50% joint venture, has agreements for the construction of twoships on order. As we further develop our Newbuild program, we continue to utilize each vessel as an opportunity to pilot new ships, which are scheduled to enter service in the second quarter of 2018 and the first quarter of 2019, respectively, with an expected total capacity of approximately 5,700 berths.

technology towards Destination Net Zero.
In addition, we regularly evaluate opportunities to order new ships, purchase existing ships or sell ships in our current fleet. Infleet while ensuring that we remain focused on the current environmentreturns we generate on invested capital and maintaining a high level of high industry demand, we recently have placed new ship orders earlier than we have historically done as well as more aggressively sought to sell older capacity.

discipline on capital spending and operating leverage.
Markets and itineraries

In an effort to penetrate untapped markets, diversify our consumer base and respond to changing economic and geopolitical market conditions, we continue to seek opportunities to optimally deploy ships to new, and stronger markets and itineraries throughout the world. The portability of our ships allows us to readily deploy our ships to meet demand within our existing and new cruise markets. We make deployment decisions generally 1218 to 1832 months in advance, with the goal of optimizing the overall profitability of our portfolio. Additionally, the infrastructure investments we have made to create a flexible global sourcing model hashave made our brands relevant in a number of markets around the world, which allows us to be opportunistic and source the highest yielding guests for our itineraries.

Our ships offer a wide selection of itineraries that call on approximately 540over 1,000 destinations in 96over 120 countries, spanning across all seven continents. We are focused on obtaining the best possiblemaximizing long-term shareholder returns by operating in established markets while growing our presence in developing markets. New capacity allows ushas allowed our brands to expand into new markets and itineraries. Our brands have expanded their mix of itineraries while strengthening our abilityin an effort to further penetrate the Asianaddress changes in market demand.
Destination experiences and Australian markets. Additionally, inport facilities
In order to capitalize on the summer seasonprovide unique destination experiences to our guests, we have and continue to invest in our private land destinations. Our Perfect Day Island Collection represents our initiative to develop a series of private island destinations in

7


key markets. The first island in the Southern Hemispherecollection, Perfect Day at CocoCay, includes a wide range of attractions, such as a full water park, zip line course, freshwater pools, helium balloon ride, splash pads and mitigatea beach club. In January 2024, we completed the impactexpansion of Perfect Day at CocoCay with the winter weatherdelivery of Hideaway Beach, an adults-only experience. Additionally, our Royal Beach Club will offer an exclusive and branded experience at high volume ports. The first Royal Beach Club is expected to open in 2025 in Nassau, Bahamas. We continue to evaluate opportunities to develop additional destinations across the Northern Hemisphere, our brands have focused on deployment in the Caribbean, Asia and Australia during that period.

globe.
In an effort to secure desirable berthing facilities for our ships, and to provide new or enhanced cruise destinations for our guests, we have actively assistassisted or investinvested in the development or enhancement of certain port facilities and infrastructure, including mixed-use commercial properties, located in strategic ports of call. call, and reduction of our environmental impacts. For instance, in March 2023 we closed a partnership agreement with iCON Infrastructure Partners VI, L.P. ("iCON"). This partnership will own, develop, and manage cruise terminal facilities and infrastructure in key ports of call, initially including several development projects in Italy and Spain.
Generally, we collaborate with local, private or governmental entities by providing management and/or financial assistance and often enter into long-term port usage arrangements. Our participation in these efforts is generallymost often accomplished via investments with the relevant government authority and/or various other strategic partnerships established to develop and/or operate the port facilities, by providing direct development and management expertise or in certain limited circumstances, by providing direct or indirect financial support. In exchange for our involvement, we generally secure preferential berthing rights for our ships.


Technological capabilities

The need to develop and use innovative technology is increasingly important. Technology is a pervasive part of virtually every business process we use to support our strategic focusoperating strategies and provide a quality experience to our customers before, during and after their cruise. In the last few years, we introduced RFID WOW bandsvacation. We continue to develop tools that enhance our commercial capabilities and support our goal of deepening our customer relationships. We are focused on some ofenhancing our ships to make manyguests' digital experience and growing onboard processesrevenue, by making it easier and more comfortable for our guests. Moreover,guests to plan and maximize their next vacation through our websites and mobile applications. For example, we recently enabled booking a cruise in our mobile applications, built a loyalty hub to provide easy to view status, benefits and ways to earn rewards and a video library to showcase our family of brands.
We have continued to integrate digital capabilities into our operations and have increased our focus in bringing data analytics and artificial intelligence into our processes to provide better insights for revenue management as well as in how to model our maintenance or operational actions. We have also partnered with SpaceX to launch Starlink, the next generation in shipboard connectivity, unlocking an improved guest experience. In concert with our destination focus, our island technology solutions are now enabling our guests to remain connected with WiFi access, charge food and beverages as well as take advantage of all the island based activities with the same ease as onboard our ships.
Investments in our core platforms, as well as the usetrade and direct distribution channels, are delivering the benefit of our various websitesmore modernized solutions with scalability and social media platforms continue to increase along with the use of technology onboard our ships by both our guests and crew, we continually need to upgrade our systems, infrastructure and technologies to facilitate this growth. For instance, in 2017, we continued to advance our onboard technology in areasfaster self-service response times while also deploying new features such as internet connectivity at sea, guest check-inflight packages and dining. Additionally, we have introduced and continue to improve our mobile-friendly websites for our travel partners and direct customers and to invest in mobile apps that enhance the guest experience onboard our ships.additional promotional offer capabilities. Cyber security and data privacy are a continuedan ongoing focus, and we have made and will continue to make significant investments to protect our customer data, intellectual property and global operations.

Additionally, as we expand into new markets, we must ensure that we have Refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors - “We are exposed to cyber security attacks and data breaches and the proper technology in place to supportrisks and costs associated with protecting our systems and maintaining data integrity and security” for a discussion of the market. For instance, our capabilities need to adapt to each of our markets' languages and regulations. As we expand our business, this has been an increased focus for us.

risks associated with cyber security.
Travel agencyadvisor support, and consumer outreach,

and e-commerce
Travel agenciesadvisors continue to be the primary sourcea significant sourcing channel of ticket salesrevenues for our ships. We believe in the value of this distribution channel and invest heavily in maintaining strong relationships with our travel partners. To accomplish this goal, we seek to ensure that ourmaintain competitive commission rates and incentive structures remain competitive with the marketplace. We continuously work with travel advisors to sell upgrades and add-ons such as air and pre-cruise purchases to improve the retention and profitability of the channel. We provide brand dedicated sales representatives who serve as advisorsconsultants to our travel partners. We also provide trained customer service representatives, call centers and online training tools.

In addition, weWe continue to operate our Consumer Outreach department, which provides consumers 24-hour access to our vacation planners and customer service agents in our call centers. In addition, we maintain andcenters, as well as invest in our websites, including mobile applications and mobile websites, which allowwebsites. We enable our guests to directly plan,communicate and book with us through various channels such as phone, web, chat, text message, and/or email. Additionally, we continue to advance our e-commerce capabilities and customize their cruise, including the abilityvacation shopping experience for our guests. In addition to addoffering a variety ofsimplified booking experience, we leverage the

8


mobile application for onboard amenities.

We also have a robust Onboard Cruise Sales department to helpexperiences such as WiFi, beverages, shore excursions, and specialty dining – enabling guests to book their next cruise vacations while onboard our ships.vacation end-to-end.

Guest Services

We offer to handle virtually all travel aspects related to guest reservations and transportation, including arrangingfacilitating guest pre- and post-hotel stay arrangements and air transportation.

Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara ClubSilversea Cruises offer rewardsrecognition and status upgrades to their guests through their loyalty programs, Crown & Anchor Society, Captain’s Club, and Le Club Voyage,Venetian Society, respectively, to encourage repeat business. Crown & Anchor Society has approximately 12.819.2 million members worldwide. Captain’s Club and Le Club VoyageVenetian Society have approximately 3.76.1 million members combined worldwide. Members are recognized through increasing membership status by accumulating cruise points or credits, depending on the brand, which may be redeemed on future sailings. Members are awarded points or credits in proportion to the number of cruise days and stateroom category. The loyalty programs provide certain tiers of membership benefits which entitle guests to upgraded experiences and rewardsrecognition relative to the status achieved once the guests have accumulated the number of cruise points or credits specified for each tier. In addition, upon achieving a certain level of cruise points or credits, the Crown & Anchor Society and Captain’s Club members benefit from reciprocal membership benefits across all of ourbetween the loyalty programs. Examples of the rewardsbenefits available under our loyalty programs include, but are not limited to, priority ship embarkation, priority waitlist for shore excursions, complimentary laundry service, complimentary internet, booklets with onboarddigital discount offers,vouchers, upgraded bathroom amenities, privatereserved seating on the pool deck, ship tours and, in the case of our most loyal guests who have achieved the highest levels of cruise points or credits, complimentary cruise days.cruises. We regularly work to enhance each of our loyalty programs by adding

new features and amenities in order to reward our repeat guests.

Operations

Cruise Ships and Itineraries

As of December 31, 2017,2023, our Global Brands and Partner Brands collectively operated 4964 ships with a selection of worldwide itineraries ranging from two to 23 nights that call on approximately 540 destinations.

more than 1,000 destinations in over 120 countries.
The following table presents summary information concerning the ships that we expect to operatewill be in 2018our fleet in 2024 under our Global Brands and Partner BrandsBrands.
ShipYear Ship
Built
Year ship entered service / will enter serviceApproximate
Berths
Royal Caribbean International
Utopia of the Seas202420245,700
Icon of the Seas (1)
202320245,600
Wonder of the Seas202220225,700
Odyssey of the Seas202120214,200
Spectrum of the Seas201920194,150
Symphony of the Seas201820185,500
Harmony of the Seas201620165,500
Ovation of the Seas201620164,150
Anthem of the Seas201520154,150
Quantum of the Seas201420144,150
Allure of the Seas201020105,500
Oasis of the Seas200920095,600
Independence of the Seas200820083,850
Liberty of the Seas200720073,800
Freedom of the Seas200620063,950
Jewel of the Seas200420042,200
Mariner of the Seas200320033,350
Serenade of the Seas200320032,150
Navigator of the Seas200220023,400

9


ShipYear Ship
Built
Year ship entered service / will enter serviceApproximate
Berths
Brilliance of the Seas200220022,150
Adventure of the Seas200120013,350
Radiance of the Seas200120012,150
Explorer of the Seas200020003,300
Voyager of the Seas199919993,450
Vision of the Seas199819982,050
Enchantment of the Seas199719972,300
Rhapsody of the Seas199719972,050
Grandeur of the Seas199619962,000
Celebrity Cruises  
Celebrity Ascent202320233,250
Celebrity Beyond202220223,250
Celebrity Apex202020202,900
Celebrity Flora20192019100
Celebrity Edge201820182,900
Celebrity Reflection201220123,050
Celebrity Silhouette201120112,900
Celebrity Eclipse201020102,850
Celebrity Equinox200920092,850
Celebrity Solstice200820082,850
Celebrity Xploration2007201615
Celebrity Constellation200220022,200
Celebrity Summit200120012,200
Celebrity Infinity200120012,150
Celebrity Xpedition2001200450
Celebrity Millennium200020002,200
Silversea Cruises
Silver Ray20242024730
Silver Nova20232023730
Silver Endeavour20212022220
Silver Dawn20212022600
Silver Origin20202020100
Silver Moon20202020600
Silver Muse20172017600
Silver Spirit20092009600
Silver Whisper20012001400
Silver Shadow20002000400
Silver Wind19951995270
Silver Cloud19941994250
TUI Cruises
Mein Schiff Relax202420254,100
Mein Schiff 7202420242,900
Mein Schiff 2201920192,900
Mein Schiff 1201820182,900

10


ShipYear Ship
Built
Year ship entered service / will enter serviceApproximate
Berths
Mein Schiff 6201720172,500
Mein Schiff 5201620162,500
Mein Schiff 4201520152,500
Mein Schiff 3201420142,500
Hapag-Lloyd
Hanseatic Spirit20212021230
Hanseatic Inspiration20192019230
Hanseatic Nature20192019230
Europa 220132013500
Europa19991999400
Total171,005
______________________________________________________________
(1)Icon of the Seas was delivered in 2023 and their geographic areascommenced cruise revenue operations in January 2024.
As of operation based on current 2018 itineraries (subject to change).

Ship Year Ship
Built
 
Year Ship
Entered/Will Enter Service
(1)
 Approximate
Berths
 Primary Areas of Operation
Royal Caribbean International        
Symphony of the Seas 2018 2018 5,450 Mediterranean, Eastern/Western Caribbean
Harmony of the Seas 2016 2016 5,450 Eastern/Western Caribbean
Ovation of the Seas 2016 2016 4,100 Eastern Asia, Australia/New Zealand
Anthem of the Seas 2015 2015 4,150 Bermuda, Canada, Eastern/Southern Caribbean
Quantum of the Seas 2014 2014 4,150 Eastern Asia
Allure of the Seas 2010 2010 5,450 Eastern/Western Caribbean
Oasis of the Seas 2009 2009 5,450 Eastern/Western Caribbean
Independence of the Seas 2008 2008 3,600 Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Western Caribbean
Liberty of the Seas 2007 2007 3,750 Western Caribbean
Freedom of the Seas 2006 2006 3,750 Eastern/Western Caribbean, Mediterranean
Jewel of the Seas 2004 2004 2,150 Mediterranean, Southern Caribbean
Mariner of the Seas 2003 2003 3,100 Eastern Asia, Bahamas
Serenade of the Seas 2003 2003 2,100 Eastern/Southern Caribbean, Northern Europe, Canada, Bermuda
Navigator of the Seas 2002 2002 3,250 Northern Europe, Southern/Western Caribbean, Mediterranean
Brilliance of the Seas 2002 2002 2,100 Northern Europe, Western Caribbean
Adventure of the Seas 2001 2001 3,200 Eastern/Western/Southern Caribbean, Canada
Radiance of the Seas 2001 2001 2,100 Alaska, Australia/New Zealand
Explorer of the Seas 2000 2000 3,250 Alaska, Australia/New Zealand
Voyager of the Seas 1999 1999 3,250 Eastern Asia, Australia/New Zealand
Vision of the Seas 1998 1998 2,000 Mediterranean, Western Caribbean
Enchantment of the Seas 1997 1997 2,250 Bahamas
Rhapsody of the Seas 1997 1997 2,000 Mediterranean, Western Caribbean
Grandeur of the Seas 1996 1996 1,950 Southern Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada, Bahamas
Majesty of the Seas 1992 1992 2,350 Bahamas, Cuba, Western Caribbean
Empress of the Seas 1990 2016 1,550 Bahamas, Cuba, Western Caribbean

Ship Year Ship
Built
 
Year Ship
Entered/Will Enter Service
(1)
 Approximate
Berths
 Primary Areas of Operation
Celebrity Cruises        
Celebrity Edge 2018 2018 2,900 Eastern/Western Caribbean
Celebrity Reflection 2012 2012 3,000 Mediterranean, Eastern/Western/Southern Caribbean
Celebrity Silhouette 2011 2011 2,850 Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Eastern/Western/Southern Caribbean
Celebrity Eclipse 2010 2010 2,850 Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Southern Caribbean, South America
Celebrity Equinox 2009 2009 2,850 Eastern/Western/Southern Caribbean
Celebrity Solstice 2008 2008 2,850 Alaska, Australia/New Zealand
Celebrity Xploration 2007 2016 20 Galapagos Islands
Celebrity Constellation 2002 2002 2,150 Mediterranean, Middle East, Southeast Asia
Celebrity Summit 2001 2001 2,150 Southern Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada
Celebrity Infinity 2001 2001 2,150 South America, Alaska, Western Caribbean, Bahamas
Celebrity Xpedition 2001 2004 100 Galapagos Islands
Celebrity Millennium 2000 2000 2,150 Alaska, Southeastern/Eastern Asia
Celebrity Xperience 1982 2016 50 Galapagos Islands
Azamara Club Cruises        
Azamara Quest 2000 2007 700 Mediterranean, Eastern/Western/Southern Caribbean, Latin America, Middle East, Australia, Asia
  Azamara Journey 2000 2007 700 Southeastern Asia, Eastern Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Cuba
  Azamara Pursuit 2001 2018 700 Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America
Pullmantur        
Zenith 1992 2014 1,400 Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Eastern Caribbean
Monarch 1991 2013 2,350 Eastern/Southern Caribbean
Horizon 1990 2010 1,400 Mediterranean, Middle East
Sovereign 1988 2008 2,300 Mediterranean, Brazil
TUI Cruises        
Mein Schiff 1 (2)
 2018 2018 2,850 Southeastern Asia, Middle East, Mediterranean
Mein Schiff 6 2017 2017 2,500 North/South/Central America, Mediterranean
Mein Schiff 5 2016 2016 2,500 Southern Caribbean, Mediterranean, Dubai, Northern Europe
Mein Schiff 4 2015 2015 2,500 Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Dubai
Mein Schiff 3 2014 2014 2,500 Northern Europe, Eastern/Southern Caribbean, Mediterranean, Southeast Asia
Mein Schiff 2 1997 2011 1,900 Mediterranean
SkySea Cruises        
SkySea Golden Era 1995 2015 1,800 Eastern Asia
Total 134,070  

(1)The year a ship entered service refers to the year in which the ship commenced or is expected to commence cruise revenue operations for the brand.
(2)
TUI Cruises' newbuild scheduled for delivery in 2018 will enter service as Mein Schiff 1 and the existing Mein Schiff 1, not included above, is planned for transfer to an affiliate of TUI AG,December 31, 2023, our joint venture partner in TUI Cruises.

Our Global Brands and our Partner Brands have thirteeneight ships on order. Two ships on order are being built in Germany by Meyer Werft GmbH, four are being built in Finland by Meyer Turku shipyard, six are being built in France by STX France and one is being built inThe table below sets forth, as of December 31, 2023, the Netherlands by De Hoop Lobith. The expected dates that the ships on order will enter serviceare expected to be delivered, and their approximate berthsberths. The expected delivery dates for all of our ships on order are subject to change due to events such as follows:

shipyard construction delays or agreed upon scope changes which impact the delivery timelines. See Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors for further discussion on shipyard operations.
ShipShipyardExpected DeliveryApproximate
Berths
Ship
Expected to Enter
Service
Approximate
Berths
Royal Caribbean International —
Oasis-class:
SymphonyUtopia of the SeasChantiers de l’Atlantique1st Quarter 20185,450
Unnamed2nd Quarter 202120245,7005,450
Quantum-class:Icon-class:
SpectrumStar of the SeasMeyer Turku Oy2nd Quarter 201920255,6004,150
UnnamedMeyer Turku Oy2nd Quarter 20265,600
Celebrity Cruises —
Edge-class:
Celebrity XcelChantiers de l’Atlantique4th Quarter 202020253,2504,150
Icon-class:Silversea Cruises —
UnnamedEvolution-class:2nd Quarter 20225,650
UnnamedSilver RayMeyer Werft2nd Quarter 20247305,650
Celebrity Cruises —
Edge-class:
Celebrity Edge4th Quarter 20182,900
Celebrity Beyond2nd Quarter 20202,900
Unnamed4th Quarter 20212,900
Unnamed4th Quarter 20222,900
Celebrity Flora2nd Quarter 2019100
TUI Cruises (50% joint venture) (1)
Mein Schiff 17Meyer Turku Oy2nd Quarter 201820242,9002,850
UnnamedMein Schiff RelaxFincantieri1st4th Quarter 201920244,1002,850
UnnamedFincantieri2nd Quarter 20264,100
Total Berths31,98047,900


(1)
TUI Cruises plans to offset this additional capacity through the planned transfer of their existing, oldest ships, Mein Schiff 1 and Mein Schiff 2, in 2018 and 2019, respectively, to an affiliate of TUI AG, our joint venture partner in TUI Cruises.

In September 2017,addition, in February 2024, we entered into an agreement with Chantiers de l’Atlantique to purchase a 700 berthbuild an additional Oasis class ship for our Azamara Club Cruises brand thatdelivery in 2028, which is scheduled to be delivered in March 2018 and expected to enter service during the third quartercontingent upon completion of 2018.certain conditions precedent including financing.


11


Seasonality

Our revenues arehave historically been seasonal based on the demand for cruises. Demand is typically strongest for cruises during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer months and holidays. In order to mitigate the impact of the winter weather in the Northern Hemisphere and to capitalize on the summer season in the Southern Hemisphere, our brands have focused on deployment in the Caribbean, Asia and Australia during that period.


Passengers and Capacity

Selected statistical information is shown in the following table (see Financial Presentation- Description of Certain Line Items and Selected Operational and Financial Metrics under Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, for definitions):. Passengers Carried, Passenger Cruise Days, Available Passenger Cruise Days and Occupancy reflect the impact of our suspension of operations during parts of 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the gradual resumption of full operations starting the second half of 2021 through the first half of 2022:


Year Ended December 31,
Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,

2017 
2016(1)
 2015 2014 2013

202320222021 (1)(3)2020 (2)2019 (2)
Passengers Carried5,768,496 5,754,747 5,401,899 5,149,952 4,884,763Passengers Carried7,646,2035,536,3351,030,4031,295,1446,553,865
Passenger Cruise Days40,033,527 40,250,557 38,523,060 36,710,966 35,561,772Passenger Cruise Days49,549,12735,051,9355,802,5828,697,89344,803,953
Available Passenger Cruise Days (APCD)36,930,939 37,844,644 36,646,639 34,773,915 33,974,852Available Passenger Cruise Days (APCD)46,916,25941,197,65011,767,4418,539,90341,432,451
Occupancy108.4% 106.4% 105.1% 105.6% 104.7%Occupancy105.6%85.1%49.3%101.9%108.1%


(1)    Due to the elimination of the Silversea Cruises three-month reporting lag in October of 2021, we include Silversea Cruises' metrics from October 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021 and October 1 through December 31, 2021 in the year ended December 31, 2021. The year ended December 31, 2021 does not include July, August, and September 2021 statistics as Silversea Cruises' results of operations for those months are included within Other (expense) income in our consolidated statements of comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2021.Refer to Note 1. General to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for more information on the three-month reporting lag.
(1)
Does not include November and December 2015 amounts for Pullmantur as the net Pullmantur result for those months was included within Other expense in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2016, as a result of the elimination of the Pullmantur reporting lag, and did not affect Gross Yields, Net Yields, Gross Cruise Costs, Net Cruise Costs and Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel. Additionally, effective August 2016, we no longer include Pullmantur Holdings in these amounts.

(2) Due to the three-month reporting lag effective through September 30, 2021, we include Silversea Cruises' metrics from October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020 in the year ended December 31, 2020, and from October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2019 in the year ended December 31, 2019.
(3)    For the year ended December, 31, 2021, we include Azamara Cruises' metrics through March 19, 2021, the effective sale date of the brand. Refer to Note 1. General to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for more information on the sale of the Azamara Cruises brand. For the years ended December 31, 2020, and 2019, we include the full year of operations for Azamara Cruises.
Cruise Pricing

Our cruise ticket prices include accommodations and a wide variety of activities and amenities, including meals and entertainment. Prices vary depending on many factors including the destination, cruise length, stateroom category selected, and the time of year the cruise takes place. place, and the amenities bundled into the price.
Although we grant credit terms in select markets mainly outside of the United States, our payment terms generally require an upfront deposit to confirm a reservation, with the balance due prior to the sailing. Our cruises are generally available for sale at least one year in advance and often as much asmore than two years in advance of sailing. During the selling period of a cruise, we continually monitor and adjust our cruise ticket prices for available guest staterooms based on demand, with the objective of maximizing net yields. In early 2015, in an effort to preserve the integrity of our cruise pricing, we implemented a new policy against introducing incremental discounting on our ticket prices in certain markets within 30 days of the sailing date. We continue to follow this policy.

As we grow our business has grown globally, our sale arrangements with travel agentsadvisors may vary. For instance, although our direct business has historically grown at a rapid pace, sale arrangements in the mainland Chinese market are primarily composed ofthrough travel agentadvisor charter and group sales with full payment due close-in to sailing, and to a lesser extent,are proportionately higher in the China market than in our other markets which are primarily through retail agency and direct sales.

We have developed and implemented enhancements to our reservations system that provide us and our travel partners with additional capabilities. The enhancements also allow uscapabilities, making it easier to better understand and react to the current demand and pricing environment and implement a variety of promotions.

We offer air transportation to our guests through our air transportation program available in major cities around the world. Generally, air tickets are sold to guests at prices close to cost which vary by gateway and destination.

do business with us.
Passenger ticket revenues accounted for approximately 72%69%, 72%66% and 73%61% of total revenues in 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively.


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Onboard Activities and Other Revenues

Our cruise brands offer modern fleets with a wide array of onboard services, amenities and activities which vary by brand and ship. While many onboard activities are included in the base price of a cruise, we realize additional revenues from, among other things, gaming, the sale of alcoholic and other beverages, internet and other telecommunication services, gift shop items, shore excursions, photography, spa/salon and fitness services, art auctions,

retail shops and a wide variety of specialty restaurants and dining options. Many of these services are available for pre-booking prior to embarkation. These activities are providedoffered either directly by us or by independent concessionaires from which we receive a percentage of their revenues. The all-inclusive pricing programs that we offer currently add some of these onboard activity and other services to the base price of the cruise.

In conjunction with our cruise vacations, we offer pre- and post-cruise hotel packages to our Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara ClubSilversea Cruises guests. We also offer cruise vacation protection coverage to guests in a number of markets, which provides guests with coverage for trip cancellation, medical protection and baggage protection. Onboard and other revenues accounted for approximately 28%31%, 28%34%, and 27%39% of total revenues in 2017, 20162023, 2022, and 2015,2021, respectively.

Segment Reporting

We operate three wholly-owned cruise brands, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises. In addition, we have a 50% investment in a joint venture with TUI AG which operates the German brand TUI Cruises, a 49% interest in the Spanish brand Pullmantur and have a 36% interest in the Chinese brand SkySea Cruises. We believe our brands possess the versatility to enter multiple cruise market segments within the cruise vacation industry. Although each of our brands has its own marketing style as well as ships and crews of various sizes, the nature of the products sold and services delivered by our brands share a common base (i.e., the sale and provision of cruise vacations). Our brands also have similar itineraries as well as similar cost and revenue components. In addition, our brands sourceGlobal Brands have historically sourced passengers from similar markets around the world and operateoperated in similar economic environments with a significant degree of commercial overlap. As a result, our brands have been aggregated as a single reportable segment based on the similarity of their economic characteristics, types of consumers, regulatory environment, maintenance requirements, supporting systems and processes as well as products and services provided. Our ChairmanPresident and Chief Executive Officer has been identified as the chief operating decision-maker and all significant operating decisions including the allocation of resources are based upon the analyses of the Company as one segment. (For financial information, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.)

EmployeesHuman Capital

Our human capital strategy focuses on attracting, developing and retaining the best talent in the industry. Some key elements of these strategies include: assessing current and future talent needs; a diverse and inclusive workforce; robust opportunities for employee growth and development; support for health and well-being; and an active listening strategy to make sure voices are heard and continuous improvement occurs. We review our human capital metrics and our diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) program with the Talent and Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors on a regular basis.
As of December 31, 2017,2023, our Global Brandsthree global cruise brands employed approximately 66,00098,200 employees spanning across our shipboard fleet and shoreside locations. Our shoreside workforce, including 60,000 shipboard employees as well as 6,000 full-timeprivate destinations, consisted of approximately 9,500 full time and 100 part-time employees. Our shipboard workforce consisted of approximately, 88,700 employees, in our shoreside operations. Asand as of December 31, 2017,2023, approximately 85% of our shipboard employees88% were covered by collective bargaining agreements.

The following table details the distribution of our workforce by employee type and region as of December 31, 2023:
Employee TypeU.S. Based EmployeesInternational Employees
Shoreside Operations(1)
4,0503,900
Shipboard Employees88,700
Private Destinations (2)
1,550
(1)    Includes full time and part-time employees.
(2)    Private Destinations includes Coco Cay, Labadee and Galapagos based employees.
As a global operation, we take great pride in the broad diversity of our workforce and the value it brings to our company. Our shoreside workforce is gender diverse with 54% female representation. Our shipboard workforce is comprised of employees from approximately 135 countries. The majority of our shipboard workforce comes from the Philippines (31%), Indonesia (18%) and India (14%). Our shoreside workforce is primarily based out of the U.S. (51%), Philippines (26%), Mexico (8%), and U.K. (5%).

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The following table details the gender distribution of our workforce by employee location as of December 31, 2023:
Employee LocationMaleFemale
Shoreside - U.S.46%54%
Shoreside - International43%57%
Shipboard78%22%

Our U.S. shoreside workforce is ethnically diverse with approximately 57% comprised of non-White ethnic groups.
U.S. Shoreside Representation by Ethnicity% of Total U.S. Shoreside Population
White39%
Hispanic43%
African American8%
Asian6%
Others(1)
4%
(1)    No other individual category is greater than 1%.
We offer a variety of learning and development programs to our workforce, which includes a combination of instructor led (classroom and virtual) and web based (self-learning) courses. This includes additional tools to assist our employees with managing their career development within Royal Caribbean Group. In 2023, our workforce invested approximately 2.5 million hours in learning programs across a variety of areas ranging from Ethics, Compliance, Business Software and Tools, Finance/Accounting, Professional development, Project Management, Cyber Security, Leadership and Safety/Security among others. In total, our workforce completed approximately 2.9 million courses within our learning management systems.
We run our employee pulse surveys periodically to understand and positively impact our employees’ experience. In 2023, our shoreside employee engagement scores remained high and above most global industry benchmarks.
Trademarks
We own a number of registered trademarks related to the Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises cruise brands. The registered trademarks include the name “Royal Caribbean International” and its crown and anchor logo, the name “Celebrity Cruises” and its “X” logo, the name “Silversea Cruises” and its logo, and the names of various cruise ships, ship venues and other marketing programs. We believe our largest brands' trademarks are widely recognized throughout the world and have considerable value. The duration of trademark registrations varies from country to country. However, trademarks are generally valid and may be renewed indefinitely as long as they are in use and/or their registrations are properly maintained.
Insurance

We maintain insurance on the hull and machinery of our ships, with insured values generally equal to the net book value of each ship. This coverage is maintained with reputable insurance underwriters from the British, Scandinavian, French, United States and other reputable international insurance markets.

We are members of threefour Protection and Indemnity ("P&I") clubs, which are part of a worldwide group of 1312 P&I clubs, known as the International Group of P&I Clubs (the “IG”). Liabilities, costs and expenses for illness and injury to crew and guest, injury, pollution and other third-party claims in connection with our cruise activities are covered by our P&I clubs, subject to the clubs’ rules and the limits of coverage determined by the IG. P&I coverage provided by the clubs is on a mutual basis and we are subject to additional premium calls in the event of a catastrophic loss incurred by any member of the 1312 P&I clubs, whereby the reinsurance limits purchased by the IG are exhausted. We are also subject to additional premium calls based on investment and underwriting shortfalls experienced by our own individual insurers.

We maintain war risk insurance for legal liability to crew, guests and other third parties as well as for loss or damage to our vessels arising from acts of war, including invasion, insurrection, terrorism, rebellion, piracy and hijacking. Our primary war risk coverage is provided by a Norwegian war risk insurance association and our excess war risk insurance is provided by our threefour P&I clubs. Consistent with most marine war risk policies, our coverage is subject to cancellation in

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the event of a change in risk. In the event of a war between major powers, our primary policies

terminate after thirty days’ notice and our excess policies terminate immediately. Our excess policies are also subject to cancellation after a notice period of seven days in the event of other changes in risk. These notice periods allow for premiums to be renegotiated based on changes in risk.

Insurance coverage for other exposures, such as shoreside property and casualty, exposures, shipboard inventory,passenger off-vessel, liability, directors and officers and other risksnetwork security and privacy, are maintained with various global insurance companies.

We do not carry business interruption insurance for our ships based on our evaluation of the risks involved and protective measures already in place, as compared to the cost of insurance.

All insurance coverage is subject to certain limitations, exclusions and deductible levels. In addition, in certain circumstances, we either self-insure or co-insure a portion of these risks. Premiums charged by insurance carriers, including carriers in the maritime insurance industry, increase or decrease from time to time and tend to be cyclical in nature. These cycles are impacted both by our own loss experience and by losses incurred in direct and reinsurance markets. We historically have been able to obtain insurance coverage in amounts and at premiums we have deemed to be commercially acceptable. No assurance can be given that affordable and secure insurance markets will be available to us in the future, particularly for war risk insurance.

Trademarks

We own a number of registered trademarks related to the Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises cruise brands. The registered trademarks include the name “Royal Caribbean International” and its crown and anchor logo, the name “Celebrity Cruises” and its “X” logo, the name “Azamara Club Cruises” and its globe with an “A” logo, and the names of various cruise ships, as well as loyalty program names and other marketing programs. We believe our largest brands' trademarks are widely recognized throughout the world and have considerable value. The duration of trademark registrations varies from country to country. However, trademarks are generally valid and may be renewed indefinitely as long as they are in use and/or their registrations are properly maintained.

Regulation

Our ships are regulated by various international, national, state and local laws, regulations and treaties in force in the jurisdictions in which they operate. In addition, our ships are registered in the Bahamas, Cyprus, Malta or in the case of our ships operating in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Each ship is subject to regulations issued by its country of registry, including regulations issued pursuant to international treaties governing the safety of our ships, guests and crew as well as environmental protection. Each country of registry conducts periodic inspections to verify compliance with these regulations as discussed more fully below. Ships operating out of ports of call around the world are also subject to inspection by the maritime authorities of that country for compliance with international treaties and local regulations. Additionally, ships operating out of the United States ports are subject to inspection by the United States Coast Guard for compliance with international treaties and by the United States Public Health Service for sanitary and health conditions. Our ships are also subject to similar inspections pursuant to the laws and regulations of various other countries our ships visit.

We believe that we are in material compliance with all the regulations applicable to our ships and that we have all licenses necessary to conduct our business. Health, safety, security, environmental and financial responsibility issues are, and we believe will continue to be, an area of focus by the relevant government authorities in the United States and internationally. From time to time, various regulatory and legislative changes may be proposedimplemented that could impact our operations and subject us to increasing compliance costs in the future.

Safety and Security Regulations

Our ships are required to comply with international safety standards defined in the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (“SOLAS”), which, among other things, establishesestablish requirements for ship design, structural features, materials, construction, lifesaving equipment and safe management and operation of ships to ensurefor guest

and crew safety. The SOLAS standards are revised from time to time and changes are incorporated intoin our ship design and operation, as applicable. The latest enhancements include the operationaddition of our ships.the Polar Code which sets goal-based standards for ships operating in the polar region as well as damage stability requirements for new designs and operational measures for existing vessels. Compliance with these modified standards have not historically had a material effect on our operating costs. SOLAS incorporates the International Safety Management Code (“ISM Code”), which provides an international standard for the safe management and operation of ships and for pollution prevention. The ISM Code is mandatory for all vessels, including passenger vessel operators.

All of our operations and ships are regularly audited by various national authorities, and we are required to maintain the requiredrelevant certificates of compliance with the ISM Code.

Additionally, we are required to meet, and we fully comply with, the provisions outlined in the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). This convention sets the training and competency standards for all our crew who are responsible for operating the vessels or who have designated roles in ensuring the safety of our guests and crew during an emergency. Regulatory bodies routinely check that our crews’ training credentials are up-to-date and assess competency by observing safety and emergency drills. As amendments are made to STCW, we ensure that our crew training is updated accordingly.

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Our ships are subject to various security requirements, including the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (“ISPS Code”), which is part of SOLAS, and the U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (“MTSA”), which applies to ships that operate in U.S. ports. In order to satisfy these security requirements, we implement security measures, conduct vessel security assessments, and develop security plans. The security plans for all of our ships have been submitted to and approved by the respective countriesRecognized Security Organization on behalf of registry for our shipsthe ships' flag state and are in compliance with the ISPS Code and the MTSA.

The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010, which applies to passenger vessels which embark or include port stops within the United States, requires the implementation of certain safety design features as well as the establishment of practices for the reporting of and dealing with allegations of crime. The cruise industry supported this legislation and we believe that our internal standards are generally as strict or stricter than the law requires. A fewSome provisions of the lawact call for regulations which have not yet been finalized; however, based on proposed regulations issued by the U.S. Coast Guard in January 2015, wefinalized. We do not expect anythe pending regulations to have a material costs dueimpact to implementing these regulations.

our operations.
Environmental Regulations

We are subject to various international and national laws and regulations relating to environmental protection. Under such laws and regulations, we are generally prohibited from discharging materials other than food waste and treated effluents into the waterways. We have made, and will continue to make, capital and other expenditures to comply with environmental laws and regulations. From time to time, environmental and other regulators consider more stringent regulations, which may affect our operations and increase our compliance costs. We believe that the impact of ships on the global environment will continue to be an area of focus by the relevant authorities throughout the world and, accordingly, may subject us to increasing compliance costs in the future, including the items described below.
Our ships are subject to the International Maritime Organization’s (‘‘IMO’’) regulations under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (the ‘‘MARPOL Regulations’’) and the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships Ballast Water and Sediments (Ballast Water Management Convention), in addition to other regional and national regulations such as EU Directives and the US Vessel General Permit, which includes requirements designed to minimize pollution by oil, sewage, garbage, air emissions and the transfer of non-native/non-indigenous species. We have obtained the relevant international compliance certificates relating to oil, sewage, air pollution prevention and ballast water for all of our ships.
Emissions
The MARPOL Regulations imposeimposed reduced global limitations on the sulfur content of emissions emitted by ships operating worldwide to 3.5%. 0.5% as of January 1, 2020. Compliance with this limitation has not and is not expected to have a material impact to our results of operations, largely due to a number of mitigating steps we have taken over the last several years. This includes equipping all of our new ships delivered since 2014 with Advanced Emissions Purification ("AEP") systems covering all engines and actively developing and installing AEP systems on the majority of our remaining fleet; resulting in 70% of our fleet being equipped with AEP systems. In addition, the majority of our ships on order are being delivered with Liquified Natural Gas ("LNG") technology that meet all sulfur requirements without the need for an AEP system. These efforts will provide us with additional operational and deployment flexibility.
The MARPOL Regulations also establish special Emission Control Areas (‘‘ECAs’’("ECAs") with additional stringent limitations on sulfur emissions in thesecertain geographical areas. There are four established ECAs and one additional ECA being established beginning in May of 2025 that restrict sulfur emissions: the Baltic Sea, the North Sea/English Channel, certain waters surrounding the North American coast, and the waters surrounding Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (the “Caribbean ECA”"US Caribbean ECA").

and the Mediterranean Sea ECA coming into force in May 2025. Ships operating in these sulfur ECAs have beenare required to reduce their emissions sulfur content from 1.0% to 0.1%. This reduction has not had a significant impact on our results of operations to date largely due to a number of mitigating steps we have taken over the last several years, including equippingAdditionally, all of our new ships delivered during or after 2014 with advanced emissions purification ("AEP") systems covering all engines and actively developing and testing AEP systems on the majority of our remaining fleet.


We continue to implement our AEP system strategy both for our ships on order and for the majority of the ships on our fleet. As our new ships are delivered, they will provide us with additional operational and deployment flexibility. Prior to 2017, we had in place exemptions for 19 of our ships which applied while they were sailing inoperating within the North American and U.S. Caribbean ECAs. These exemptions delay the requirement to comply with the additional sulfur content reduction pending our continued development and deployment of AEP systems on these ships. By the end of 2017, we completed deployment of the AEP system or systems on 17 of the 19 ships covered by the exemptions. We believe that the learning from our existing endeavors as well as our further efforts with regards to this technology will allow us to implement an effective AEP system retrofit strategy for our fleet.

By January 1, 2020, the MARPOL regulations will require the worldwide limitations on sulfur content on emissions to be reduced from 3.5% to 0.5%. As this regulation is implemented worldwide and if our mitigation strategies are ineffective, including our AEP system retrofit strategy, our fuel costs could increase significantly.

All new shipsSea ECA that began construction on or after January 1, 2016 and ships operating in the North and Baltic Sea ECA constructed on or after January 1, 2021 are required to meet more stringent nitrogen oxide emission limits when operating within the North American and U.S. Caribbean Sea ECA. We have been in the processlimits. In order to ensure deployment flexibility, all of evaluating a number of technological alternatives over the last several years to address these new requirements and believe that we will be ableour ships under construction are being built to comply with these limits withoutnitrogen oxide emission rules. Compliance with these MARPOL requirements has not had and is not expected to have, a significantmaterial impact on our results of operations due to our operations or fuel costs.the mitigating steps described above.

Effective July 1, 2015, the European Commission adopted legislation that requires cruise ship operators with ships visiting ports in theThe European Union (EU) and IMO implemented legislations that require ships to monitor and report their carbon emissions. These legislations contemplated the enactment of further obligations and restrictions focused on reducing carbon emissions from ships. In 2022, the ship’s annualEU proposed a series of carbon dioxidereforms under its Fit for 55 package designed to meet its 2030 emission goals of reducing its GHG emissions startingby 55% from 1990 levels. As part of this package, during 2023, the EU adopted and published the Emission Trading System (ETS) and the FuelEU Maritime regulation. The ETS program will impose requirements to purchase carbon emission allowances beginning in 2018. Additionally,2024 for 40% of our emissions

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within Europe, growing to 70% in 2019,2025, and to 100% in 2026. The impact of the IMO's monitoringEU ETS regulation is not expected to have a material impact on our 2024 results of operations. The impact of the regulation on future periods is uncertain as the costs of ETS allowances will depend on future markets as well as future deployments. Based on current deployment plans and reporting system (IMO data and collection system), which is applicable to all ship itineraries, will enter into force. Whilecurrent prices of ETS allowances, we do not expect compliance with eitherthe regulation to have a material impact on our 2025 and 2026 results of these regulationsoperations.
The FuelEU Maritime regulation will require ships to materially impactreduce GHG intensity in the fuels they consume by 2% as of 2025, and periodically reducing the intensity to 80% by 2050, compared to the 2020 average. All passenger ships will additionally be obligated to connect to shore power when at berth in a Trans-European Transport Network ("TEN-T") port by 2030 and all EU ports by 2035. When fully implemented, the FuelEU Maritime and the remaining Fit for 55 proposals could individually and collectively have a material adverse effect on our costs orbusiness and results of operations due to increased costs associated with compliance and modified itineraries in the adopting legislations both presentaffected regions.
In January 2023, the new monitoringIMO amendments to the MARPOL convention went into effect combining a technical and reporting requirementsan operational measure (Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index ("EEXI") and Carbon Intensity Indicator ("CII")). These regulations aim to reduce international shipping carbon intensity in line with the ambition of the initial IMO GHG Strategy of 40% by 2030, as compared to 2008. Compliance with the EEXI has not had a material impact on our operations. The impact of CII is still uncertain as the first step of a staged approachIMO is expected to review the CII framework in 2026, which could ultimately result in additional costsrequirements that could lead to changes to our itinerary flexibility for some of our ships depending on the final operational measures needed to comply. Furthermore, the IMO in 2023 revised its initial GHG Strategy to include check points in 2030 and 2040 to seek reductions in absolute GHG emissions from international shipping by at least 20% and 70%, respectively, compared to 2008. The revised IMO strategy also considers various other measures, including a possible fuel standard and a global market-based measure, such as a fuel levy or charges associatedcarbon taxes, with carbon dioxide emissions.the intent to reduce greenhouse gas emissions even further. While the exact impact is uncertain at this time as the proposals have yet to be finalized, the global nature of the CII regulation and various other potential measures within the IMO's revised strategy could have a material impact on our results of operations due to increased compliance costs.

Ballast Water
Effective September 8, 2017, theThe IMO Ballast Water Management Convention, which came into effect in 2017, requires ships that carry and discharge ballast water to meet specific discharge standards by installing Ballast Water Treatment Systems within the next five years. WeSystems. Compliance with this regulation has not had a material effect on our results of operations and we do not expect the continuing compliance with this regulation to have a material effect on our results of operations.

Refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors - "Factors associated with climate change, including an increasing global regulatory focus, could adversely affect our business", and "Labor, health and safety, financial responsibility and other maritime regulations and measures could affect operations and increase operating costs" for further discussion of the risks associated with the regulations discussed above.
Consumer Financial Responsibility Regulations

We are required to obtain certificates from the United States Federal Maritime Commission relating to our ability to satisfy liability in cases of non-performance of obligations to guests, as well as casualty and personal injury. As a condition to obtaining the required certificates, we generally arrange through our insurers for the provision of surety for our ship-operating companies. The required amount of the surety amountbonds for non-performance of obligations to guests is currently $30.0$32 million per operator and is subject to additional consumer price index based adjustments.
We are also required by the United Kingdom, Norway, Finland, Iceland and the Baltics to establish our financial responsibility for any liability resulting from the non-performance of our obligations to guests from these jurisdictions. In the United Kingdom we are currently required by the Association of British Travel Agents to provide performance bonds in varying amounts during the course of the year, up to £183 million during the peak season. Additionally, we are required by the Civil Aviation Authority to provide performance bonds totaling approximately £44£25 million. TheWe maintain with the Norwegian Travel Guarantee Fund requires us to maintain performance bonds in varying amounts during the course of the year to cover our financial responsibility in Norway, Finland, Iceland and the Baltics. These amounts ranged from NOK 39 million to NOK 100 million during 2017.
Certain other jurisdictions also require that we establish financial responsibility to our guests resulting from the non-performance of our obligations; however, the related amounts do not have a material effect on our costs.
Regulations Regarding Protection of Disabled Persons

In June 2013, the U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board proposed guidelines for the construction and alteration of passenger vessels to ensure that the vessels are readily accessible to and usable by passengers with disabilities. Once finalized, these guidelines will be used by the U.S. Department of Transportation

and U.S. Department of Justice to implement mandatory and enforceable standards for passenger vessels covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act. While we believe our vessels have been designed and outfitted to meet the needs of our guests with disabilities, we cannot at this time accurately predict whether we will be required to make material modifications or incur significant additional expenses given the uncertainty of the proposed guidelines.
Taxation of the Company

The following is a summary of our principal taxes, exemptions and special regimes. In addition to or instead of income taxation, virtually all jurisdictions where our ships call impose some tax or fee, or both, based on guest headcount,

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tonnage or some other measure. We also collect and remit value added tax (VAT) or sales tax in many jurisdictions where we operate.
Our consolidated operations are primarily foreign corporations engaged in the owning and operating of passenger cruise ships in international transportation.
U.S. Income Taxation

The following is a discussion of the application of the U.S. federal and state income tax laws to us and is based on the current provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, Treasury Department regulations, administrative rulings, court decisions and the relevant state tax laws, regulations, rulings and court decisions of the states where we have business operations. All of the foregoing is subject to change, and any such change could affect the accuracy of this discussion.
Application of Section 883 of the Internal Revenue Code

We andRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Celebrity Cruises, Inc. and Silversea Cruises Ltd. are engaged in a trade or business in the United States, and many of our ship-owning subsidiaries, depending upon the itineraries of their ships, receive income from sources within the United States. Additionally,Silversea Cruises Ltd. and our United KingdomKingdom tonnage tax company is a ship-operating company companies are classified as a disregarded entityentities, or divisions for U.S. federal income tax purposes that may earn U.S. source income. Under Section 883 of the Internal Revenue Code, certain foreign corporations may exclude from gross income (and effectively from branch profits tax as such earnings do not give rise to effectively connected earnings and profits) U.S. source income derived from or incidental to the international operation of a ship or ships, including income from the leasing of such ships.
A foreign corporation will qualify for the benefits of Section 883 if, in relevant part: (1) the foreign country in which the foreign corporation is organized grants an equivalent exemption to corporations organized in the United States; and (2) the stock of the corporation (or the direct or indirect corporate parent thereof) is “primarily and regularly traded on an established securities market” in the United States. In the opinion of our U.S. tax counsel, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, based on the representations and assumptions set forth in that opinion, we,Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., including Silversea Cruises Ltd., Celebrity Cruises Inc., and ourrelevant ship-owning subsidiaries with U.S. source shipping income qualify for the benefits of Section 883 because weRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and each of those subsidiaries are incorporated in Liberia, which is a qualifying country, and our common stock is primarily and regularly traded on an established securities market in the United States (i.e., we are a "publicly traded"“publicly traded” corporation). If, in the future, (1) Liberia no longer qualifies as an equivalent exemption jurisdiction, and we do not reincorporate in a jurisdiction that does qualify for the exemption, or (2) we fail to qualify as a publicly traded corporation, we and all of our ship-owning or operating subsidiaries that rely on Section 883 to exclude qualifying income from gross income would be subject to U.S. federal income tax on their U.S. source shipping income and income from activities incidental thereto.
We believe that most of our income and the income of our ship-owning subsidiaries, including our U.K. tonnage tax company which is considered a division for U.S. tax purposes, is derived from or incidental to the international operation of a ship or ships and, therefore, is exempt from taxation under Section 883.
Regulations under Section 883 list activities that are not considered by the Internal Revenue Service to be incidental to the international operation of ships including the sale of air and land transportation, shore excursions and pre- and post-cruise tours. Our income from these activities that is earned from sources within the United States will be subject

to U.S. taxation.
Taxation in the Absence of an Exemption Under Section 883

If we,Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., the operator of our vessels, Celebrity Cruises Inc., or our ship-owning subsidiaries were to fail to meet the requirements of Section 883 of the Internal Revenue Code, or if the provision was repealed, then, as explained below, such companies would be subject to U.S. income taxation on a portion of their income derived from or incidental to the international operation of our ships.
Because weRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and Celebrity Cruises Inc. conduct a trade or business in the United States, weRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., including Silversea Cruises Ltd., and Celebrity Cruises Inc. would be taxable at regular corporate rates on our separate company taxable income (i.e., without regard to the income of our ship-owning subsidiaries) on income which is effectively connected with our U.S. trade or business (generally only income from U.S. sources). In addition, if any of our earnings and profits effectively connected with our U.S. trade or business were withdrawn, or were deemed to have been withdrawn, from our U.S. trade or business, those withdrawn amounts would be subject to a “branch profits” tax at the rate of 30%. WeRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., which includes Silversea Cruises Ltd. for tax purposes, and Celebrity Cruises Inc. would also be potentially subject to tax on portions of certain interest paid by us at rates of up to 30%.

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If Section 883 were not available to our ship-owning subsidiaries, each such subsidiary would be subject to a special 4% tax on its U.S. source gross transportation income, if any, each year because it does not have a fixed place of business in the United States and its income is derived from the leasing of a ship.
Other United States Taxation
WeRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., which includes Silversea Cruises Ltd., and Celebrity Cruises Inc. earn U.S. source income from activities not considered incidental to international shipping. The tax on such income is not material to our results of operation for all years presented.
State Taxation

We,Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Celebrity Cruises Inc., and certain of our subsidiaries are subject to various U.S. state income taxes which are generally imposed on each state’s portion of the U.S. source income subject to federal income taxes. Additionally, the state of Alaska subjects an allocated portion of the total income of companies doing business in Alaska and certain other affiliated companies to Alaska corporate state income taxes and also imposes a 33% tax on adjusted gross income from onboard gambling activities conducted in Alaska waters. This did not have a material impact to our results of operations for all years presented.
2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law. Among other things, the new legislation reduces the federal corporate income tax rate to 21% from 35%, resulting in an immaterial benefit related to the reduction of our U.S. deferred tax liability. Although there are a number of provisions which apply to us, we do not expect any material impact to our overall tax expense as a result of the legislation.  
Maltese and Spanish Income Taxation

Effective July 31, 2016, we sold 51% of our interest in Pullmantur Holdings. We account for our retained investment under the equity method of accounting. There was no tax impact to us as a result of this sale transaction. The surviving Pullmantur company continues to be subject to the tax laws of Spain and Malta.
Under the sale agreement, we remain responsible for pre-sale tax matters with respect to years that are still open under the statute of limitations.
United Kingdom Income Taxation

We operate fifteenDuring the year ended December 31, 2023, we operated 14 ships under companies which have elected to be subject to the United Kingdom tonnage tax

regime (“U.K. tonnage tax”).
Companies subject to U.K. tonnage tax pay a corporate tax on a notional profit determined with reference to the net tonnage of qualifying vessels. The requirements for a company to qualify for the U.K. tonnage tax regime include being subject to U.K. corporate income tax, operating qualifying ships, which are strategically and commercially managed in the United Kingdom, and fulfilling a seafarer training requirement.
Relevant shipping profits include income from the operation of qualifying ships and from shipping related activities. Our U.K. income from non-shipping activities which do not qualify under the U.K. tonnage tax regime and which are not considered significant, remain subject to regular U.K. corporate income tax.
Brazilian Income Taxation
Previously, Pullmantur and our U.K. tonnage tax company chartered certain ships to Brazilian subsidiary companies for operations in Brazil. Both Pullmantur and Royal Caribbean International ceased charters to Brazil in January 2016 and March 2016, respectively. While Brazilian charters took place, the Brazilian subsidiaries' earnings were subject to Brazilian taxation which was not considered significant. The charter payments made to the U.K. tonnage tax company and to Pullmantur were exempt from Brazilian income tax under Brazilian domestic law. Additionally, remittances of revenue from sales of certain cruises in the Brazilian market are subject to taxation.
Chinese Taxation
Our U.K. tonnage tax company operates ships in international transportation in China. The income earned from this operation is exempt from taxation in China under the U.K./China double tax treaty and other circulars addressing indirect taxes. Changes to or failure to qualify for the treaty or circular could cause us to lose the benefits provided which would have a material impact on our results of operations. Our Chinese income from non-shipping activities or from shipping activities not qualifying for treaty or circular protection and which are considered insignificant, remain subject to Chinese taxation.
Other Taxation
We and certain of our subsidiaries are subject to value-added and other indirect taxes most of which are reclaimable, zero-rated or exempt.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has issued Pillar Two model rules introducing a new global minimum tax of 15% with certain aspects of Pillar 2 effective January 1, 2024 and other aspects effective January 1, 2025. The UK and EU member countries have agreed to adopt these provisions and many countries have implemented these rules for 2024. Our parent company is incorporated in Liberia. Liberia has not announced plans to revise its local corporate income tax laws as part of the Pillar 2 proposal. The OECD model rules provide an exclusion for “International Shipping Income,” and certain ancillary income, for which certain of our earnings may be eligible.
The Pillar Two rules will become effective for a portion of our earnings in 2024 and 2025, but we believe the impact will be immaterial. These rules will apply to a majority of our earnings starting in 2026. We are continuing to evaluate the impact of these proposed and enacted legislative changes, which continue to evolve. We are evaluating mitigation strategies that we believe we can execute to minimize the impact of these provisions to an immaterial amount. Refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors - "A change in our tax status under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, or other jurisdictions, may have adverse effects on our results of operations."
Website Access to Reports

We make available, free of charge, access to our Annual Reports, all quarterly and current reports and all amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission and through our website at www.rclcorporate.comwww.rclinvestor.com. The information contained on our website is not a part of any of these reports and is not incorporated by reference herein.



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Information About our Executive Officers of the Company
As of February 20, 2018,21, 2024, our executive officers are:
NameAgePosition
Jason T. Liberty48
NameAgePosition
Richard D. Fain70Chairman,President and Chief Executive Officer and Director
Jason T. LibertyNaftali Holtz4246Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Adam M. Goldstein58President and Chief Operating Officer
Michael W. Bayley5965President and Chief Executive Officer, Royal Caribbean International
Lisa Lutoff-PerloLaura Hodges Bethge6048President, and Chief Executive Officer, Celebrity Cruises
Lawrence Pimentel66President and Chief Executive Officer, Azamara Club Cruises
Harri U. Kulovaara6571Executive Vice President, Maritime
Bradley H. SteinR. Alexander Lake6252Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Chief ComplianceLegal Officer
Henry L. Pujol50Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Secretary

Richard D. FainJason T. Liberty has served as a director since 1981 and as our ChairmanPresident and Chief Executive Officer since 1988.January 2022. Mr. Fain is a recognized industry leader, having participated in shipping for over 40 years and having held a number of prominent industry positions, such as Chairman of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the largest cruise industry trade association. He currently serves as Chairman of the University of Miami Board of Trustees as well as on the National Board of the Posse Foundation. He is also former chairman of the Miami Business Forum, the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the United Way of Miami-Dade.
Jason T. Liberty has been employed byheld several roles since joining the Company in 2005. Most recently, Mr. Liberty served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since 20052017 and, has servedprior to that, as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since 2013. Before his role as Chief Financial Officer, since May 2013. Mr. Liberty previously served as Senior Vice President, Strategy and Finance from September 2012 through May 2013, overseeing the Company’s Corporate and Strategic Planning, Treasury, Investor Relations and Deployment functions. Prior to this, Mr. Liberty served, from 2010 through 2012,2013; as Vice President of Corporate and Revenue Planning and, from 2008 to 2010 through 2012; and as Vice President of Corporate and Strategic Planning.Planning from 2008 to 2010. Before joining Royal Caribbean, Mr. Liberty was a Senior Manager at the international public accounting firm of KPMG LLP. Mr. Liberty currently serves on the Board of Directors of WNS Holdings.
Adam M. GoldsteinNaftali Holtz has served as President and Chief OperatingFinancial Officer since April 2014.January 2022. In his role as Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Holtz is responsible for overseeing the Company’s financial planning and analysis, supply chain, risk management, corporate strategy, treasury, corporate tax matters, investor relations, investments, internal audit, accounting and financial reporting. Prior to this, hehis role as Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Holtz served as President of Royal Caribbean International since February 2005 and as its President and Chief Executive Officer since September 2007. Mr. Goldstein has been employed with Royal Caribbean since 1988 in a variety of positions, including Executive Vice President, Brand Operations of Royal Caribbean International, Senior Vice President Total Guest Satisfactionof Finance, responsible for financial planning and Senior Vice President, Marketing.analysis, risk management and treasury. Mr. Goldstein servedHoltz worked for Goldman Sachs as National Chaira Managing Director and Head of Lodging and Leisure Investment Banking before joining the Company in 2019. Mr. Holtz is also a veteran of the United States Travel Association (formerly, Travel Industry Association of America) in 2001 and as Chairman of CLIA in 2015 and 2016.  Mr. Goldstein began a two-year term as Chairman of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) in January 2017.Israeli Air Force.
Michael W. Bayley has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Caribbean International since December 2014. Prior to this, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Celebrity Cruises since August 2012. Mr. Bayley has been employed by Royal Caribbean for over 3040 years, having started as an Assistant Purser onboard one of the Company’s ships. He has served in a number of roles including as Executive Vice President, Operations from February 2012 until August 2012. Other positions Mr. Bayley has held include Executive Vice President, International from May 2010 until February 2012; Senior Vice President, International from December 2007 to May 2010; Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations for Royal Caribbean International; and Chairman and Managing Director of Island Cruises.
Lisa Lutoff-PerloLaura Hodges Bethge has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Celebrity Cruises since December 2014. Prior to this,May 2023. Ms. Hodges Bethge’s joined the Company in 2000 and she has since held several leadership roles within various areas of the business, including hotel and marine operations, sales, marketing, product innovation and investor relations. Most recently, she served as Executive Vice President of Shared Services Operations since February 2022, responsible for Royal Caribbean Group’s safety, security and environment, risk management and crew movement teams. Prior to that role, she served as Senior Vice President of Shared Services Operations from December 2020 to February 2022; Senior Vice President of Product Development for Royal Caribbean International from September 2012February 2020 to December 2014, where she was responsible for all2020; and Vice President of Royal Caribbean International's hotel, marine and port operations. Ms. Lutoff-Perlo has been employed with the Company since 1985 in a variety of positions within both

Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.  She started at Royal Caribbean International as District Sales Manager for New England andCustomer Experience from August 2008 to August 2012 she was responsible for Celebrity Cruises’ hotel operation.
Lawrence Pimentel has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Azamara Club Cruises since July 2009. From 2001 until January 2009, Mr. Pimentel was President, Chief Executive Officer, Director and co-owner of SeaDream Yacht Club, a privately held luxury cruise line located in Miami, Florida with two yacht-style ships that sailed primarily in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. From April 19912017 to February 2001, Mr. Pimentel was President and Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Corp.’s Seabourn Cruise Line and from May 1998 to February 2001, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Corp.’s Cunard Line.2020.
Harri U. Kulovaara has served as Executive Vice President, Maritime since January 2005. Mr. Kulovaara is responsible for fleet design and newbuild operations. Mr. Kulovaara also chairs our Maritime Safety Advisory Board. Mr. Kulovaara has been employed with Royal Caribbean since 1995 in a variety of positions, including Senior Vice President, Marine Operations, and Senior Vice President, Quality Assurance. Mr. Kulovaara is a naval architect and engineer.
Bradley H. SteinR. Alexander Lake has served as General CounselChief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary of the Company since 2006. HeJune 2021, in which role he has alsoglobal responsibility for the Company's legal and compliance functions. Mr. Lake joined the Company from World Fuel Services Corporation, a global energy services company, where he spent over 17 years leading the legal, regulatory and compliance areas, serving most recently as Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary from 2017 to 2021. Prior to World Fuel Services, Mr. Lake served as Senior Vice PresidentAssistant General Counsel at America Online Latin America, Inc. and Chief Compliance Officer of the Company since February 2009 and February 2011, respectively. Mr. Stein has been with Royal Caribbean since 1992. Before joining Royal Caribbean, Mr. Stein workedpracticed as a corporate lawyer in private practiceleading law firms in New York and Miami.
Henry L. Pujol has served as Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer of the Company since May 2013. Mr. Pujol originally joined Royal Caribbean in 2004 as Assistant Controller and was promoted to Corporate Controller in May 2007. Before joining Royal Caribbean, Mr. Pujol was a Senior Manager at the international public accounting firm of KPMG LLP.


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Item 1A. Risk Factors
The risk factors set forth below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are important factors that could cause actual results to differ from expected or historical results. It is not possible to predict or identify all such risks. There may be additional risks that we consider not to be material, or which are not known, and any of these risks could have the effects set forth below.affect our operations.The ordering of the risk factors set forth below is not intended to reflect any Company indication of prioritya risk's potential likelihood or likelihood.magnitude. See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for a cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements.
Macroeconomic, Business, Market and Operational Risks
Adverse worldwide economic or other conditions could reduce the demand for cruises and passenger spending, adversely impacting our operating results, cash flows and financial condition including potentially impairing the value of our goodwill, ships, trademarks and other assets.assets and potentially affecting other critical accounting estimates where the impact may be material to our operating results.

The demandDemand for cruises is affected by international, national, and local economic conditions. Weak or uncertain economic conditions may impact consumer confidence and pose a risk as vacationers may postpone or reduce discretionary spending. This, in turn, may result in cruise booking slowdowns, decreased cruise prices and lower onboard revenues. Given the global nature of our business, we are exposed to many different economies, and our business could be hurtnegatively impacted by challenging conditions in any of our markets. Any significant deterioration of international, national or local economic conditions could resultthe markets in a prolonged period of booking slowdowns, depressed cruise prices and reduced onboard revenues.

Fears of terrorist attacks, war, and other hostilities could have a negative impact on our results of operations.

Events such as terrorist attacks, war (or war-like conditions), conflicts (domestic or cross-border), civil unrest and other hostilities, including an escalation in the frequency or severity of incidents, and the resulting political instability, travel restrictions and advisories, and concerns over safety and security aspects of traveling or the fear of any of the foregoing have had, and could have in the future, a significant adverse impact on demand and pricing in the travel and vacation industry. In view of our global operations,which we are susceptible to a wide range of adverse events. These events could also result in additional security measures taken by local authorities which may potentially impact access to portsoperate, and/or destinations.

related reactions by our competitors in such markets.
Our operating costs could increase due to market forces and economic or geo-politicalgeopolitical factors beyond our control.

Our operating costs, including fuel, food, payroll and benefits, airfare, taxes, insurance, and security costs, are allcan be and have been subject to increases due to market forces and economic or geo-politicalgeopolitical conditions or other factors beyond our control.control, including global inflationary pressures, which have increased our operating costs. Increases in these operating costs couldhave affected, and may continue to adversely affect, our profitability.

Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, fuel prices and interest rates could affect our financial results.

We are exposed to market risk attributable to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, fuel prices and interest rates. Significant changes in any of the foregoing could have a material impact on our financial results, net of the impact of our hedging activities and natural offsets. Our operating results have been and will continue to be impacted, often significantly, by changes in each of these factors. The value of our earnings in foreign currencies is adversely impacted by a strong United States dollar. In addition, any significant increase in fuel prices could materially and adversely affect our business as fuel prices not only impact our fuel costs, but also some of our other expenses, such as crew travel, freight and commodity prices. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for more information.

Conducting business globally may result in increased costs and other risks.

We operate our business globally. Operating internationally exposes us to a number of risks, including increased exposure to a wider range of regional and local economic conditions, volatile local political conditions, potential

changes in duties and taxes, including changing and/or uncertain interpretations of existing tax laws and regulations, required compliance with additional laws and policies affecting cruising, vacation or maritime businesses or governing the operations of foreign-based companies, currency fluctuations, interest rate movements, difficulties in operating under local business environments, port quality and availability in certain regions, U.S. and global anti-bribery laws or regulations, imposition of trade barriers and restrictions on repatriation of earnings.

Our future growth strategies increasingly depend on the growth and sustained profitability of certain international markets, such as China. Some factors that will be critical to our success in developing these markets may be different than those affecting our more-established North American and European markets. In the Chinese market, in particular, our future success depends on our ability to continue to raise awareness of our products, evolve the available distribution channels and adapt our offerings to best suit the Chinese consumer. China’s economy differs from the economies of other developed countries in many respects and, as the legal and regulatory system in China continues to evolve, there may be greater uncertainty as to the interpretation and enforcement of applicable laws and regulations. In March 2017, China's National Tourism Administration issued a directive to travel agents to halt sales of holiday packages to South Korea. This travel restriction has had a direct impact on our related itineraries impacting the overall performance of our China business. It is uncertain what the ultimate scope and duration of this restriction will be, but to the extent that this or similar sanctions affecting regional travel and/or tourism continues or are put in place, it may impact local demand, available cruise itineraries and the overall financial performance of the China market.

Operating globally also exposes us to numerous and sometimes conflicting legal, regulatory and tax requirements. In many parts of the world, including countries in which we operate, practices in the local business communities might not conform to international business standards. We must adhere to policies designed to promote legal and regulatory compliance as well as applicable laws and regulations. However, we might not be successful in ensuring that our employees, agents, representatives and other third parties with whom we associate throughout the world properly adhere to them. Failure by us, our employees or any of these third parties to adhere to our policies or applicable laws or regulations could result in penalties, sanctions, damage to our reputation and related costs which in turn could negatively affect our results of operations and cash flows.

We have operations in and source passengers from the United Kingdom and other member countries of the European Union. In March 2017, the United Kingdom notified the European Council of its intent to withdraw from the European Union. Since the initial referendum in June 2016, the expected withdrawal has resulted in increased volatility in the global financial markets and, in particular, in global currency exchange rates. The expected withdrawal could potentially adversely affect tax, legal and regulatory regimes to which our business in the region is subject. The expected withdrawal could also, among other potential outcomes, disrupt the free movement of goods, services and people between the United Kingdom and the European Union. Further, as the expected withdrawal approaches, continued uncertainty around these issues could lead to adverse effects on the economy of the United Kingdom, including the value of the British Pound, and the other economies in which we operate, making it more difficult to source passengers from these regions. These risks may be exacerbated if voters of other countries within the European Union similarly elect to exit the European Union in future referendums.

As a global operator, our business may be also impacted by changes in U.S. policy or priorities in areas such as trade, immigration and/or environmental or labor regulations, among others. Depending on the nature and scope of any such changes, they could impact our domestic and international business operations. Any such changes, and any international response to them, could potentially introduce new barriers to passenger or crew travel and/or cross border transactions, impact our guest experience and/or increase our operating costs.

If we are unable to address these risks adequately, our financial position and results of operations could be adversely affected, including potentially impairing the value of our ships and other assets.

profitability.
Price increases for commercial airline serviceservices for our guests or major changes or reduction in commercial airline serviceservices and/or availability could adversely impact the demand for cruises and undermine our ability to provide reasonably priced vacation packages to our guests.


Many of our guests depend on scheduled commercial airline services to transport them to or from the ports where our cruises embark or disembark. Increases in the price of airfare would increase the overall price of the cruise vacation to our guests, which may adversely impact demand for our cruises. In addition, changes in the availability ofand/or regulations governing commercial airline services could adversely affect our guests’ ability to obtain airfare,air travel, as well as our ability to flytransfer our guests to or from our cruise ships, which could adversely affect our results of operations.

Terrorist attacks, war, and other similar events could have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations.
We are susceptible to a wide range of adverse events, including terrorist attacks, war, conflicts, civil unrest and other hostilities. The occurrence of these events or an escalation in the frequency or severity of them, and the resulting political instability, travel restrictions and advisories and concerns over safety and security aspects of traveling or the fear of any of the foregoing, have had, and could have in the future, a significant adverse impact on demand and pricing in the travel and vacation industry. These events could also result in additional security measures taken by local authorities which have, and may in the future, impact access to ports and/or destinations. In addition, such events have led, and could lead, to disruptions, instability and volatility in global markets, supply chains and industries, increased operating costs, such as fuel and food, and disruptions affecting our newbuild construction and fleet modernization efforts, any of which could materially and adversely impact our business and results of operations. Further, such events could have the effect of heightening the other risks we have described in this report, any of which also could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Disease outbreaks and an increase in concern about the risk of illness could adversely impact our business and results of operations, and may cause significant disruptions, create new risks, and exacerbate existing risks.
Disease outbreaks and increased concern related to illness when traveling to, from, and on our ships, could cause a decrease in demand for cruises, guest cancellations, travel restrictions, an unavailability of ports and/or destinations, cruise cancellations, ship redeployments and an inability to source our crew, provisions or supplies from certain places. In addition, we may be subject to consumer perception that cruises are more susceptible than other vacation alternatives to the spread of infectious diseases. For example, the unprecedented responses by governments and other authorities to control and contain the COVID-19 outbreak, including related variants, led to our voluntary suspension of our global cruise operations starting in March 2020. While we have resumed our global cruise operations, there is no assurance that our cruise operations will not be
interrupted. In response to disease outbreaks, our industry, including our passengers and crew, may be subject to enhanced health and safety requirements in the future which may be costly and take a significant amount of time to implement across our fleet. For example, local governments may establish their own set of rules for self-quarantines and/or require proof of individuals' health status or vaccination prior to or upon visiting. Based on our assessment of these requirements and recommendations, or for other reasons, we may determine it necessary to cancel or modify certain of our Global Brands’ cruise sailings. The impact of any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. In addition, any operating or health protocols that we may develop or that may be required by law in the future in response to infectious diseases may be costly to develop and difficult to implement and may be less effective than we expected in reducing the risk of infection and spread of such disease on our cruise ships, all of which will negatively impact our operations and expose us to reputational and legal risks.
Incidents or adverse publicity concerning ouron ships, at port facilities, land destinations and/or passengers oraffecting the cruise vacation industry in general, unusual weather conditions and other natural disasters or disruptionsthe associated negative media coverage and publicity, have affected and could continue to affect our reputation as well asand impact our sales and results of operations.

The ownership and/or operation of cruiseCruise ships, private destinations, port facilities and shore excursions involvesoperated and/or offered by us and third parties may be susceptible to the risk of accidents, illnesses, mechanical failures, environmental incidents, inappropriate crew or passenger behavior, and other incidents which maycould bring into question safety, health, security and vacation satisfaction which couldof our guests and negatively impact our sales, operations and reputation. Incidents involving cruise ships, and, in particular the safety, health and security of guests and crew and the media coverage thereof, have impacted and could in the future impact demand for our cruises and pricing in the industry. In particular, we cannot predict the impact on our financial performance and the public’s concern regarding the health and safety of travel, especially by cruise ship, and related decreases in demand for travel and cruising. Moreover, our ability to attract and retain guests and crew depends, in part, upon the perception and reputation of our company and our brands and the public’s concerns regarding the health and safety of travel generally, as well as regarding the cruising industry and our ships specifically. Our reputation and our business could also be damaged by continued or additional negative publicity regarding the cruise industry in general, including publicity regarding the spread of contagious disease, over-tourism in key ports and destinations and the potentially adverse environmental impacts of cruising. The considerable expansion in the use of social media and digital marketing over recent yearsmedia has compounded the potential scope and reach of any negative publicity. If any such incident or news cycle occurs during a time of high seasonal demand, the effect could disproportionately impact our results of operations for the year. In addition, incidents involving cruise ships may result in additional costs to our business, increasing government or other regulatory oversight and, in the case of incidents involving our ships,certain cases, potential litigation.

Our cruise ships and port facilities may also be adversely impacted bySignificant weather, climate events and/or natural disasters could adversely impact our business and results of operations.
Natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, volcanos, wildfires), weather and/or disruptions, such as hurricanes.climate events (including hurricanes and typhoons) could impact our source markets and operations resulting in travel restrictions, guest cancellations, an inability to source our crew or our provisions and supplies from certain places. We are often forcedmay be required to alter itineraries and occasionally cancel a cruise or a series of cruises or to redeploy our ships due to these types of events, which could have an adverse effect on our sales, operating costs and profitability in the current and future periods. For example, the 2017 hurricane season was particularly impactful to our operations in the Caribbean. Increases in the frequency, severity or duration of severe weatherthese types of events including those related to climate change, could exacerbate thetheir impact and cause further disruption todisrupt our operations. In addition, theseoperations or make certain destinations less desirable or unavailable impacting our revenues and any other events which impact the travel industry more generally may negatively impact our ability to deliver guests or crew to our cruises and/or interrupt our ability to obtain services and goods from key vendors in our supply chain.profitability further. Any of the foregoing could have an adverse impact on our results of operations and on industry performance.

Our sustainability activities, including environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters, could result in reputational risks, increased costs and other risks.
Customers, investors, lenders, regulators and other industry stakeholders have placed increasing importance on corporate ESG practices and on the implications and social cost of their investments, which could cause us to incur additional costs and changes to our operations. If our ESG practices or disclosures do not meet stakeholders' evolving expectations and standards, our customer and employee retention, our access to certain types of capital, including export credit financing, and our brands and reputation may be negatively impacted, which could affect our business operations and financial condition. We could also incur additional costs and require additional resources to monitor, report and comply with various ESG practices, which could increase our operating costs and affect our results of operations and financial condition.
In addition, from time to time, we communicate certain initiatives regarding climate change and other ESG matters. We could fail or be perceived to fail to achieve such initiatives, which may negatively affect our reputation. The future adoption of new technology or processes to achieve the initiatives could also result in the impairment of existing assets.
Our reliance on shipyards, their subcontractors and our suppliers to implement our newbuild and ship upgrade programs and to repair and maintain our ships exposes us to risks which could adversely impact our business.
We rely on shipyards, their subcontractors and our suppliers to effectively construct our new ships and to repair, maintain, and upgrade our existing ships on a timely basis and in a cost effective manner. There are a limited number of shipyards with
the capability and capacity to build, repair, maintain and/or upgrade our ships. As such, any disruptions affecting the shipyard supply chain will adversely impact our business as there are limited substitutes.
In addition, suspensions and/or slowdowns of work at shipyards, have impacted and could continue to impact our ability to construct new ships as planned, our ability to timely and cost-effectively procure new capacity, and our ability to execute scheduled drydocks and/or fleet modernizations.
Building, repairing, maintaining and/or upgrading a ship is sophisticated work that involves significant risks. Material increases in commodity and raw material prices, and other cost pressures impacting the construction of a new ship, such as the cost or availability of labor and financing, could adversely impact the shipyard’s ability to build the ship on a cost-effective basis. We may be impacted if shipyards, their subcontractors, and/or our suppliers encounter "force majeure events", insolvencies or other financial difficulties, supply chain, technical or design problems when building or repairing a ship. These problems have impacted and may in the future impact the timely delivery or cost of new ships or the ability of shipyards to repair and upgrade our fleet in accordance with our needs or expectations. In addition, mechanical faults and/or unforeseen incidents may result in cancellation of cruises or delays of new ship orders or necessitate unscheduled drydocks. Such events could result in lost revenue, increased operating expenses, or both, and thus adversely affect our results of operations.
An increase in capacity worldwide or excess capacity in a particular market could adversely impact our cruise sales and/or pricing.
Although our ships can be redeployed, cruise sales and/or pricing may be impacted by the introduction of new ships into the marketplace, reductions in cruise capacity, overall market growth and deployment decisions of ourselves and our competitors. As of December 31, 2017,2023, a total of 7551 new ships with approximately 184,000110,000 berths arewere on order for delivery through 20222028 in the cruise industry.industry, including eight ships currently scheduled to be delivered to our Global and Partner Brands. The further net growth in capacity from these new ships and future orders, without an increase in the cruise industry’s demand and/or share of the vacation market, could depress cruise prices and impede our ability to achieve yield improvement.

In addition, to the extent that we or our competitors deploy ships to a particular itineraryitinerary/region and the resulting capacity in that region exceeds the demand, weit may lowernegatively affect our pricing and profitability may be lower than anticipated. This risk exists in emerging cruise markets, such as China, where capacity has grown rapidly over the past few years and in mature markets where excess capacity is typically redeployed.profitability. Any of the foregoing could have an adverse impact on our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, including potentially impairing the value of our ships and other assets.

Unavailability of ports of call may adversely affect our results of operations.


operations.
We believe that port destinations are a major reason why guests choose to go on a particular cruise or on a cruise vacation. The availability of ports and destinations is affected by a number of factors, including industry demand and competition for key ports and destinations, existing capacity constraints, constraints related to the size of certain ships, security, environmental and health concerns, adverse weather conditions and natural disasters, financial limitations on port development, exclusivity arrangements that ports may have with our competitors, geopolitical developments, local governmental regulations, environmental regulations, and local community concerns about port development and other adverse impacts on their communities from additional tourists. In addition,governmental response to disease outbreaks. Higher fuel costs also may adversely impact the destinations on certain of our itineraries. Anyitineraries as they become too costly to include.
In addition, certain ports and destinations have faced a surge of both cruise and non-cruise tourism which, in certain cases, has fueled anti-tourism sentiments and related countermeasures to limit the volume of tourists allowed in these destinations. In certain destinations, countermeasures to limit the volume of tourists have been contemplated and/or put into effect, including proposed limits on cruise ships and cruise passengers, which could limit the itinerary and destination options we can offer our passengers going forward.
Increased demand and competition for key ports of call or destinations, limitations on the availability or feasibility of ouruse of specific ports of call and/or constraints on the availability of shore excursions and other service providers at such ports or destinations could adversely affect our results of operations.operations and financial results.

Our reliance on shipyards, their subcontractors and our suppliers to implement our newbuild and ship upgrade programs and to repair and maintain our ships exposes us to risks which, if realized, could adversely impact our business.

We rely on shipyards, their subcontractors and our suppliers to effectively construct our new ships and to repair, maintain and upgrade our existing ships on a timely basis and in a cost effective manner.

There are a limited number of shipyards with the capability and capacity to build our new ships and, accordingly, increased demand for available new construction slots and/or continued consolidation in the cruise shipyard industry (including completion of Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri's bid for STX France) could impact our ability to construct new ships when and as planned, cause us to continue to commit to new ship orders earlier than we have historically done so and/or result in stronger bargaining power on the part of the shipyards and the export credit agencies providing financing for the project.  Our inability to timely and cost-effectively procure new capacity could have a significant negative impact on our future business plans and results of operations.

Building, repairing, maintaining and/or upgrading a ship is sophisticated work that involves significant risks. In addition, the prices of labor and/or various commodities that are used in the construction of ships can be subject to volatile price changes, including the impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. Shipyards, their subcontractors and/or our suppliers may encounter financial, technical or design problems when doing these jobs.  If materialized, these problems could impact the timely delivery or costs of new ships or the ability of shipyards to repair and upgrade our fleet in accordance with our needs or expectations.  In addition, delays or mechanical faults may result in cancellation of cruises or, in more severe situations, new ship orders, or necessitate unscheduled drydocks and repairs of ships. These events and any related adverse publicity could result in lost revenue, increased operating expenses, or both, and thus adversely affect our results of operations.

We may lose business to competitors throughout the vacation market.

market.
We operate in the vacation market and cruising is one of many alternatives for people choosing a vacation. We, therefore, risk losing business not only to other cruise lines, but also to other vacation operators, which provide other leisure options, including hotels, resorts (including all-inclusive resorts), internet-based alternative lodging sites, andtheme parks, sightseeing destinations, package holidays and tours.

We face significant competition from other cruise lines on the basis of cruise pricing, travel agentadvisor preference and also in terms of the nature of ships, services and servicesdestinations that we offer to guests. Our principal competitors within the cruise vacation industry include Carnival Corporation & plc, which owns, among others, Aida Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises and Seabourn; Disney Cruise Line; MSC Cruises; and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, which owns Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Our revenues are sensitive to the actions of other cruise lines in many areas including pricing, scheduling, capacity and promotions, which can have a substantial adverse impact not only on our revenues, but also on overall industry revenues.

In the event that we do not effectively market or differentiate our cruise brands from our competitors or otherwise compete effectively with other vacation alternatives and new or existing cruise companies, our results of operations and financial position could be adversely affected.


We may not be able to obtain sufficient financing or capital for our needs or may not be able to do so on terms that are acceptable or consistent with our expectations.

To fund our capital expenditures (including new ship orders), operations and scheduled debt payments, we have historically relied on a combination of cash flows provided by operations, drawdowns under available credit facilities, the incurrence of additional indebtedness and the sale of equity or debt securities in private or public securities markets. Any circumstance or event which leads to a decrease in consumer cruise spending, such as worsening global economic conditions or significant incidents impacting the cruise industry, could negatively affect our operating cash flows. See “-Adverse worldwide economic, geopolitical or other conditions…” and “-Incidents or adverse publicity concerning our ships and/or passengers or the cruise vacation industry…” for more information.

Although we believe we can access sufficient liquidity to fund our operations, investments and obligations as expected, there can be no assurances to that effect. Our ability to access additional funding as and when needed, our ability to timely refinance and/or replace our outstanding debt securities and credit facilities on acceptable terms and our cost of funding will depend upon numerous factors including, but not limited to, the vibrancy of the financial markets, our financial performance, the performance of our industry in general and the size, scope and timing of our financial needs. In addition, even where financing commitments have been secured, significant disruptions in the capital and credit markets could cause our banking and other counterparties to breach their contractual obligations to us. This could include failures of banks or other financial service companies to fund required borrowings under our loan agreements or to pay us amounts that may become due or return collateral that is refundable under our derivative contracts for hedging of fuel prices, interest rates and foreign currencies or other agreements. If any of the foregoing occurs it may have a negative impact on our cash flows, including our ability to meet our obligations, our results of operations and our financial condition.

Our liquidity could be adversely impacted if we are unable to satisfy the covenants required by our credit facilities.

Our debt agreements contain covenants, including covenants restricting our ability to take certain actions and financial covenants. Our ability to maintain our credit facilities may also be impacted by changes in our ownership base. More specifically, we may be required to prepay our bank financing facilities 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 the Board is no longer comprised of individuals who were members of the Board on the first day of such period.  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.

Our failure to comply with the terms of our debt facilities could result in an event of default. Generally, if an event of default under any debt agreement occurs, then pursuant to cross default acceleration clauses, our outstanding debt and derivative contract payables could become due and/or terminated. In addition, in such events, our credit card processors could hold back payments to create a reserve. We cannot provide assurances that we would have sufficient liquidity to repay, or the ability to refinance the debt if such amounts were accelerated upon an event of default.

If we are unable to appropriately balancemanage our cost management and capital allocation strategies with our goal of satisfying guest expectations, it may adversely impact our business success.

Our goals call for usWe strive to provide high quality products and deliver high quality services. There can be no assurance that we can successfully balance these goals with our cost management and capital allocation strategies. Our business also requires us to make capital allocation decisions across a broad scope of investment options with varying return profiles and time horizons for value realization. These include significant capital investment decisions such as ordering new ships, and/or upgrading our existing fleet, enhancing our technology and/or data capabilities and expanding our portfolio of land-based assets, based on expected market preferences, competition and projected demand. There can be no assurance that our strategies will be successful, which could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. Investments in older tonnage, in particular, run the risk of not meeting expected returns and diluting related asset values.

Our attempts to expand our businessexpansion into new markets and investments in new ventures and land-based destination projects may not be successful.


We opportunistically seek to grow our business through, among other things, expansion into new destinationdestinations or source markets and establishment of new ventures complementary to our current offerings. These attempts to expand our business increase the complexity of our business, require significant levels of investment and can strain our management, personnel, operations and systems. In addition, we may be unable to execute our attempts to expand our business. There can be no assurance that these business expansion efforts will develop as anticipated or that we will succeed, and if we do not, we may be unable to recover our investment, which could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We have also invested, either directly or indirectly through joint ventures and partnerships, in a growing portfolio of key land-based projects including port and terminal facilities, private destinations and multi-brand destination projects. These investments can increase our exposure to certain key risks depending on the scope, location, and the ownership and management structure of these projects. These risks include susceptibility to weather events, exposure to local political/regulatory developments and policies, logistical challenges and human resource and labor risks and safety, environmental, and health risks.
Our reliance on travel agenciesadvisors to sell and market our cruises exposes us to certain risks which if realized, could adversely impact our business.

We rely on travel agenciesadvisors to generate the majority of bookings for our ships.global brands. Accordingly, we must ensure that ourmaintain competitive commission rates and incentive structures remain competitive.structures. If we fail to offer competitive compensation packages or fail to maintain our relationships, these agencies may be incentivized to sell cruises offered by our competitors, to our detriment, which could adversely impact our operating results. Our reliance on third-party sellers is particularly pronounced in certain markets, such as China, where we have a large number of travel agent charter and group sales and less retail agency and direct booking.markets. In addition, the travel agent industryadvisor community is sensitive to economic conditions that impact discretionary income.income of consumers. Significant disruptions especially disruptions impacting those agencies that sell a high volume of our business, or contractions in the industry could reduce the number of travel agenciesadvisors available for us to market and sell our cruises, which could have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Disruptions in our shoreside or shipboard operations or our information systems may adversely affect our results of operations.

Our principal executive office and principal shoreside operations are located in Florida, and we have shoreside offices throughout the world. Actual or threatened natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes/typhoons, earthquakes, tornadoes, fires or floods) or similar events in these locations may have a material impact on our business continuity, reputation and results of operations. In addition, substantial or repeated information systems failures, computer viruses or cyber-attacks impacting our shoreside or shipboard operations could adversely impact our business. We do not generally carry business interruption insurance for our shoreside or shipboard operations or our information systems. As such, any losses or damages incurred by us could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.

The loss of key personnel, our inability to recruit or retain qualified personnel, or disruptions among our shipboard personnel due to strained employee relations could adversely affect our results of operations.

Our success depends, in large part, on the skills and contributions of key executives and other employees, and on our ability to recruit, develop and retain high quality personnel. As demand for qualified personnel in the industry grows, we must continue to effectively recruit, train, motivate and retain our employees, both shoreside and on our ships, in order to effectively compete in our industry, maintain our current business and support our projected global growth.

As of December 31, 2017, 85% of our shipboard employees were covered by collective bargaining agreements. A dispute under our collective bargaining agreements could result in a work stoppage of those employees covered by the agreements. We may not be able to satisfactorily renegotiate these collective bargaining agreements when they expire. In addition, existing collective bargaining agreements may not prevent a strike or work stoppage on our ships. We may also be subject to or affected by work stoppages unrelated to our business or collective bargaining agreements. Any such work stoppages or potential work stoppages could have a material adverse effect on our financial results, as could a loss of key employees, our inability to recruit or retain qualified personnel or disruptions among our personnel.
Business activities that involve our co-investmentco-investments with third parties may subject us to additional risks.

Partnerships, joint ventures and other business structures involving our co-investmentco-investments with third parties generally include some form of shared control over the operations of the business and create additional risks, including the possibility that other investors in such ventures could become bankrupt or otherwise lack the financial resources to

meet their obligations or could have or develop business interests, policies or objectives that are inconsistent with ours. With the sale of 51% of our interest in Pullmantur Holdings in July 2016, we continue to expand the breadth of our co-investment activities, which also include TUI Cruises, SkySea Cruises, Grand Bahama Shipyard and minority ownership investments in various port development and other projects. In addition to financial risks, our co-investment activities mayhave also presentpresented managerial and operational risks and expose us to reputational or legal concerns. These or other issues related to our co-investmentco-investments with third parties could adversely impact our operations or liquidity. Further, due to the arrangements we have in place with our partners in these ventures, we are limited in our ability to control the strategy of these ventures, or their use of capital and other key factors to their results of operation, which could adversely affect our investments and impact our results of operations.

Past or pending business acquisitions or potential acquisitions that we may decide to pursue in the future carry inherent risks which could adversely impact our financial performance and condition.
The Company, from time to time, has engaged in acquisitions and may pursue acquisitions in the future, which are subject to, among other factors, the Company’s ability to identify attractive business opportunities and to negotiate favorable terms for such opportunities. Accordingly, the Company cannot make any assurances that potential acquisitions will be completed timely
or at all, or that if completed, we would realize the anticipated benefits of such acquisitions. Acquisitions also carry inherent risks such as, among others: (i) the potential delay or failure of our efforts to successfully integrate business processes and realizing expected synergies; (ii) difficulty in aligning procedures, controls and/or policies; and (iii) future unknown liabilities and costs that may be associated with an acquisition. In addition, acquisitions may adversely impact our liquidity and/or debt levels, and the recognized value of goodwill and other intangible assets can be negatively affected by unforeseen events and/or circumstances, which may result in an impairment charge. Any of the foregoing events could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.
We rely on supply chain vendors and third-party service providers who are integral to the operations of our businesses. These vendors and service providers may be unable or unwilling to deliver on their commitments or may act in ways that could harm our business.

We rely on supply chain vendors to deliver key products to the operations of our businesses around the world. Any event impacting a vendor’s ability to deliver goods of the requiredexpected quality at the location and time needed could negatively impact our ability to deliver our cruise experience. Events impacting our supply chain could be caused by factors beyond the control of our suppliers or us, including inclement weather, natural disasters, new laws and regulations, labor actions, increased demand, problems in production or distribution, cybersecurity events, and/or disruptions in third-party logistics or transportation systems. InterruptionsAny such interruptions to our supply chain could increase our costs and could limit the availability of products critical to our operations.

In addition, increased regulation or stakeholder expectations regarding sourcing practices, or supplier conduct that does not meet such standards, could cause our operating costs to increase or result in publicity that negatively affects our reputation.
In order to achieve cost and operational efficiencies, we outsource to third-party vendors certain services that are integral to the operations of our global businesses, such as our onboard concessionaires, certain of our call center operations, guest port services, logistics distribution and operation of a large part of our information technology systems. We are subject to the risk that certain decisions are subject to the control of our third-party service providers and that these decisions may adversely affect our activities. A failure to adequately monitor a third-party service provider’s compliance with a service level agreement or regulatory or legal requirements could result in significant economic and reputational harm to us. There is also a risk the confidentiality, privacy and/or security of data held by third parties or communicated over third-party networks or platforms could become compromised.

A failure to keep pace with developments in technology or technological obsolescence could impair our operations or competitive position.

Our business continues to demand the use of sophisticated technology and systems. These technologies and systems require significant investment and must be proven, refined, updated, and/or replaced with more advanced systems in order to continue to meet our customers’ demands and expectations. If we are unable to do so in a timely manner or within reasonable cost parameters or if we are unable to appropriately and timely train our employees to operate any of these new systems, our business could suffer. We also may not achieve the benefits that we anticipate from any new technology or system, and a failure to do so could result in higher than anticipated costs or could impair our operating results.

We may be exposed to the threat of cyber attacks and/or data breaches, including the risks and costs associated with protecting our key operating systems and maintaining integrity and security of our business information, as well as personal data of our guests, employees and business partners.

Cyber attacks can vary in scope and intent from economically driven attacks to malicious attacks targeting our key operating systems with the intent to disrupt, disable or otherwise cripple our maritime and /or shoreside operations. This can include any combination of phishing attacks, malware and/or viruses targeted at our key systems. The breadth and scope of this threat has grown over time, and the techniques and sophistication used to conduct cyber attacks, as well as the sources and targets of the attacks, change frequently. While we invest time, effort and capital resources to secure our key systems and networks, our security measures cannot provide absolute assurance that we will be successful in preventing or responding to all such attacks.

A successful cyber attack may target us directly, or may be the result of a third party vendor's inadequate care. In either scenario, the Company may suffer damage to its key systems and/or data that could interrupt our operations, adversely impact our reputation and brand and expose us to increased risks of governmental investigation, litigation

and other liability, any of which could adversely affect our business. Furthermore, responding to such an attack and mitigating the risk of future attacks could result in additional operating and capital costs in systems technology, personnel, monitoring and other investments.

In addition to malicious cyber attacks, we are also subject to various risks associated with the collection, handling, storage and transmission of sensitive information. In the course of doing business, we collect large volumes of internal, customer and other third-party data, including personally identifiable information and individual credit data, for various business purposes. We are subject to federal, state and international laws (including the European Union General Data Protection Regulation which will take effect in May 2018), as well as industry standards, relating to the collection, use, retention, security and transfer of personally identifiable information and individual credit data. In many cases, these laws apply not only to third-party transactions, but also to transfers of information between the Company and its subsidiaries, and among the Company, its subsidiaries and other parties with which the Company has commercial relations. Several jurisdictions have passed laws in this area, and other jurisdictions are considering imposing additional restrictions. These laws continue to develop and may be inconsistent from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Complying with emerging and changing international requirements has caused, and may cause us to incur substantial costs or require us to change our business practices. If we fail to comply with the various applicable data collection and privacy laws, we could be exposed to fines, penalties, restrictions, litigation or other expenses, and our business could be adversely impacted.

Even if we are fully compliant with legal and/or industry standards and any relevant contractual requirements, we still may not be able to prevent security breaches involving sensitive data and/or critical systems. Any breach, theft, loss, or fraudulent use of guest, employee, third-party or company data, could adversely impact our reputation and brand and our ability to retain or attract new customers, and expose us to risks of data loss, business disruption, governmental investigation, litigation and other liability, any of which could adversely affect our business. Significant capital investments and other expenditures could be required to remedy the problem and prevent future breaches, including costs associated with additional security technologies, personnel, experts and credit monitoring services for those whose data has been breached. Further, if we or our vendors experience significant data security breaches or fail to detect and appropriately respond to significant data security breaches, we could be exposed to government enforcement actions and private litigation.

The potential unavailability of insurance coverage, or an inability to obtain insurance coverage at commercially reasonable rates or our failure to have coverage in sufficient amounts to cover our incurred losses may adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.

We seek to maintain appropriate insurance coverage at commercially reasonable rates. We normally insureobtain insurance based on the cost of an asset rather than replacement value, and we also elect to self-insure, co-insure, or use deductibles in certain circumstances for certain risks such as loss of use of a ship or a cyber-security breach.other business interruption. The limits of insurance coverage we purchase are based on the availability of the coverage, evaluation of our risk profile and cost of coverage. We do not carry business interruption insurance and accordingly we have no insurance coverage for loss of revenues or earnings from our ships or other operations. Accordingly, we are not protected against all risks and cannot be certain that our coverage will be adequate for liabilities actually incurred which could result in an unexpected decrease in our revenue and results of operations in the event of an incident.
We are members of threefour Protection and Indemnity ("(“P&I"&I”) clubs, which are part of a worldwide group of 1312 P&I clubs, known as the International Group of P&I Clubs (the “IG”). P&I coverage provided by the clubs is on a mutual basis, and we are subject to additional premium calls in the event of a catastrophic loss incurred by any member of the 1312 P&I clubs, whereby the reinsurance limits purchased by the IG are exhausted. We are also subject to additional premium calls based on investment and underwriting shortfalls experienced by our own individual insurers.

We cannot be certain that insurance and reinsurance coverage will be available to us and at commercially reasonable rates in the future.future or at all or, if available, that it will be sufficient to cover potential claims. Additionally, if we or other insureds sustain significant losses, the result may be higher insurance premiums, cancellation of coverage, or the inability to obtain coverage. Such events could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.

Disruptions in our shoreside or shipboard operations or our information systems may adversely affect our results of operations.
Environmental, labor, healthOur principal executive office and safety,principal shoreside operations are located in Florida, and we have shoreside offices throughout the world. Actual or threatened natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes/typhoons, earthquakes, tornadoes, fires or floods), municipal lockdowns, curfews, quarantines, or similar events in these locations may have a material impact on our business continuity, reputation and results of operations. In addition, substantial or repeated information system failures, computer
viruses or cyber attacks impacting our shoreside or shipboard operations could adversely impact our business. We do not generally carry business interruption insurance for our shoreside or shipboard operations or our information systems. As such, any losses or damages incurred by us could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.
Provisions of our Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws and Liberian law could inhibit a change of control and may prevent efforts by our shareholders to change our management.
Certain provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws and Liberian law may inhibit third parties from effectuating a change of control of the Company without approval from our board of directors which could result in the entrenchment of current management. These include provisions in our Articles of Incorporation that prevent third parties, other than A. Wilhelmsen AS and Cruise Associates and their permitted transferees, from acquiring beneficial ownership of more than 4.9% of our outstanding shares without the consent of our board of directors.
We may not be able to achieve our fiscal 2025 financial and climate-related performance goals.
In November 2022, we announced that we are targeting certain financial and climate-related performance goals for fiscal 2025. Our ability to achieve these goals is dependent on a number of factors, including the other risk factors described in this section. If we are not able to achieve these goals, the price of our common stock and reputation may be negatively affected.
Financial Risks
We may not be able to obtain sufficient financing or capital for our needs or may not be able to do so on terms that are acceptable or consistent with our expectations.
To fund our capital expenditures (including new ship orders), operations and scheduled debt payments, we have historically relied on a combination of cash flows provided by operations, drawdowns under available credit facilities, the incurrence of additional indebtedness and the sale of equity or debt securities in private or public securities markets.
Although we believe we can access sufficient liquidity to fund our operations, investments and obligations as expected, there can be no assurances to that effect. Our ability to access additional funding as and when needed, our ability to timely refinance and/or replace our outstanding debt securities and credit facilities on acceptable terms and our cost of funding will depend upon numerous factors including, but not limited to, the strength of the financial markets, global market conditions, including inflationary pressures, interest rate fluctuations, credit rating downgrades, our financial performance, the recovery and performance of our industry in general and the size, scope and timing of our financial needs. In addition, even where financing commitments have been secured, significant disruptions in the capital and credit markets could cause our banking and other counterparties to breach their contractual obligations to us or could cause the conditions to the availability of such funding not to be satisfied. This could include failures of banks or other financial service companies to fund required borrowings under our loan agreements or to pay us amounts that may become due or return collateral that is refundable under our interest rate derivative instruments or other agreements. If any of the foregoing occurs for a prolonged period of time it will have a long-term negative impact on our cash flows and our ability to meet our financial obligations.
Our substantial debt requires a significant amount of cash to service and could adversely affect our financial condition.
We have a substantial amount of debt and significant debt service obligations. As of December 31, 2023, we had total debt of $21.5 billion. Our substantial debt has required us to dedicate a large portion of our cash flow from operations to service debt and fund repayments on our debt, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate expenses.
Our ability to make future scheduled payments on our debt service obligations or refinance our debt depends on our future operating and financial performance and ability to generate cash. This will be affected by our ability to successfully implement our business strategy, as well as general economic, financial, competitive, regulatory and other factors beyond our control. If we cannot generate sufficient cash to meet our debt service obligations or fund our other business needs, we may, among other things, need to refinance all or a portion of our debt, obtain additional financing, delay planned capital expenditures or sell assets. We cannot assure that we will be able to generate sufficient cash through any of the foregoing. If we are not able to refinance any of our debt, obtain additional financing or sell assets on commercially reasonable terms or at all, we may not be able to satisfy our obligations with respect to our debt.
Our substantial debt could also result in other negative consequences for us. For example, it could increase our vulnerability to adverse general economic or industry conditions; limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business or the industry in which we operate; place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt; make us more vulnerable to downturns in our business, the economy or the industry in which we operate; limit our ability to raise additional debt or equity capital in the future to satisfy our requirements relating to working capital, capital expenditures, development projects, strategic initiatives or other purposes; restrict us from making strategic acquisitions,
introducing new technologies or exploiting business opportunities; limit or restrict our ability to obtain and maintain performance bonds to cover our financial responsibility requirements in various jurisdictions for non-performance of guest travel, casualty and personal injury; make it difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our debt; and increase our exposure to the risk of increased interest rates as certain of our borrowings are (and may in the future be) at a variable rate of interest.
Despite our leverage, we may incur more debt. Although certain of our debt instruments, including our export credit facilities, contain restrictions on the incurrence of additional debt, these restrictions are subject to a number of significant qualifications and exceptions, and under certain circumstances the amount of debt that could be incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial. If new debt is added to our existing debt levels, the related risks that we now face would increase. Additionally, there is no guarantee that financing will be available in the future or that such financing will be available with similar terms or terms that are commercially acceptable to us. As of December 31, 2023, we have commitments for approximately $5.5 billion of debt to finance the purchase of five ships on order by our Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises brands, all of which are guaranteed by the export credit agencies in the countries in which the ships are being built. The ultimate size of each facility will depend on the final contract price (including change orders and owner’s supply) as well as fluctuations in the EUR/USD exchange rate. Refer to Note 8. Debt to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for further information regarding our "Secured Notes" and "Priority Guaranteed Notes".
We are subject to restrictive debt covenants that may limit our ability to finance our future operations and capital needs and to pursue business opportunities and activities. In addition, if we fail to comply with any of these restrictions, it could have a material adverse effect on us.
Certain of our debt instruments, including our indentures and our unsecured bank and export credit facilities, limit our flexibility in operating our business. For example, certain of our loan agreements and indentures restrict or limit our and our subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things, incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; pay dividends or distributions on, or redeem or repurchase capital stock and make other restricted payments; make investments; consummate certain asset sales; engage in certain transactions with affiliates; grant or assume certain liens; and consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of our assets. In addition, both our export credit facilities and our non-export credit facilities contain covenants that require us, among other things, to maintain a minimum liquidity, a specified minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, and limit our net debt-to-capital ratio. In addition, our ECA facilities also require us to maintain a minimum stockholders' equity. Refer to Note 8. Debt to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for further discussion on our covenants and existing waivers.
All of these limitations are subject to significant exceptions and qualifications. Despite these exceptions and qualifications, we cannot assure you that the operating and financial restrictions and covenants in certain of our debt instruments will not adversely affect our ability to finance our future operations or capital needs or engage in other business activities that may be in our interest. Any future indebtedness may include similar or other restrictive terms and we may be required to further encumber our assets. In addition, our ability to comply with these covenants and restrictions may be affected by events beyond our control. These include prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. If we breach any of these covenants or restrictions, we could be in default under such indebtedness and certain of our other debt instruments, and the relevant debt holders or lenders could elect to declare the debt, together with accrued and unpaid interest and other maritimefees, if any, immediately due and payable and proceed against any collateral securing that debt. If the debt under certain of our debt instruments that we enter into were to be accelerated, our liquid assets may be insufficient to repay in full such indebtedness. Borrowings under other debt instruments that contain cross-default provisions also may be accelerated or become payable on demand. In these circumstances, our assets may not be sufficient to repay in full that indebtedness and our other indebtedness then outstanding.
In addition, our ability to maintain our credit facilities may also be impacted by changes in our ownership base. More specifically, we may be required to prepay our non-ECA and ECA facilities 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. Our 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, which would require us to offer to repurchase our debt securities in the event of such change of control.
If we elect to settle conversions of our convertible notes in shares of our common stock or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, conversions of our convertible notes will result in dilution for our existing shareholders.
We have an aggregate principal amount of $1.2 billion in convertible notes outstanding. If note holders elect to convert, the notes will be converted into our shares of common stock, cash, or a combination of common stock and cash, at our
discretion. After May 15, 2025, our convertible notes issued in August 2022, will be convertible at the option of holders until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding their maturity date. Conversions of our convertible notes into shares of our common stock or a combination of common stock and cash, will result in dilution to our shareholders.
Our dividend policy may change without notice and any payment of dividends in the future is subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors.
We have not declared a dividend since the first quarter of 2020. Any future determination relating to our dividend policy will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on a number of factors, including our profitability at the time, cash available for those dividends, and other factors as our board of directors may consider relevant. In the event we declare a dividend, we will need to repay amounts deferred under the export credit facilities.
Compliance and Regulatory Risks
Changes in U.S. or other countries’ foreign travel policy have affected, and may continue to affect our results of operations.
Changes in U.S. and other countries' foreign policy have in the past and could in the future result in the imposition of travel restrictions or travel bans on persons to certain countries or result in the imposition of travel advisories, warnings, rules, regulations or legislation exposing us to penalties or claims of monetary damages. In addition, some countries have previously adopted restrictions against U.S. travelers. The timing and scope of these changes and regulations can be unpredictable, and they could cause us to cancel scheduled sailings, possibly on short notice, or could result in litigation against us. This, in turn, could decrease our revenue, increase our operating costs and otherwise impair our profitability.
Factors associated with climate change, including an increasing global regulatory focus, could adversely affect operationsour business.
There is increasing global regulatory focus on climate change, greenhouse gas and other emissions. These regulatory efforts, both internationally and in the U.S., are still developing, including the international alignment of such efforts, and we cannot yet determine what the final regulatory programs or their impact will be on our business. However, such climate change-related regulatory activity in the future may adversely affect our business and financial results by requiring us to reduce our emissions, pay for our emissions, modify our itineraries and may increase our exposure, if any, to climate change-related litigation. Such activity may also impact us by increasing our operating costs, including fuel costs. For example, the European Union has proposed and enacted parts of a series of significant carbon reforms under its Fit for 55 package designed to meet its 2030 emission goals, which would require us, among other things, to increase the use of low carbon fuel onboard our vessels as well as connectivity to shore power. Part of the reforms that were enacted includes updates to the European Union Emission Trading System that imposes requirements on us to purchase carbon emission allowances for our qualified emissions beginning in 2024.

The United StatesIn addition, the U.S. and various state and foreign government or regulatory agencies have enacted, or may enact, environmental regulations or policies, such as requiring the use of low sulfur fuels (e.g., IMO Sulfur Limit) or the incoming carbon intensity indicator regulation ("CII"), that have or could increase our direct cost to operate in certain markets, increase our cost forof fuel, limit the supply of compliant fuel, cause us to incur significant expenses to purchase and/or develop new equipment and adversely impact the cruise vacation industry. While we have taken and expect to continue to take a number of actions to mitigate the potential impact of certain ofIf enacted, these regulations there can be no assurances that these efforts will be successfulmay individually or completedcollectively have a material adverse effect on a timely basis.

There is increasing global regulatory focus on climate change and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These regulatory efforts, both internationally and in the United States are still developing, and we cannot yet determine what the final regulatory programs or their impact will be in any jurisdiction where we do business. However, such climate change-related regulatory activity in the future may adversely affect our business and financial results by requiring usof operations due to reduce our emissions, purchase allowances or otherwise pay for our emissions. Such activity mayincreased costs associated with compliance and modified itineraries in the affected regions.
There has also been growing environmental scrutiny of the environmental impact us by increasing our operating costs, including fuel costs.

Someof the cruise vacation industry, and some environmental groups have also lobbiedare advocating for more stringent regulation of cruise shipsship emissions at berth and have generatedat sea. This negative publicity aboutof the cruise vacation industry and its environmental impact. See Item 1. Business-Regulation-Environmental Regulations.any related measures may lead to changes in consumer preferences, such as methods or frequency of travel, which could adversely impact our operations and financial results and subject us to reputational impacts and costs.

Labor, health and safety, financial responsibility, maritime and other regulations and measures could affect operations and increase operating costs.
In addition, weWe are subject to various international, national, state and local laws, regulations and treaties that govern, among other things, discharge from our ships, safety standards applicable to our ships, treatment of disabled persons, health and sanitary standards applicable to our guests, security standards on board our ships and at the ship/port interface areas, and financial responsibilities to our guests.guests, and our advertising and pricing practices. These issues are, and we believe will continue to be, an area of focus by the relevant authorities throughout the world. This couldworld, which may result in the enactment of more stringent regulation of cruise ships that could subjectregulations. In addition to potential damage to our reputation and brand, failure by us to increasingcomply with these various applicable laws and
regulations, as well as changes in laws and regulations or the manner in which they are interpreted or applied, may result in litigation, civil and criminal liability, damages, fines and penalties, increased cost of regulatory compliance costs in the future.and may have an adverse impact on our business and financial results.

A change in our tax status under the United StatesU.S. Internal Revenue Code, or other jurisdictions, may have adverse effects on our income.results of operations.
WeRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and a number of our subsidiaries are foreign corporations that derive income from a U.S. trade or business and/or from sources within the United States.U.S. In connection with the year end audit, each year, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, our U.S. tax counsel, has delivereddelivers to us an opinion, based on certain representations and assumptions set forth in it, to the effect that this income, to the extent derived from or incidental to the international operation of a ship or ships, is excluded from gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes pursuant to Section 883 of the Internal Revenue Code. We believe that most of our income (including that of our subsidiaries) is derived from or incidental to the international operation of a ship or ships.
Our ability to rely on Section 883 could be challenged or could change in the future. Provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, including Section 883, are subject to legislative change at any time. Moreover, changes could occur in the future with respect to the identity, residence or holdings of our direct or indirect shareholders, trading volume or trading frequency of our shares, or relevant foreign tax laws of Liberia or the Bahamas, such that itthey no longer qualifiesqualify as an equivalent exemption jurisdiction,jurisdictions, that could affect our eligibility for the Section 883 exemption. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that we will continue to be exempt from U.S. income tax on U.S. source shipping income in the future. If we were not entitled to the benefit of Section 883, we and our subsidiaries would be subject to U.S. taxation on a portion of the income derived from or incidental to the international operation of our ships, which would reduce our net income.
Additionally, portions of our business are operated by companies that are within the United Kingdom tonnage tax regime. Further, some of our operations are conducted in jurisdictions where we rely on tax treaties to provide exemption from taxation. To the extent the United Kingdom tonnage tax laws change or we do not continue to meet the applicable qualification requirements or if tax treaties are changed or revoked, we may be required to pay higher income tax in these jurisdictions, adversely impacting our results of operations.


AsThe Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has issued Pillar Two model rules introducing a new global minimum tax of 15%, which may materially impact us starting in 2026. While we are currently pursuing mitigation strategies, there can be no guarantee they will be successful and the impact to our to our financial statements could be material. In addition, as budgetary constraints continue tomay adversely impact fiscal policy in the jurisdictions in which we operate, we may be subject to changes in our existing tax treatment or other tax reform, as well as increased tax audits.
We are not a U.S. corporation and, as a result, our shareholders may be subject to the uncertainties of a foreign legal system in protecting their interests.
Our corporate affairs are governed by our Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws and by the Business Corporation Act of Liberia. The provisions of the Business Corporation Act of Liberia resemble provisions of the corporation laws of a number of states in the U.S. However, there are very few judicial cases in Liberia interpreting the Business Corporation Act. While the Business Corporation Act provides that it is to be applied and construed to make the laws of Liberia, with respect of the subject matter of the Business Corporation Act, harmonious with the laws of the State of Delaware, we cannot predict whether Liberian courts would reach the same conclusions as Delaware courts. In cases when the laws of Liberia are silent, the Business Corporation Act adopts, when applicable, the non-statutory corporation law of Delaware with substantially similar legislative provisions insofar as it does not conflict with any other provisions of the Business Corporation Act or decisions of the courts of Liberia, and provides that the courts of Liberia may apply such non-statutory corporation law in resolving any issues before such courts. We cannot predict to what extent or in what manner the courts of Liberia will apply the non-statutory corporation law of Delaware. The right of shareholders to bring a derivative action in Liberian courts may be more limited than in U.S. jurisdictions. There may also be practical difficulties for shareholders attempting to bring suit in Liberia, and Liberian courts may or may not recognize and enforce foreign judgments. Thus, our shareholders may have more difficulty challenging actions taken by management, directors or controlling shareholders than would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a U.S. jurisdiction.
General Risk Factors
Conducting business globally results in increased regulatory, financial, and other risks.
We operate our business globally, which exposes us to a number of risks, including increased exposure to a wider range of regional and local economic conditions, volatile local political conditions, potential changes in duties and taxes, including changing and/or uncertain interpretations of existing tax laws and regulations, required compliance with additional laws and policies affecting cruising, vacation or maritime businesses or governing the operations of foreign-based companies, currency
fluctuations, interest rate movements, difficulties in operating under local business environments, port quality and availability in certain regions, U.S. and global anti-bribery laws and regulations, imposition of trade barriers and restrictions on repatriation of earnings.
Our future growth strategies depend on the sustained profitability of international markets. Factors that will be critical to our success in these markets include our ability to continue to raise awareness of our products and our ability to adapt our offerings to best suit rapidly evolving consumer demands. The execution of our planned growth strategies is dependent on meeting the governmental and regulatory measures and policies in each of these markets. Our ability to realize our future growth strategy is highly dependent on our ability to satisfy country-specific policies and requirements, as well as meet the needs of region-specific consumer preferences. These factors may cause us to reevaluate some of our international business strategies.
Operating globally also exposes us to numerous and sometimes conflicting legal, regulatory and tax requirements. In many parts of the world, including countries in which we operate, practices in the local business communities might not conform to international business standards. We cannot guarantee consistent interpretation, application, and enforcement of newly issued rules and regulations, which could place limits on our operations or increase our costs, as well as negatively impact our future growth strategies in our key growth markets. We must adhere to policies designed to promote legal and regulatory compliance as well as applicable laws and regulations. However, we might not be successful in ensuring that our employees, agents, representatives and other third parties with whom we associate properly adhere to applicable laws and regulations. In addition, we may be exposed to the risk of penalties and other liabilities if we fail to comply with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Failure by us, our employees or any of these third parties to adhere to our policies or applicable laws or regulations could result in penalties, sanctions, damage to our reputation and related costs, which in turn could negatively affect our results of operations and cash flows.
As a global operator, our business also may be impacted by changes in U.S. policy or priorities in areas such as trade, immigration and/or environmental or labor regulations, among others. Depending on the nature and scope of any such changes, they could impact our domestic and international business operations. Any such changes, and any international response to them, could potentially introduce new barriers to passenger or crew travel and/or cross border transactions, impact our guest experience and/or increase our operating costs.
If we are unable to address these risks adequately, our financial position and results of operations could be adversely affected, including impairing the value of our ships and other assets.
The terms of our existing debt financing gives, and any future preferred equity or debt financing may give, holders of any preferred securities or debt securities rights that are senior to rights of our common shareholders.
The holders of our existing debt have rights, preferences and privileges senior to those of holders of our common stock in the event of liquidation. If we incur additional debt or raise equity through the issuance of preferred stock or convertible securities, the terms of the debt or the preferred stock issued may give the holders rights, preferences and privileges senior to those of holders of our common stock, particularly in the event of liquidation. If we raise funds through the issuance of additional equity, the ownership percentage of our existing shareholders would be diluted.
Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, fuel prices and interest rates could affect our financial results.
We are exposed to market risk attributable to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, fuel prices and interest rates. Significant changes in any of the foregoing could have a material impact on our financial results, net of the impact of our hedging activities and natural offsets. Our operating results have been and will continue to be impacted, often significantly, by changes in each of these factors.
A portion of our indebtedness bears interest at variable rates that are linked to changing market interest rates. As a result, an increase in market interest rates would increase our interest expense and our debt service obligations. As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately $3.7 billion of indebtedness that bears interest at variable rates, which is net of our interest rate swap agreements. This amount represented approximately 16.8% of our total indebtedness. As of December 31, 2023, a hypothetical 1% increase in prevailing interest rates would increase our forecasted 2023 interest expense by approximately $25.5 million. Additionally, the value of our earnings in foreign currencies is adversely impacted by a strong U.S. dollar.
In particular, increases in income tax regulations, tax auditsfuel prices have and could continue to materially and adversely affect our business as fuel prices impact not only our fuel costs, but also some of our other expenses, such as crew travel, freight, and commodity prices. Mandatory fuel restrictions may also create uncertainty related to the price and availability of certain fuel types potentially impacting operating costs and the value of our related hedging instruments.
Any further impairment of our goodwill, intangible assets, long-lived assets, equity investments and notes receivable could adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.
We evaluate goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or tax reformmore frequently when circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a reporting unit may not be recoverable. We also evaluate other assets, including but not limited to intangible assets and long-lived assets on an annual basis, or more frequently when circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. A challenging operating environment, conditions affecting consumer demand or spending, the deterioration of general macroeconomic conditions, expected ship deliveries, or other factors could result in a change to the future cash flows we expect to derive from our operations. Reductions of cash flows used in the valuation analyses may result in the recording of impairments, which could adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.
The loss of key personnel, our inability to recruit or retain qualified personnel, or disruptions among our shipboard personnel could adversely affect our results of operations.
Our success depends, in large part, on the skills and contributions of key executives and other employees and on our ability to recruit, develop and retain high quality personnel as well as having adequate succession plans and back-up operating plans for when critical executives are unable to serve. As demand for qualified personnel in the industry grows, we must continue to effectively recruit, train, motivate and retain our employees, both shoreside and on our ships, in order to effectively compete in our industry, maintain our current business and support our projected global growth.
We have in the past and may in the future experience difficulty recruiting and retaining qualified personnel primarily due to competitive labor markets. A prolonged shortage of qualified personnel and/or increased turnover may inhibit our ability to operate our business in an optimal manner, and may result in increased costs if we need to hire temporary personnel, and/or increased wages and/or benefits in order to attract and retain employees, all of which may negatively impact our results of operations.
As of December 31, 2023, approximately 88% of our shipboard employees were covered by collective bargaining agreements. A dispute under our collective bargaining agreements could result in a work stoppage of those employees covered by the agreements. We may not be able to satisfactorily renegotiate these collective bargaining agreements when they expire. In addition, existing collective bargaining agreements may not prevent a strike or work stoppage on our ships. We may also be subject to or affected by work stoppages unrelated to our business or collective bargaining agreements. Any such work stoppages or potential work stoppages could have a material adverse effect on our financial results, as could a loss of key employees, our inability to recruit or retain qualified personnel or disruptions among our personnel.
If we are unable to keep pace with developments, design, and implementation in technology, our operations or competitive position could become impaired.
Our business continues to demand the use of sophisticated technology and systems. These technologies and systems require significant investment and must be proven, refined, updated, upgraded and/or replaced with more advanced systems in order to continue to meet our customers’ demands and expectations as well as to process our information effectively. If we are unable to do so in a timely manner or within reasonable cost parameters, if there are any disruptions, delays or deficiencies in design or if we are unable to appropriately and timely train our employees to operate any of these new systems, our business could suffer. We also may not achieve the benefits that we anticipate from any new technology or system, which could impair our operating results.
We may be imposed.unable to procure appropriate technology in a timely manner or at all or we may incur significant costs in doing so. A failure to adopt the appropriate technology, or a failure or obsolescence in the technology that we have adopted, could adversely affect our results of operations.
We are exposed to cyber security attacks and data breaches and the risks and costs associated with protecting our systems and maintaining data integrity and security.
We are subject to cyber security attacks. These cyber attacks can vary in scope and intent from attacks with the objective of compromising our systems, networks, and communications for economic gain or with the objective of disrupting, disabling or otherwise compromising our maritime and/or shoreside operations. The attacks can encompass a wide range of methods and intent, including phishing attacks, generative artificial intelligence impersonation, illegitimate requests for payment, theft of intellectual property, theft of confidential or non-public information, installation of malware, installation of ransomware and theft of personal or business information. The frequency and sophistication of, and methods used to conduct, these attacks, have increased over time.
A successful cyber security attack may target us directly, or it may be the result of a third party’s inadequate care, or resulting from vulnerabilities in licensed software. In either scenario, the Company may suffer damage to its systems and data
that could interrupt our operations, adversely impact our brand reputation, and expose us to increased risks of governmental investigation, litigation, fines, and other liability, any of which could adversely affect our business. Furthermore, responding to such an attack and mitigating the risk of future attacks could result in additional operating and capital costs in technology, personnel, monitoring and other investments.
We are also subject to various risks associated with the collection, handling, storage, and transmission of sensitive information. In the regular course of business, we collect employee, customer, and other third-party data, including personally identifiable information and individual payment data, for various business purposes. Although we have policies and procedures in place to safeguard such sensitive information, this information has been and could be subject to cyber security attacks and the aforementioned risks. In addition, we are subject to federal, state, and international laws relating to the collection, use, retention, security and transfer of personally identifiable information and individual payment data. Those laws include, among others, the European Union General Data Protection Regulation and similar state agencies that impose additional cyber security requirements. Complying with these and other applicable laws has caused, and may cause, us to incur substantial costs or require us to change our business practices, and our failure to do so may expose us to substantial fines, penalties, restrictions, litigation, or other expenses and adversely affect our business. Further, any changes to laws or regulations, including new restrictions or requirements applicable to our business, or an increase in enforcement of existing laws and regulations, could expose us to additional costs and liability and could limit our use and disclosure of such information.
While we continue to evolve our cyber security practices in line with our business’ reliance on technology and the changing external threat landscape, and we invest time, effort and financial resources to secure our systems, networks and communications, our security measures cannot provide absolute assurance that we will be successful in preventing or defending from all cyber security attacks or incidents impacting our operation. There can be no assurance that any breach or incident will not have a material impact on our operations and financial results.
Any breach, theft, loss, or fraudulent use of guest, employee, third-party or company data, could adversely impact our reputation and brand and our ability to retain or attract new customers, and expose us to risks of data loss, business disruption, governmental investigation, litigation and other liability, any of which could adversely affect our business. Significant capital investments and other expenditures could be required to remedy the problem and prevent future breaches, including costs associated with additional security technologies, personnel, experts and credit monitoring services for those whose data has been breached. Further, if we or our vendors experience significant data security breaches or fail to detect and appropriately respond to significant data security breaches, we could be exposed to government enforcement actions and private litigation.
Litigation, enforcement actions, fines or penalties could adversely impact our financial condition or results of operations and/or damage our reputation.

Our business is subject to various United StatesU.S. and international laws and regulations that could lead to enforcement actions, fines, civil or criminal penalties or the assertion of litigation claims and damages. In addition, improper conduct by our employees, agents or joint venture partners could damage our reputation and/or lead to litigation or legal proceedings that could result in civil or criminal penalties, including substantial monetary fines. In certain circumstances it may not be economical to defend against such matters and/or aour legal strategy may not ultimately result in us prevailing in a matter. Such events could lead to an adverse impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

We are not a United States corporationcannot predict the quantum or outcome of any such proceedings and the impact that they will have on our shareholdersfinancial results, but any such impact may be subject to the uncertaintiesmaterial. While some of a foreign legal system in protecting their interests.

Our corporate affairsthese claims are governedcovered by our Articlesinsurance, we cannot be certain that all of Incorporation and By-Laws and by the Business Corporation Act of Liberia. The provisions of the Business Corporation Act of Liberia resemble provisions of the corporation laws of a number of states in the United States. However, while most states have a fairly well developed body of case law interpreting their respective corporate statutes, there are very few judicial cases in Liberia interpreting the Business Corporation Act of Liberia. As such, the rights and fiduciary responsibilities of directors under Liberian law are not as clearly established as the rights and fiduciary responsibilities of directors under statutes or judicial precedent in certain United States jurisdictions. For example, the right of shareholders to bring a derivative action in Liberian courts maythem will be, more limited than in United States jurisdictions. There may also be practical difficulties for shareholders attempting to bring suit in Liberia and Liberian courts may or may not recognize and enforce foreign judgments. Thus, our public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests with respect to actions by management, directors or controlling shareholders than would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a United States jurisdiction.

Provisions of our Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws and Liberian law could inhibit others from acquiring us, prevent a change of control, and may prevent efforts by our shareholders to change our management.

Certain provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws and Liberian law may inhibit third parties from effectuating a change of control of the Company without Board approval which could result in the entrenchmenthave an adverse impact on our financial condition or results of current management. These include provisions in our Articles of Incorporation that prevent third parties, other than A. Wilhelmsen AS. and Cruise Associates, from acquiring beneficial ownership of more than 4.9% of our outstanding shares without the consent of our Board of Directors.operations.





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Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 1C. Cybersecurity
Securing the Company’s business information, intellectual property, customer and employee data and technology systems is essential for the continuity of our businesses, meeting applicable regulatory requirements and maintaining the trust of our various stakeholders. Cybersecurity is an important and integrated part of the Company’s enterprise risk management function that identifies, monitors and mitigates business, operational, financial and legal risks.
We have developed a cybersecurity program designed to protect and preserve the confidentiality, integrity and continued availability of all information we own or process against risks from cybersecurity threats. Using a risk-based prioritization approach, the cybersecurity team focuses on securing our high value assets, updating our cybersecurity detection and prevention capabilities to identify new threats, and maturing the compliance processes to protect the Company’s operations and data.
Risk Management and Strategy
We have implemented policies, programs and controls and invested in cybersecurity technologies that focus on assessing, monitoring, and managing our cybersecurity risks. These include, but are not limited to: maintaining comprehensive cybersecurity policies and practices; augmenting our organization with a global cybersecurity operation center that monitors cyber threats 24-hours a day on a year-round basis; new surveillance technologies to proactively identify threats and improve the Company’s cyber defense capabilities; implementing enterprise-wide cybersecurity training, anti-phishing and awareness programs for our employees and crew members; and conducting cyber simulations with various teams across the Company as well as with management to evaluate our response approach. We have also implemented comprehensive processes designed to identify and oversee risks from cybersecurity threats associated with our third-party service providers, which include security assessments on our suppliers and vendors and continuous monitoring of cyber threats. Our cybersecurity program is based on recognized best practices and standards for cybersecurity, such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”) Cybersecurity Framework. We conduct regular third-party assessments of our cyber risk management program.
We also conduct a periodic assessment of cybersecurity risk as part of broader enterprise risk management (ERM). This assessment includes an evaluation of the Company’s processes to identify and respond to cyber risks and the effectiveness of the Company’s lines of defense. Given the complexity and evolving nature of cybersecurity threats, we leverage both internal cyber analytics and external sources of threat intelligence (including assessors, consultants, and other third parties) to evaluate our cyber risks and to properly adjust our risk mitigation approach. We also maintain controls and procedures that are designed to evaluate cyber risks on an ongoing basis. These processes include prompt communication of certain cybersecurity incidents to the Company’s executives, internal committees and the Board as needed, so that any needed external reporting can be made by management and the Board in a timely manner.
Our policies require each of our employees to contribute to our data security efforts. We regularly educate our employees about the importance of handling and protecting customer and employee data, including through annual privacy and security training to enhance employee awareness of how to detect and respond to cybersecurity threats.
As of the date of this report, we are not aware of any risks from cybersecurity threats or incidents that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company, including our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition. For additional description of cybersecurity risks and potential related impacts on the Company, refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors - "We are exposed to cyber security attacks and data breaches and the risks and costs associated with protecting our systems and maintaining data integrity and security."
Governance
Our cybersecurity program is led by our Chief Information Officer (CIO) and the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). They are supported by Information Security Officers who work closely with our operational teams. Our CIO and CISO have more than 35 years of collective experience in the cybersecurity field. The CISO reports to the CIO and is generally responsible for management of cybersecurity risk and the protection and defense of our networks and systems. The CISO has served in similar roles at three major public companies and is a recognized cybersecurity leader. He regularly engages with peer CISOs, cybersecurity experts and organizations, including the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) and the NIST, to stay informed on the latest industry developments. The CISO regularly informs our internal Disclosure Committee, Chief Financial Officer, and our President and Chief Executive Officer of cybersecurity risks and incidents as per our internal cyber risk framework. This also helps ensure that the highest levels of management are kept abreast of our cybersecurity posture and potential risks.

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Our Board, in coordination with the Audit Committee, is actively engaged in reviewing management's processes for assessing and managing cybersecurity risks. The Board reviews cybersecurity at least annually. The Audit Committee directly oversees the Company’s management of cybersecurity risks. On a quarterly basis or as needed, the Audit Committee receives updates from management (including the CIO and CISO) on cybersecurity risks resulting from risk assessments, progress of risk reduction initiatives, external auditor feedback, control maturity assessments, and relevant internal and industry cybersecurity incidents. In addition, the Chair of the Audit Committee regularly informs the Board of the outcome of the Audit Committee's reviews at scheduled Board meetings.
Item 2. Properties

Information about our cruise ships, including their size, and primary areas of operation, may be found within the Operating Strategies - FleetDelivery of state-of-the-art cruise ships, and fleet upgrade and maintenance and expansion section and the Operations - Cruise Ships and Itineraries sectionssection inItem 1. Business. Information regarding our cruise ships under construction, estimated expenditures and financing may be found within the Future Capital Commitments and Funding Needs and Sources sections of Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Our principal executive office and principal shoreside operations are located in leased office buildings at the Port of Miami, Florida. We also lease a number of other offices in the USU.S. and throughout Europe, Asia, Mexico, South America and Australia to administer our brand operations globally.
We believe that our facilities are adequate for our current needs and that we are capable of obtaining additional facilities as necessary.

We also operate two private destinations which we utilize as ports-of-call on certain itineraries: (i) an island we own in the Bahamas whichthat we call CocoCay; and (ii) Labadee, a secluded peninsula that we lease on the north coast of Haiti.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
As previously reported, a lawsuit was filed against us in August 2019 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida (the "Court") under Title III of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act, also known as the Helms-Burton Act. The complaint filed by Havana Docks Corporation ("Havana Docks Action") alleges it holds an interest in the Havana Cruise Port Terminal, which was expropriated by the Cuban government. The complaint further alleges that we trafficked in the terminal by embarking and disembarking passengers at these facilities. The plaintiffs seek all available statutory remedies, including the value of the expropriated property, plus interest, treble damages, attorneys’ fees and costs.
The Court entered final judgment in December 2022 in favor of the plaintiff and awarded damages and attorneys' fees to the plaintiff in the aggregate amount of approximately $112 million. We have appealed the judgment to the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. We believe we have meritorious grounds for and intend to vigorously pursue our appeal. During the fourth quarter of 2022, we recorded a charge of approximately $130.0 million to Other (expense) income within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) related to the Havana Docks Action, including post-judgment interest and related legal defense costs and bonding fees.
In addition, we are routinely involved in 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.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
None.


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PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbol "RCL." The table below sets forth the high and low sales prices of our common stock as reported by the NYSE for the two most recent years by quarter:

NYSE
Common Stock

High Low
2017   
Fourth Quarter$133.75 $117.55
Third Quarter$125.00 $107.79
Second Quarter$115.63 $93.86
First Quarter$101.11 $82.72
2016   
Fourth Quarter$86.84 $67.53
Third Quarter$75.72 $65.10
Second Quarter$84.56 $64.95
First Quarter$99.81 $64.21

Holders
As of February 12, 2018,16, 2024, there were 1,529approximately 1,186 record holders of our common stock. Since certain of our shares are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of shareholders, the foregoing number is not representative of the number of beneficial owners.
Dividends
In 2016, we declared cash dividends on our common stock of $0.375 per share during the first and second quarters of 2016. We increased the dividend amount to $0.48 per share for the dividends declared in the third and fourth quarters of 2016 and the first and second quarters of 2017. The dividend amount was increased to $0.60 per share for the dividends declared in the third and fourth quarters of 2017.
Holders of our common stock have an equal right, pro rata based on number of shares held, to share in our profits in the form of dividends when and if declared by our Boardboard of Directorsdirectors out of funds legally available.available, subject to any rights of holders of preferred stock if any. Holders of our common stock have no rights to any sinking fund.
There are no exchange control restrictions on remittances of dividends on our common stock sinceby reason of our incorporation in Liberia because (1) we are and intend to maintain our status as a nonresident Liberian entity under the Liberia Revenue Code of 2000 as Amendedamended and the regulations thereunder, and (2) our ship-owning subsidiaries are not now engaged, and are not in the future expected to engage, in any business in Liberia, including voyages exclusively within the territorial waters of the Republic of Liberia. Under current Liberian law, no Liberian taxes or withholding will be imposed on payments to holders of our securities other than to a holder that is a resident Liberian entity or a resident individual or an individual or entity subject to taxation in Liberia as a result of having a permanent establishment within the meaning of the Liberia Revenue Code of 2000 as Amendedamended in Liberia.
The declaration of dividends shall at all times be subject to the final determination of our Boardboard of Directorsdirectors that a dividend is prudent at that time in consideration of the needs of the business.


In the event we declare a dividend, we will need to repay the amounts deferred under our export credit facilities as part of the principal amortization deferrals agreed with them during 2020 and 2021. Accordingly, we have not declared a dividend since the first quarter of 2020. Refer toNote 10. Shareholders' Equity to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for further information on dividends declared.
Share Repurchases

There were no repurchases of common stock during the year ended December 31, 2023.
The following table presentsIn the total number ofevent we repurchase shares of our common stock, that we repurchasedwill need to repay the amounts deferred under our export credit facilities as part of the principal amortization deferrals agreed with our lenders during the quarter ended December 31, 2017:2020 and 2021.



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PeriodTotal number of shares purchased Average price paid per share 
Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs(1)
 Approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs
October 1, 2017 - October 31, 2017   $375,000,000
November 1, 2017 - November 30, 2017275,647 $124.05 275,647 $341,000,000
December 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017526,470 $124.96 526,470 $275,000,000
Total802,117   802,117  


(1)
On April 28, 2017, we announced that our board of directors authorized a 12-month common stock repurchase program for up to $500 million. The timing and number of shares to be repurchased will depend on a variety of factors including price and market conditions. During the fourth quarter of 2017, we repurchased 0.8 million shares of our common stock for a total of $100 million in open market transactions that were recorded within Treasury stock in our consolidated balance sheet. Repurchases under the program may be made at management's discretion from time to time on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions.

Performance Graph
The following graph compares the total return, assuming reinvestment of dividends, on an investment in the Company, based on performance of the Company's common stock, with the total return of the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Index ("S&P 500") and the Dow Jones United States Travel and Leisure Index for a five year period by measuring the changes in common stock prices from December 31, 20122018 to December 31, 2017.2023.

 12/12 12/13 12/14 12/15 12/16 12/17
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd
100.00 142.11 251.44 313.65 260.04 385.47
S&P 500100.00 132.39 150.51 152.59 170.84 208.14
Dow Jones US Travel & Leisure100.00 145.48 169.28 179.27 192.85 238.77
3143
12/1812/1912/2012/2112/2212/23
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd
100.00139.9579.2281.5752.43137.35
S&P 500100.00131.49155.68200.37164.08207.21
Dow Jones U.S. Travel & Leisure100.00123.94126.10140.59112.10152.56
The stock performance graph assumes for comparison that the value of the Company's common stock and of each index was $100 on December 31, 20122018 and that all dividends were reinvested. Past performance is not necessarily an indicator of future results.







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Item 6. Selected Financial DataReserved
The selected consolidated financial data presented below for the years 2013 through 2017 and as of the end of each such year, except for Adjusted Net Income amounts, are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with those financial statements and the related notes as well as in conjunction with Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.Not applicable.

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 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
 (in thousands, except per share data)
Operating Data:         
Total revenues$8,777,845
 $8,496,401
 $8,299,074
 $8,073,855
 $7,959,894
Operating income$1,744,056
 $1,477,205
 $874,902
 $941,859
 $798,148
Net income$1,625,133
 $1,283,388
 $665,783
 $764,146
 $473,692
Adjusted Net Income(1) (2) (3) (4)
$1,625,133
 $1,314,689
 $1,065,066
 $755,729
 $539,224
Per Share Data—Basic:         
Net income$7.57
 $5.96
 $3.03
 $3.45
 $2.16
Adjusted Net Income$7.57
 $6.10
 $4.85
 $3.41
 $2.46
Weighted-average shares214,617
 215,393
 219,537
 221,658
 219,638
Per Share Data—Diluted:         
Net income$7.53
 $5.93
 $3.02
 $3.43
 $2.14
Adjusted Net Income$7.53
 $6.08
 $4.83
 $3.39
 $2.44
Weighted-average shares and potentially dilutive shares215,694
 216,316
 220,689
 223,044
 220,941
Dividends declared per common share$2.16
 $1.71
 $1.35
 $1.10
 $0.74
Balance Sheet Data:         
Total assets$22,296,317
 $22,310,324
 $20,782,043
 $20,524,060
 $19,915,003
Total debt, including capital leases$7,539,451
 $9,387,436
 $8,527,243
 $8,254,818
 $7,916,860
Common stock$2,352
 $2,346
 $2,339
 $2,331
 $2,308
Total shareholders' equity$10,702,303
 $9,121,412
 $8,063,039
 $8,284,359
 $8,808,265




(1)
For 2017, 2016 and 2015, refer to Financial Presentation and Results of Operations under Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for definition of Adjusted Net Income and reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income to Net income.
(2)
Amount for 2017 includes a gain of $30.9 million related to the sale of Legend of the Seas.
(3)
Amount for 2014 excludes restructuring and related impairment charges of $4.3 million, other initiative costs of $21.2 million, an $11.0 million loss related to the estimated impact of Pullmantur's non-core businesses that were sold in 2014 and a loss of $17.4 million recognized on the sale of Celebrity Century. Additionally, the amount for 2014 excludes $28.9 million of net income resulting from the change in our voyage proration methodology and the reversal of a deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $33.5 million due to Spanish tax reform.
(4)Amount for 2013 excludes restructuring and related impairment charges of $56.9 million and an $8.6 million loss related to the estimated impact of Pullmantur's non-core businesses that were sold in 2014.

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
The discussion under this caption "Management's“Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"Operations” and elsewhere in this document, including, for example, under the "Risk Factors" and "Business" captions,Annual Report on Form 10-K, includes "forward-looking statements"“forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding guidance (including our expectations for the first quarter and full year of 2018 and our earnings and yield estimates for 2018 set forth under the heading "Outlook" below),future periods, business and industry prospects or future results of operations or financial position, made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are forward-looking. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "goal," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "seek," "should," "will," "driving"“anticipate,” “believe,” “considering,” “could,” “driving,” “estimate,” “expect,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “will”, "would", and similar expressions are intended to further identify any of these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect management's current expectations, but they are based on judgments and are inherently uncertain. Furthermore, they are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in those forward-looking statements. Examples of these risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, those discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and, in particular, the risks discussed under the caption "Risk Factors"Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this report.herein.
All forward-looking statements made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K speak only as of the date of this document.filing. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Overview
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations have beenis organized to present the following:
a review of our critical accounting policies and estimates and of our financial presentation, including discussion of certain operational and financial metrics we utilize to assist us in managing our business;
a discussion of our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 20172023 compared to the same period in 20162022; and the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015;
a discussion of our business outlook, including our expectations for selected financial items for the first quarter and full year of 2018; and
a discussion of our liquidity and capital resources, including our future capital and contractual commitmentsmaterial cash requirements and potential funding sources.
A discussion of our results of operations, and sources and uses of cash for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021 is included in Part II. Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year endedDecember 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on February 23, 2023 and is incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). (Refer to Note 1. 1. General and Note 2. 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data). Certain of our accounting policies are deemed "critical," as they require management's highest degree of judgment, estimates and assumptions. We have discussed these accounting policies and estimates with the audit committee of our board of directors. We believe our most critical accounting policies and estimates are as follows:
Ship Accounting
Our shipsShips represent our most significant assets and are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation of ships is generally computed net of a 15%10%-15% projected residual value, using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset, which is generally 3030-35 years. The 30-year30-35 year useful life of our newly constructed ships and 15% associated10%-15% residual value are both based onis the weighted-average of all major components

of a ship. Our useful life and residual value estimates take into consideration the impact of anticipated technological changes, environmental regulations, long-term cruise and vacation market conditions and historical useful lives of similarly-built ships. In addition, we take into consideration our estimates of the weighted-average useful lives of the ships' major component systems, such as hull, superstructure, main electric, engines and cabins. We employ a cost allocation methodology at the component level, in order to support the estimated weighted-average useful lives and residual values, as well as to determine the net cost basis of assets being replaced. Given the very large and complex nature of our ships, our accounting estimates related to ships and determinations of ship improvement costs to be capitalized require considerable judgment and are inherently uncertain. We do not have cost segregation studies performed to specifically componentize our ship systems. Therefore,However, we estimate the costs, useful lives and residual values of component systems based principally on general and technical information known about major ship component systems and their lives, andas well as our knowledge of the cruise vacation industry. We do not identify and track depreciation by ship component systems, but instead utilize these estimates to determine the net cost basis of assets replaced or refurbished. Improvement costs that we believe add value to our ships are capitalized as additions to the ship and depreciated over the shorter of the improvements' estimated useful lives or that of the associated ship. The estimated cost and accumulated depreciation of replaced or refurbished ship components are written off and any resulting losses are recognized in within Cruise operating expenses.in our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss.
We periodically review estimated useful lives and residual values for ongoing reasonableness, considering long term views on our intended use of each class of ships the planned level of improvements to maintain, enhance, and to comply with environmental regulations for vessels within those classes. In the event a factor is identified that may trigger a change in the estimated useful lives and residual values of our ships, a review of the estimate is completed.
We use the deferral method to account for drydocking costs. Under the deferral method, drydocking costs incurred are deferred and charged to expense on a straight-line basis over the period to the next scheduled drydock, which we estimate to be a period of thirty to sixty months based on the vessel's age as required by Class. Deferred drydock costs consist of the costs to drydock the vessel and other costs incurred in connection with the drydock which are necessary to maintain the vessel's Class certification. Class certification is necessary in order for our cruise ships to be flagged in a specific country, obtain liability insurance and legally operate as passenger cruise ships. The activities associated with those drydocking costs cannot be performed while the vessel is in service and, as such, are done during a drydock as a planned major maintenance activity. The significant deferred drydock costs consist of hauling and wharfage services provided by the drydock facility, hull inspection and related activities (e.g., scraping, pressure cleaning, bottom painting), maintenance to steering propulsion, thruster equipment and ballast tanks, port services such as tugs, pilotage and line handling, and freight associated with these items. We perform a detailed analysis of the various activities performed for each drydock and only defer those costs that are directly related to planned major maintenance activities necessary to maintain Class. The costs deferred are related to activities not otherwise routinely periodically performed to maintain a vessel's designed and intended operating capability. Repairs and maintenance activities are charged to expense as incurred.
We use judgment when estimating the period between drydocks, which can result in adjustments to the estimated amortization of drydock costs. If the vessel is disposed of before the next drydock, the remaining balance in deferred drydock is written-off to the gain or loss uponon disposal of vessel in the period in which the sale takes place. We also use judgment when identifying costs incurred during a drydock which are necessary to maintain the vessel's Class certification as compared to those costs attributable to repairs and maintenance which are expensed as incurred.
We believe we have made reasonable estimates for ship accounting purposes. However, should certain factors or circumstances cause us to revise our estimates of ship useful lives or projected residual values, depreciation expense could be materially higher or lower. If circumstances cause us to change our assumptions in making determinations as to whether ship

28


improvements should be capitalized, the amounts we expense each year as repairs and maintenance costs could increase, partially offset by a decrease in depreciation expense. If we had reduced our estimated average ship useful life by one year, depreciation expense for 20172023 would have increased by approximately $51.5$100 million. If our ships were estimated to have no residual value, depreciation expense for 20172023 would have increased by approximately $215.5$345 million. We have evaluated our estimated ship useful lives and projected residual values in light of our current environment and determined that there are no changes to these estimates. Refer to Note 6. Property and Equipment to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for further information on our ships.
Valuation of Goodwill, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets and Long-Lived Assets
We review goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at the reporting unit level annually or, when events or circumstances dictate, more frequently. The impairment review for goodwill consists of a qualitative assessment of whether it is more-likely-than-notmore-likely than-not that a reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying amount,value, and if necessary, a two-step goodwill impairment test. Factors to consider when performing the qualitative assessment include general economic conditions, limitations on accessing capital, changes in forecasted operating results, changes in fuel prices, and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. If the qualitative assessment demonstrates that it is more-likely-than-not that the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, it is not necessary to perform the two-step
The goodwill impairment test. We may elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to step

one, for any reporting unit, in any period. Onanalysis consists of a periodic basis, we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed to step one to corroborate the resultscomparison of recent years' qualitative assessments. We can resume the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any subsequent period.
When performing the two-step goodwill impairment test, the fair value of the reporting unit is determined and compared to thewith its carrying value of the net assets allocated to the reporting unit.value. We typically estimate the fair value of our reporting units using a probability-weighted discounted cash flow model.model, which may also include a combination of a market-based valuation approach. The estimation of fair value utilizing discounted expected future cash flows includes numerous uncertainties which require our significant judgment when making assumptions of expected revenues, operating costs, marketing, selling and administrative expenses, interest rates, ship additions and retirements as well as assumptions regarding the cruise vacation industry's competitive environment and general economic and business conditions, among other factors. The principal assumptions we useused in the discounted cash flow model are projectedfor our 2023 impairment assessment consisted of:
Forecasted revenues per available passenger cruise day;
Occupancy rates from existing vessels;
Vessel operating results, weighted-averageexpenses;
Terminal growth rate; and
Weighted average cost of capital and terminal value. (i.e., discount rate).
The discounted cash flow model uses the most current projected operating results for the upcoming fiscal year as a base. To that base, we add future years' cash flows assuming multiple revenue and expense scenarios that reflect the impact of different global economic environments beyond the base year on the reporting unit. We discount the projected cash flows using rates specific to the reporting unit based on its weighted-average cost of capital.
If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, no further analysis or write-down of goodwill is required. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value of its net assets, an impairment is recognized based on the impliedamount by which the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the total amount of the reporting unit isgoodwill allocated to all its underlying assetssuch reporting unit. Refer to Note 4. Goodwill to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8. Financial Statements and liabilities, including both recognized and unrecognized tangible and intangible assets, basedSupplementary Data for further information on their fair value. If necessary, goodwill is then written down to its implied fair value.goodwill.
The impairment review for indefinite-life intangible assets can be performed using a qualitative or quantitative impairment assessment. The quantitative assessment consists of a comparison of the fair value of the asset with its carrying amount.value. We estimate the fair value of these assets using a discounted cash flow model and various valuation methods depending on the nature of the intangible asset, such as the relief-from-royalty method, for trademarks and tradenames. trade names. The principal assumptions used in the discounted cash flow model for our 2023 impairment assessment consisted of:
Forecasted revenues per available passenger cruise day;
Occupancy rates from existing vessels ;
Terminal growth rate;
Royalty rate; and
Weighted average cost of capital (i.e., discount rate).
If the carrying amountvalue exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. If the fair value exceeds its carrying amount,value, the indefinite-life intangible asset is not considered impaired. As of December 31, 2017, the carrying amount of indefinite-life intangible assets was not material. Other intangible assets assigned finite useful lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Refer to Note 5. Intangible Assets to

29


our consolidated financial statements under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for further information on indefinite-life and finite-life intangible assets.
We review our ships and other long-lived assets, including right-of-use assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate, based on estimated undiscounted futurerecent and projected cash flows,flow performance and remaining useful lives, that the carrying amountvalue of these assets may not be fully recoverable. We evaluate asset impairment at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. The lowest level for which we maintain identifiable cash flows that are independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities is at the ship level for our ships and, prior to the sale of the aircraft, at the aggregated asset group level for our aircraft.ships. If estimated undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying value of an asset, an impairment charge is recognized to the extent its carrying value exceeds fair value. Refer to Note 6. Property and Equipment to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for further information on determination of fair value for long-lived assets.
We estimate fair value based on quoted market prices in active markets, if available. If active markets are not available, we base fair value on independent appraisals, sales price negotiations and projected future cash flows discounted at a rate estimated by management to be commensurate with the business risk. Quoted market prices are often not available for individual reporting units and for indefinite-life intangible assets. Accordingly, we estimate the fair value of a reporting unit and an indefinite-life intangible asset using an expected present value technique.
Royal Caribbean International Reporting Unit
During the fourth quarter of 2017,2023, we performed a quantitative analysis as part of our annual impairment review of the Royal Caribbean International reporting unit. As of November 30, 2023, the fair value of the Royal Caribbean International reporting unit was determined using a discounted cash flow model in combination with a market-based valuation approach. As a result of the test, we determined the fair value of the Royal Caribbean International reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by more than 100% as of November 30, 2023, resulting in no impairment to Royal Caribbean International's goodwill.
During the fourth quarter of 2022, we performed a qualitative assessment of the Royal Caribbean International reporting unit. Based on our qualitative assessment, we concluded that it was more-likely-than-not that the estimated fair value of the Royal Caribbean International reporting unit exceeded its carrying value and thus, we did not proceed to the two-step goodwill impairment test. No indicators of impairment exist primarily because the reporting unit's fair value has consistently exceeded its carrying value by a significant margin and forecasts of operating results generated by the reporting unit appear sufficient to support its carrying value.
As of December 31, 2017,2023 and 2022, the carrying amount of goodwill attributable to our Royal Caribbean reporting unit was $286.9$296.4 million.

We did not perform interim impairment evaluations of Royal Caribbean International's goodwill during 2023 and 2022, as no triggering events were identified.
2015 Impairment of Pullmantur Related AssetsSilversea Cruises Reporting Unit
During the third quarterfourth quarters of 2015,2023 and 2022, we performed an interim impairment evaluation of Pullmantur’s goodwill and trademarks and trade names in connection with the preparationa quantitative analysis as part of our financial statements.annual impairment review of the Silversea Cruises reporting unit. As of November 30, 2023, and November 30, 2022, the fair value of the Silversea Cruises reporting unit was determined using a probability weighted discounted cash flow model in combination with a market-based valuation approach. As a result of this analysis,the tests, we determined the fair value of the Silversea Cruises reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by approximately 63% and 26% as of November 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, resulting in no impairment to Silversea Cruises' goodwill. The carrying value of goodwill attributable to our Silversea Cruises reporting unit was $509 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
During the fourth quarters of 2023 and 2022, we performed our annual impairment reviews of the Silversea Cruises trade name. As a result of the quantitative tests, we determined that the carryingfair value of the Pullmantur reporting unitSilversea Cruises' trade name exceeded its fair value. Similarly, we determined thatcarrying value by approximately 62% and 25%, as of November 30, 2023 and November 30, 2022, respectively, resulting in no impairment to Silversea Cruises' trade name.
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the carrying value of Pullmantur’s trademarks andindefinite-life intangible assets was $321 million, which primarily relates to the Silversea Cruises trade name.
We did not perform interim impairment evaluations of Silversea Cruises' goodwill or trade names exceeded their fair value. Accordingly, upon the completion of the relevant impairment tests discussed above, we recognized impairment charges of $123.8 millionduring 2023 and $174.3 million for goodwill and trademark and trade names, respectively, during the quarter ended September 30, 2015. These charges reflected the full carrying amounts of the goodwill and trademark and trade names leaving Pullmantur with2022, as no intangible assets on its books.
In conjunction with performing the two-step goodwill impairment test for the Pullmantur reporting unit, we identified that the estimated fair value of certain long-lived assets, consisting of two ships and three aircraft, was less than their carrying values. As a result of this determination, we evaluated these assets pursuant to our long-lived asset impairment test, resulting in an impairment charge of $113.2 million to write down these assets to their estimated fair values during the quarter ended September 30, 2015.triggering events were identified.
Derivative Instruments
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

30


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. Although certainsome of our derivative financial instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting or are not accounted for under hedge accounting, we do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes. We account for derivative financial instruments in accordance with authoritative guidance. Refer to Note 2. 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 14. 16.Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for more information on related authoritative guidance, the Company's hedging programs and derivative financial instruments.
WeOn a regular basis, we enter into foreign currency forward contracts, and collars, interest rate cross-currency andswaps, fuel swaps and options with third-party institutions in over-the-counter markets. We estimate the fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts and interest rate and cross-currency swaps using expected future cash flows based on the instruments' contract terms and published forward prices for foreign currency exchange and interest rates. We value floors which are embedded within our interest rate swaps using standard option pricing models with inputs based on the options’ contract terms, such as exercise price and maturity, and readily available market data, such as forward interest rates and interest rate volatility. We apply present value techniques and LIBOR or EURIBOR-based discount rates to convert the expected future cash flows to the current fair value of the instruments.
We estimate the fair value of our foreign currency collars using standard option pricing models with inputs based on the options' contract terms, such as exercise price and maturity, and readily available public market data, such as foreign exchange prices, foreign exchange volatility levels and discount rates.
We estimate the fair value of our fuel swaps using expected future cash flows based on the swaps' contract terms and forward prices. We derive forward prices from published forward fuel curves which in turn are based on pricing inputs provided by third-party institutions that transact in the fuel indices we hedge. We validate these pricing inputs against actual market transactions and published price quotes for similar assets. We apply present value techniques and LIBOR-based discount rates to convert the expected future cash flows to the current fair value of the instruments. We also corroborate our fair value estimates using valuations provided by our counterparties.
We adjust the valuation of our derivative financial instruments to incorporate credit risk.
We believe it is unlikely that materially different estimates for the fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts, and interest rate cross-currency andswaps, fuel swaps and options would be derived from other appropriate valuation models using similar assumptions, inputs or conditions suggested by actual historical experience.
Contingencies—Litigation
On an ongoing basis, we assess the potential liabilities related to any lawsuits or claims brought against us. While it is typically very difficult to determine the timing and ultimate outcome of such actions, we use our best judgment

to determine if it is probable that we will incur an expense related to the settlement or final adjudication of such matters and whether a reasonable estimation of such probable loss, if any, can be made. In assessing probable losses, we take into consideration estimates of the amount of insurance recoveries, if any, which are recorded as assets when recoverability is probable. We accrue a liability when we believe a loss is probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Due to the inherent uncertainties related to the eventual outcome of litigation and potential insurance recoveries, it is possible that certain matters may be resolved for amounts materially different from any provisions or disclosures that we have previously made.
Seasonality
Our revenues are seasonal based on demand for cruises. Demand ishas historically been strongest for cruises during the Northern Hemisphere's summer months and holidays. In order to mitigate the impact of the winter weather in the Northern Hemisphere and to capitalize on the summer season in the Southern Hemisphere, our brands have historically focused on deployment to the Caribbean, Asia and Australia during that period.
Financial Presentation
Description of Certain Line Items
Revenues
Our revenues are comprised of the following:
Passenger ticket revenues, which consist of revenue recognized from the sale of passenger tickets and the sale of air transportation to and from our ships; and
Onboard and other revenues, which consist primarily of revenues from the sale of goods and/or services onboard our ships not included in passenger ticket prices, casino operations, cancellation fees, sales of vacation protection insurance, and pre- and post-cruise tours. tours and fees for operating certain port facilities. Onboard and other revenues also includesinclude revenues we receive from independent third-partythird party concessionaires that pay us a percentage of their

31


revenues in exchange for the right to provide selected goods and/or services onboard our ships, as well as revenues received for our bareboat charter, procurement and management related services we perform on behalf of our unconsolidated affiliates.
Cruise Operating Expenses
Our cruise operating expenses are comprised of the following:
Commissions, transportation and other expenses, which consist of those costs directly associated with passenger ticket revenues, including travel agentadvisor commissions, air and other transportation expenses, port costs that vary with passenger head counts and related credit card fees;
Onboard and other expenses, which consist of the direct costs associated with onboard and other revenues, including the costs of products sold onboard our ships, vacation protection insurance premiums, costs associated with pre- and post-cruise tours and related credit card fees, as well as the minimal costs associated with concession revenues, as the costs are mostly incurred by third-party concessionaires and costs incurred for the procurement and management related services we perform on behalf of our unconsolidated affiliates;
Payroll and related expenses, which consist of costs for shipboard personnel (costs associated with our shoreside personnel are included in Marketing, selling and administrative expenses);
Food expenses, which include food costs for both guests and crew;
Fuel expenses, which include fuel and related delivery, storage and emission consumable costs and the financial impact of fuel swap agreements; and

Other operating expenses, which consist primarily of operating costs such as repairs and maintenance, port costs that do not vary with passenger head counts, vessel related insurance, entertainment and gains and/or losses related to the sale of our ships, if any.
We do not allocate payroll and related expenses, food expenses, fuel expenses or other operating expenses to the expense categories attributable to passenger ticket revenues or onboard and other revenues since they are incurred to provide the total cruise vacation experience.

Selected Operational and Financial Metrics
We utilize a variety of operational and financial metrics which are defined below to evaluate our performance and financial condition. As discussed in more detail herein, certain of these metrics are non-GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures are provided along with the related GAAP financial measures as we believe they provide useful information to investors as a supplement to our consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. The presentation of non-GAAP financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP.
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure that represents EBITDA (as defined below) excluding certain items that we believe adjusting for is meaningful when assessing our profitability on a comparative basis. For the periods presented, these items included (i) Other expense, which includes the loss contingency in connection with the ongoing Havana Docks litigation recorded in other expenses in 2022; (ii) gain on sale of controlling interest; (iii) impairment and credit losses; (iv) restructuring charges and other initiative expense; (v) equity investment impairment and recovery of losses; (vi) Pullmantur reorganization settlement; (vii) net insurance recoveries or costs related to the collapse of the drydock structure at the Grand Bahama Shipyard involving Oasis of the Seas; and (viii) the net gain recognized in 2021 in relation to the sale of the Azamara brand; A reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. to Adjusted EBITDA is provided below under Results of Operations.
Adjusted Earnings (Loss) per Share ("Adjusted EPS")is a non-GAAP measure thatrepresents Adjusted Net Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (as defined below) divided by weighted average shares outstanding or by diluted weighted average shares outstanding, as applicable. We believe that this non-GAAP measure is meaningful when assessing our performance on a comparative basis.
Adjusted Net Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.is a non-GAAP measure that represents net income (loss) less net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, excluding certain items that we believe adjusting for is meaningful when assessing our performance on a comparative basis. For the periods presented, these items included (i) loss on extinguishment of debt; (ii) gain on sale of controlling interest; (iii) tax on the sale of PortMiami noncontrolling interest; (iv)

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Silver Whisper deferred tax liability release; (v) impairment and credit losses; (vi) the amortization of the Silversea Cruises intangible assets resulting from the Silversea Cruises acquisition in 2018; (vii) restructuring charges and other initiative expenses; (viii) equity investments impairment and recovery of losses; (ix) loss contingency recorded in 2022 in connection with the ongoing Havana Docks litigation inclusive of related legal fees and costs; (x) convertible debt amortization of debt discount; (xi) the 2021 Pullmantur reorganization settlement; (xii) net insurance recoveries related assets,to the collapse of the drydock structure at the Grand Bahama Shipyard involving Oasis of the Seas incident; (xiii) the net gain recognized in 2021 in relation to the sale of the Azamara brand; and (xiv) the net loss recognized in 2021 related to the elimination of the Pullmanturthree-month reporting lag the net gain relatedfor Silversea Cruises. A reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) attributable to the 51% saleRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. to Adjusted Net Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is provided below under Results of the Pullmantur and CDF Croisières de France ("CDF") brands, restructuring charges and other initiative costs related to our Pullmantur right-sizing strategy and other restructuring initiatives.Operations.
Available Passenger Cruise Days ("APCD"APCD") is our measurement of capacity and represents double occupancy per cabin multiplied by the number of cruise days for the period, which excludes canceled cruise days and drydock days.cabins not available for sale. We use this measure to perform capacity and rate analysis to identify our main non-capacity drivers that cause our cruise revenue and expenses to vary.
Double-DoubleProgram refersEBITDA is a non-GAAP measure that represents of Net Income (Loss) attributable to the multi-year Adjusted EPSRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. excluding (i) interest income; (ii) interest expense, net of interest capitalized; (iii) depreciation and Returnamortization expenses; and (iv) income tax benefit or expense. We believe that this non-GAAP measure is meaningful when assessing our operating performance on Invested Capital ("ROIC") goals we publicly announced in 2014 and soughta comparative basis. A reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) attributable to achieve by the endRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. to EBITDA is provided below under Results of 2017. We designed this program to help us better execute and achieve our business goals by clearly articulating longer-term financial objectives. Under the Double-Double Program, we targeted Adjusted EPS of $6.78 by the end of 2017, which was double our 2014 Adjusted EPS of $3.39. We also targeted ROIC of 10% by the end of 2017 as compared to ROIC of 5.9% in 2014.Operations.
Gross Cruise Costsrepresent the sum of total cruise operating expenses plus marketing, selling and administrative expenses.
Gross Yields represent total revenuesCarbonIntensity is our measurement of carbon dioxide emissions per APCD.gross tonne nautical mile (well-to-wake).
Net Cruise Costs and Net Cruise Costs Excludingand Net Cruise Costs excluding Fuel are non-GAAP measures that represent Gross Cruise Costs excluding commissions, transportation and other expenses, and onboard and other expenses and, in the case of Net Cruise Costs Excludingexcluding Fuel, fuel expenses (each of which is described above under the Description of Certain Line Items heading). In measuring our ability to control costs in a manner that positively impacts net income, we believe changes in Net Cruise Costs and Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel to be the most relevant indicators of our cost performance. For the 2023 period presented, Net Cruise Costs and Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel excludes (i) gain on sale of controlling interest; (ii) impairment and credit losses; and (iii) restructuring and other initiative expenses. A reconciliation of historical Gross Cruise Costs to Net Cruise Costs and Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel is provided below under Results of Operations. For the periods presented, Net Cruise Costs excludes the net gainOperations.
Gross Margin Yield represent Gross Margin per APCD.
Adjusted Gross Margin represent Gross Margin, adjusted for payroll and related, food, fuel, other operating, and depreciation and amortization expenses. Gross Margin is calculated pursuant to the 51% sale of the Pullmantur and CDF brands, restructuring charges and other initiative costs related to our Pullmantur right-sizing strategy and other restructuring initiatives.
Net Revenues representGAAP as total revenues less commissions, transportation and othertotal cruise operating expenses, and onboarddepreciation and other expenses (each of which is described above under the Description of Certain Line Items heading).amortization.

Net Yields represent Net RevenuesAdjusted Gross Margin per APCD. We utilize Net RevenuesAdjusted Gross Margin and Net Yields to manage our business on a day-to-day basis as we believe that they are the most relevant measures of our pricing performance because they reflect the cruise revenues earned by us net of our most significant variable costs, which are commissions, transportation and other expenses, and onboard and other expenses. A reconciliation
Invested Capital represents the most recent five-quarter average of historical Gross Yieldstotal debt (i.e., Current portion of long-term debt plus Long-term debt) plus the most recent five-quarter average of Total shareholders' equity. We use this measure to Net Yieldscalculate ROIC (as defined below).
Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) is provided below under Results of Operationsa non-GAAP measure that represents operating income (loss) including income (loss) from equity investments and income taxes but excluding certain items that we believe adjusting for is meaningful when assessing our operating performance on a comparative basis. We use this non-GAAP measure to calculate ROIC (as defined below). For the periods presented, Net Yields excludes initiative costs related
Return on Invested Capital ("ROIC") represents Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) divided by Invested Capital. We believe ROIC is a meaningful measure because it quantifies how efficiently we generated operating income relative to the sale ofcapital we have invested in the Pullmantur and CDF brands.business. ROIC is also used as a key metric in our long-term incentive compensation program for our executive officers.

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Occupancy ("Load factor"), in accordance with cruise vacation industry practice, is calculated by dividing Passenger Cruise Days (as defined below) by APCD. A percentage in excess of 100% indicates that three or more passengers occupied some cabins.
Passenger Cruise Days represent the number of passengers carried for the period multiplied by the number of days of their respective cruises.
We believe Net Yields, Net Cruise Costs and Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel are our most relevant non-GAAP financial measures. However, a significant portion of our revenue and expenses are denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar. Because our reporting currency is the United States dollar, the value of these revenues and expenses can be affected by changes in currency exchange rates. Although such changes in local currency prices are just one of many elements impacting our revenues and expenses, they can be an important element. For this reason, we also monitor Net Yields, Net Cruise Costs and Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel as if the current periods' currency exchange rates had remained constant with the comparable prior periods' rates, or on a "Constant Currency" basis.
It should be emphasized that Constant Currency is primarily used for comparing short-term changes and/or projections. Changes in guest sourcing and shifting the amount of purchases between currencies can change the impact of the purely currency-based fluctuations.
The use of certain significant non-GAAP measures, such as Net Yields, Net Cruise Costs and Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel, allows us to perform capacity and rate analysis to separate the impact of known capacity changes from other less predictable changes which affect our business. We believe these non-GAAP measures provide expanded insight to measure revenue and cost performance in addition to the standard GAAP based financial measures. There are no specific rules or regulations for determining non-GAAP and Constant Currency measures, and as such, there exists the possibility that they may not be comparable to other companies within the industry.
We have not provided a quantitative reconciliation of (i) projected Total revenuesnon-GAAP financial measures to projected Net Revenues, (ii) projected Gross Yields to projected Net Yields, (iii) projected Gross Cruise Costs to projected Net Cruise Costs and projected Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel and (iv) projected Net Income and Earnings per Share to projected Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Earnings per Sharethe most comparable GAAP financial measures because preparation of meaningful U.S. GAAP projections of Total revenues, Gross Yields, Gross Cruise Costs, Net Income and Earnings per Share would require unreasonable effort. Due to significant uncertainty, we are unable to predict, without unreasonable effort, the future movement of foreign exchange rates, fuel prices and interest rates inclusive of our related hedging programs. In addition, we are unable to determine the future impact of restructuring expenses or other non-core business related gains and losses which may result from strategic initiatives. These items are uncertain and could be material to our results of operations in accordance with U.S GAAP. Due to this uncertainty, we do not believe that reconciling information for such projected figures would be meaningful.


34


Executive Overview
2023 performance was exceptionally strong and significantly exceeded our expectations.
We took delivery of three new ships (Silver Nova, Celebrity Ascent and Icon of the Seas), expanded Perfect Day at CocoCay’s capacity with the launch of Hideaway Beach, and successfully returned to normalized load factors of 105.6%, with peak summer sailings reaching load factors of 110%. We achieved strong financial performance, including EBITDA of $4.5 billion in 2023, record Adjusted EBITDA per APCD and record ROIC. In addition, 2023 delivered record Net Yields and Adjusted EBITDA, and we made significant progress in repairing our balance sheet, repaying approximately $4.0 billion of debt.
Our 2017 net income2023 Net Income attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. was $1.6$1.7 billion, or $7.53$6.31 per diluted share, compared to $1.3Net Income attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. of $1.9 billion, or $5.93$8.95 per diluted share in 2016.2019, the most recent year of normalized operations. Adjusted Net Income attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. for 20172023 was $1.6$1.8 billion, or $7.53$6.77 per diluted share, compared to $1.3Adjusted Net Income attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. of $2.0 billion, or $6.08$9.54 per diluted share in 2016.2019. 2023 Adjusted EPS for 2017 represents the fourth straight year we achieved a record amount, growing approximately 24%EBITDA was $4.5 billion, compared to 2016.Adjusted EBITDA of $3.6 billion in 2019.

The year 2017 markedTotal revenues in 2023 were $13.9 billion, exceeding the final yearprevious record of our Double-Double program ("Double-Double"), which was comprised$11.0 billion in 2019 driven by strong ticket revenue and onboard revenue performance, inclusive of two multi-year financial targets, including doubling our 2014 Adjusted EPS to $6.78capacity growth. As a result of this, Gross Margin Yields increased 13.2% as-reported, and achieving double-digit ROIC by the end of 2017. The Double-Double program was successful in galvanizing our large workforce and drove a real step change in performance. Our long-term commitment to grow revenue yields, manage costs and maintain steady capacity growth guided us towards the achievement of the Double-Double. We finished 2017 with Adjusted EPS of $7.53 and ROIC in excess of 10%, exceeding our Double-Double targets. During the Double-Double period, we have experienced annual Adjusted EPS growth of approximately 24%, 26% and 42% and annual ROIC growth of approximately 18%, 17% and 29%, in each of 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Additionally, Net Yields on aincreased 13.5% in Constant-Currency, basis increased for the eighth consecutive year. For the year ended December 31, 2017, our Net Yields on a Constant-Currency basis increased by 6.4%, primarily driven by increasesboth compared to 2019. The strength in both ticketrevenue and onboard yields and by a benefit from the deconsolidation of the Pullmantur brand. Strong demand for Europe and North America productsimproved cash flow, combined with strong onboard trends are responsible for the growth. Partly offsetting these successes was the impact of the 2017 hurricane seasonour margin expansion efforts allowed us to accelerate debt repayment, improving our debt maturity profile.
Cruise operating expenses increased from $6.1 billion in 2019 to $7.8 billion in 2023. Gross Cruise Costs per APCD increased 10.9% as-reported and China's South Korea travel restrictions.

Net onboard revenue yield11.3% in 2017 grew by 6.8% year-over-year on a Constant Currency, basis. Growth came from a variety of areas, including beverage package sales, specialty restaurants, shore excursions, and our high speed onboard internet products.
We remain dedicatedcompared to finding efficiencies, identifying synergies and reducing costs, while at the same time, focusing on strategic investments in areas that will boost revenue. In 2017, our2019. Net Cruise Costs, Excludingexcluding Fuel, per APCD increased by 2.0% on a7.5% as-reported and 7.9% in Constant Currency, basis compared to 2016.2019. Our disciplined cost control helped mitigate the effects of inflation. For 2023, Net Cruise Costs included $2.31 per APCD of structural costs which were not present in 2019, including increased costs associated with Perfect Day at CocoCay, our Galveston terminal, and roll-out of Starlink internet onboard our fleet.
The Company remains focused on improving returns for our shareholders. In 2017, we bought back $225 million shares of common stock under our $500 million share repurchase program that was announced in April 2017. We also announced a 25% increase to our common stock dividend, our fifth consecutive year with a dividend increase. In addition, during 2017, both Moody’s and S&P upgraded our senior unsecured debt rating to investment grade.
In 2018, all three of our Global Brands will each welcome a ship in the same year - a first in our history. Royal Caribbean International will welcome newbuild Symphony of the Seas in April; Azamara Club Cruises will welcome Azamara Pursuit in August; and Celebrity Cruises will welcome its newbuild Celebrity Edge in November. In 2018,2024, we expect our capacity into increase by 8.5% compared to 2023, with the Caribbean will increase as Symphonyaddition of Silver Ray and Utopia of the Seas and a full year of operations for Silver Nova, Celebrity Edge joinAscent, and Icon of the Seas (which began revenue sailings in January 2024). Utopia of the Seas will be the first Oasis class ship focused on short Caribbean in the winter, Celebrity Infinity returns to the Caribbeanitineraries, and we upsize Jewel ofalso return to China for the Seas to Freedom of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas to Mariner of the Seas. As a result of Mariner of the Seas repositioning from Asia/Pacific to North America to make way for first time since 2019 with Spectrum of the Seas’ arrival in early 2019,Seas. In addition, we expect our Asia/Pacific capacity will decrease year over year and will account for 17% of our total capacity in 2018. We expect Europe will represent 17% of our capacity in 2018 with growth driven bycontinue the Symphonyconstruction of the Seas' inaugural Western Mediterranean season replacing Freedomfirst Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island, Bahamas, set to open in 2025. Our new ships, optimized deployment, continued load factor growth and enhanced onboard offerings are expected to drive growth in Net Yields and Total Revenues. During 2024, we are expected to have 20 ships in drydock, due to our growing fleet combined with the timing of the Seasrestarting our entire fleet, and the addition of Azamara Pursuit.
In November 2017, we announced the order of Celebrity Flora, the brand’s first ship designed specifically for the Galapagos Islands, which we expect will sail beginning in 2019. In additionplan to continue investing in new hardwarenewbuilds and retrofitting our existing hardware throughfleet with technology to help reach our fleet modernization programs, Royal Amplified and Celebrity Revolution, we continuelong-term goals to opportunistically evaluate selling or transferring older ships to further optimize our fleet. Since 2014, we have sold four ships - the sale of Celebrity Century to a subsidiary of Skysea Holdings, the sale of Ocean Dream to an unrelated third-party, the sale of Splendour of the Seas to TUI Cruises, and sale of Legend of the Seas to an affiliate of TUI AG, our joint venture partner in TUI Cruises.reduce carbon intensity.


After announcing our achievement of Double-Double, we thanked employees for their contribution with individual salary bonuses of five percent. Employees received equity-based awards equal to five percent of their 2017 salaries in an $80 million program called the "Thank You, Thank You Bonus."  The awards, which vest over three years, went to all employees – shipboard and shoreside, full-time and part-time, domestic and overseas. Corporate officers, however, were excluded. In addition to the five percent equity-based awards, we will contribute to the Crew Welfare Fund for upgrades to crew living and recreational areas.35


Results of Operations
In addition to the items discussed above under "Executive Overview," significant items for 20172023 include:
Both our net incomeNet Income attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and Adjusted Net Income attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. for the year ended December 31, 20172023 was $1.6$1.7 billion and $1.8 billion, or $7.53$6.31 and $6.77 per share on a diluted basis, respectively, as compared to both net incomeNet Loss attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and Adjusted Net IncomeLoss attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. of $1.3$(2.2) billion and $(1.9) billion, or $5.93$(8.45) and $6.08$(7.50) per share on a diluted basis, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2016.2022.
The estimated negative impact resulting from the third quarter 2017 hurricane-related disruptions was approximately $0.26 per share on a diluted basis to our net income and Adjusted Net IncomeTotal revenues increased by $5.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2017.2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. The increase was primarily driven by our full operations at higher occupancy, capacity, and ticket prices in 2023,compared to partial to full operations during the first half and second half of 2022, respectively, at lower occupancy and capacity rates.
Total revenuescruise operating expenses increased by $281.4 million$1.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 20172023 compared to the same period in 2016 primarily due to an2022. The increase reflects our operations in ticket prices2023 at higher capacity and onboard spending on a per passenger basis, which are further discussed below.
Total Cruise operating expenses decreased by $119.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017occupancy, compared to the same period in 2016, primarily2022.
In February 2023, we issued $700 million aggregate principal amount of 7.25% senior guaranteed notes due to the decrease in capacity, which is further discussed below.
Other items for 2017 include:

In May 2017, TUI Cruises,January 2030 ("7.25% Priority Guaranteed Notes"). Upon closing, we terminated our 50% joint venture, took delivery of Mein Schiff 6.

During the second quarter of 2017, we entered into agreements with Meyer Turku to build two Icon-class ships. In October 2017, we entered into credit agreementscommitment for the unsecured$700 million 364-day term loan facility. In addition, the remaining $350 million backstop committed financing was also terminated upon closing,
Effective March 31, 2023, we closed on the previously announced partnership with iCON. As part of these ships for up tothe transaction, we sold 80% of each ship's contract price.PortMiami for $209 million and retained a 20% minority interest. The partnership will own, develop, and manage cruise terminal facilities and infrastructure in key ports of call, initially including several development projects in Italy, Spain, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Refer to Note 15. Commitments7. Investments and Contingencies toOther Assets in our consolidated financial statements for further information.
information on the transaction.

In June 2023, our 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes with an outstanding balance of $350 million were settled using a combination of $338 million in cash, and the issuance of approximately 374,000 shares of common stock. The issuance of equity increased additional paid in capital by an immaterial amount.
During the third quarter of 2017,In June 2023, we entered into an agreement to purchase a ship for our Azamara Club Cruises brand. The sale is expected to be completed with thetook delivery of Silver Nova, and in November 2023, we took delivery of Celebrity Ascent, and Icon of the ship scheduled for March 2018, and the ship is expected to enter service during the third quarter of 2018.

During the fourth quarter of 2017, we entered into a credit agreement for the unsecured financing of a ship we have on order designed for the Galapagos Islands for our Celebrity Cruises brand.Seas. Refer to Note 7. Long-Term8. Debtto our consolidated financial statements under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for further information.information on the financing of the ships. Silver Nova, Celebrity Ascent, and Icon of the Seas entered service in the third and fourth quarters of 2023, and the first quarter of 2024, respectively.
In November 2023, we settled $225 million of our 2.875% Convertible Senior Notes. The notes were settled using a combination of $225 million in cash and the issuance of approximately 147,000 shares of common stock. The issuance of equity increased additional paid in capital by an immaterial amount.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we executed and amended various financing arrangements on our two unsecured revolving credit facilities. Following these refinancings, our aggregate revolving credit commitments are $3.5 billion, with $1.7 billion scheduled to mature in October 2026, and $1.7 billion scheduled to mature in October 2028, and $97 million scheduled to mature in April 2025.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we fully repaid the $1.4 billion outstanding balance on our 11.50% secured senior notes due in June 2025.
For further information regarding the debt transactions discussed above, refer to Note 8. Debt to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for further information on our 2023 financing activity.


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We reported net income,Net Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Adjusted Net Income earnings(Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Earnings (Loss) per shareShare and Adjusted Earnings (Loss) per Share as shown in the following table (in thousands,millions, except per share data):
Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Net Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.$1,697 $(2,156)$(5,260)
Loss on extinguishment of debt121 94 139 
Gain on sale of controlling interest (1)(3)— — 
PortMiami tax on sale of noncontrolling interest (2)— — 
Silver Whisper deferred tax liability release (3)(26)— — 
Impairment and credit losses (4)82 
Amortization of Silversea Cruises intangible assets resulting from the Silversea Cruises acquisition (5)
Restructuring charges and other initiatives expense12 
Equity investment impairment and recovery of losses (6)12 — 31 
Litigation loss contingency (7)— 130 — 
Convertible debt amortization of debt discount (8)— — 104 
Pullmantur reorganization settlement (9)— — 10 
Oasis of the Seas incident (10)— — (7)
Net gain related to the sale of Azamara brand (11)— — (3)
Net loss related to the elimination of the Silversea Cruises reporting lag (12)— — 63 
Adjusted Net Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.$1,827 $(1,913)$(4,833)
Basic:
Earnings (Loss) per Share$6.63 $(8.45)$(20.89)
Adjusted Earnings (Loss) per Share$7.14 $(7.50)$(19.19)
Diluted:
Earnings (Loss) per Share (13)$6.31 $(8.45)$(20.89)
Adjusted Earnings (Loss) per Share (13)$6.77 $(7.50)$(19.19)
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic256 255 252 
Diluted283 255 252 
(1)Represents gain on sale of controlling interest in cruise terminal facilities in Italy. These amounts are included in Other operating within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
(2)    Represents tax on the PortMiami sale of noncontrolling interest. These amounts are included in Other (expense) income in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
(3)    Represents the release of the deferred tax liability subsequent to the execution of the bargain purchase option for the Silver Whisper. These amounts are included in Other(expense) income within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
(4)    Represents asset impairments and credit loss recoveries for notes receivables for which credit losses were previously recorded. These amounts are included in Other operating within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Additionally, for 2023 includes an $11 million impairment related to ceasing the use of certain real estate assets in our shoreside operations. This amount is included in Marketing, selling and administrative expenses within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). For 2022 and 2021, amounts represents asset impairment and credit losses as a result of the impact of COVID-19, net of the recovery of credit losses previously recognized
(5)    Represents the amortization of the Silversea Cruises intangible assets resulting from the 2018 Silversea Cruises acquisition.

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 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Net income$1,625,133
 $1,283,388
 $665,783
Adjusted Net Income1,625,133
 1,314,689
 1,065,066
Net Adjustments to Net Income - Increase$
 $31,301
 $399,283
Adjustments to Net Income:     
Impairment of Pullmantur related assets (1)
$
 $
 $399,283
Net loss related to the elimination of the Pullmantur reporting lag
 21,656
 
Net gain related to the sale of the Pullmantur and CDF Croisières de France brands
 (3,834) 
Restructuring charges
 8,452
 
Other initiative costs
 5,027
 
Net Adjustments to Net Income - Increase$
 $31,301
 $399,283
      
Basic:     
   Earnings per Share$7.57
 $5.96
 $3.03
   Adjusted Earnings per Share$7.57
 $6.10
 $4.85
      
Diluted:     
   Earnings per Share$7.53
 $5.93
 $3.02
   Adjusted Earnings per Share$7.53
 $6.08
 $4.83
      
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding:     
Basic214,617
 215,393
 219,537
Diluted215,694
 216,316
 220,689


(6)    For 2023, represents equity method impairments of $13 million and recognition of deferred currency translation adjustment losses of $4 million. These amounts are included in Equity investment income (loss) and Other (expense) income within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), respectively. Additionally, 2023, includes a $4 million recovery of losses from one of our equity method investees recognized during the second quarter of 2023. For 2021, amount represents equity investment asset impairment, primarily for our investments in TUI Cruises GmbH as a result of the impact of COVID-19. These amount is included in Equity investment income (loss) within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
(1)    Includes a(7)    Represents the 2022 loss contingency recorded in connection with the ongoing Havana Docks litigation inclusive of post-judgment interest and related legal fees and costs. This amount is included in Other (expense) income within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
(8)    Represents the amortization of non-cash debt discount on our convertible notes. For further information regarding the adoption of ASU 2020-06 as of January 1, 2022, which impacts the accounting of the non-cash debt discount on convertible notes, refer to Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
(9)    Represents estimated cash refunds expected to be paid to Pullmantur guests and other expenses incurred as part of the Pullmantur S.A. reorganization.
(10)    Amounts include net deferred income tax benefitinsurance recoveries related to the collapse of $12.0the drydock structure at the Grand Bahama Shipyard involving Oasis of the Seas.
(11)    Represents the net gain recognized in 2021 in relation to the sale of the Azamara brand.
(12)    Represents the net loss related to the elimination of the Silversea Cruises reporting lag.
(13)    For 2023, diluted EPS and adjusted EPS includes the add-back of dilutive interest expense related to our convertible notes of $88 million.


Year Ended December 31,
2019
Net Income attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.$1,879 
Oasis of the Seas incident, Grand Bahama's drydock write-off and other incidental expenses (1)35 
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Change in the fair value of contingent consideration and amortization of Silversea Cruises intangible assets related to Silversea Cruises acquisition (2)31 
Restructuring charges and other initiatives expense (3)14 
Transaction and integration costs related to the Silversea Cruises acquisition (2)
Noncontrolling interest adjustment (4)36 
Adjusted Net Income attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.$2,003 
Basic:
Earnings per Share$8.97 
Adjusted Earnings per Share$9.56 
Diluted:
Earnings per Share$8.95 
Adjusted Earnings per Share$9.54 
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic209 
Diluted210 

38


(1)Amount includes incidental costs, net of insurance recoveries of $14 million related to the Pullmantur impairment.collapse of the drydock structure at the Grand Bahama Shipyard involving Oasis of the Seas, which were reported primarily within Other operating expenses in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2019; and $21 million regarding the Grand Bahama incident involving one of its drydocks, included in our equity investment income within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2019. 

(2)Represents the change in the fair value of the contingent consideration and the amortization of the Silversea Cruises intangible assets resulting from the 2018 Silversea Cruises acquisition.

(3)Represents restructuring charges incurred in relation to the reorganization of our international sales and marketing structure and other initiatives expenses.

(4)Adjustment made to exclude the impact of the contractual accretion requirements associated with the put option held by Silversea Cruises Group Ltd.'s noncontrolling interest.



The following table presents operating results as a percentage of total revenues for the last three years:
Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Passenger ticket revenues68.8 %65.5 %61.4 %
Onboard and other revenues31.2 %34.5 %38.6 %
Total revenues100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %
Cruise operating expenses:
Commissions, transportation and other14.4 %15.4 %13.6 %
Onboard and other5.8 %6.8 %7.6 %
Payroll and related8.6 %14.6 %54.7 %
Food5.9 %7.4 %10.7 %
Fuel8.3 %12.1 %25.1 %
Other operating12.9 %18.6 %67.0 %
Total cruise operating expenses55.9 %74.8 %178.8 %
Marketing, selling and administrative expenses12.9 %17.9 %89.4 %
Depreciation and amortization expenses10.5 %15.9 %84.4 %
Operating Income (Loss)20.7 %(8.7)%(252.6)%
Other income (expense):
Interest income0.3 %0.4 %1.1 %
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized(10.1)%(15.4)%(84.3)%
Equity investment income (loss)1.4 %0.6 %(8.8)%
Other (expense) income(0.1)%(1.3)%1.3 %
(8.4)%(15.7)%(90.7)%
Net Income (Loss)12.3 %(24.4)%(343.3)%
Less: Net Income attributable to noncontrolling interest0.1 %— %— %
Net Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.12.2 %(24.4)%(343.3)%

39

 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Passenger ticket revenues71.9 % 72.4 % 73.0 %
Onboard and other revenues28.1 % 27.6 % 27.0 %
Total revenues100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %
Cruise operating expenses:     
Commissions, transportation and other15.5 % 15.9 % 16.9 %
Onboard and other5.6 % 5.8 % 6.7 %
Payroll and related9.7 % 10.4 % 10.4 %
Food5.6 % 5.7 % 5.8 %
Fuel7.8 % 8.4 % 9.6 %
Other operating11.5 % 12.8 % 12.1 %
Total cruise operating expenses55.8 % 59.0 % 61.4 %
Marketing, selling and administrative expenses13.5 % 13.0 % 13.1 %
Depreciation and amortization expenses10.8 % 10.5 % 10.0 %
Impairment of Pullmantur related assets %  % 5.0 %
Operating income19.9 % 17.4 % 10.5 %
Other expense(1.4)% (2.3)% (2.5)%
Net income18.5 % 15.1 % 8.0 %

Selected statistical information is shown in the following table:
Year Ended December 31,
2017 
2016 (1)
 2015
Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
2023202320222021(1)(2)
Passengers Carried5,768,496
 5,754,747
 5,401,899
Passenger Cruise Days40,033,527
 40,250,557
 38,523,060
APCD36,930,939
 37,844,644
 36,646,639
Occupancy108.4% 106.4% 105.1%Occupancy105.6 %85.1 %49.3 %


(1)
Does not include November and December 2015 amounts for Pullmantur as the net Pullmantur result for those months was included within Other expense in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2016, as a result of the elimination of the Pullmantur reporting lag, and did not affect Gross Yields, Net Yields, Gross Cruise Costs, Net Cruise Costs and Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel. Additionally, effective August 2016, we no longer include Pullmantur Holdings in these amounts.

(1)Due to the elimination of the Silversea Cruises three-month reporting lag in October of 2021, we include Silversea Cruises' metrics from October 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021 and October 1 through December 31, 2021 in the year ended December 31, 2021. The year ended December 31, 2021 does not include July, August, and September 2021 statistics as Silversea Cruises' results of operations for those months are included within Other (expense) income in our consolidated statements of comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2021. Refer to Note 1. General to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for more information on the three-month reporting lag.

(2) For the year ended December, 31, 2021, we include Azamara Cruises' metrics through March 19, 2021, the effective sale date of the brand. Refer to Note 1. General to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for more information on the sale of the Azamara Cruises brand.



40




EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA were calculated as follows (in millions):

Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Net Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.$1,697 $(2,156)$(5,260)
Interest income(36)(36)(17)
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized1,402 1,364 1,292 
Depreciation and amortization expenses1,455 1,407 1,293 
Income tax expense (benefit) (1)(47)
EBITDA4,524 583 (2,739)
Other expense (2)115 27 
Gain on sale of controlling interest (3)(3)— — 
Impairment and credit losses (4)82 
Restructuring charges and other initiatives expense12 
Equity investment impairment and recovery of losses (5)— 31 
Pullmantur reorganization settlement (6)— — 
Oasis of the Seas incident (7)— — (7)
Net gain related to the sale of Azamara brand— — (3)
Adjusted EBITDA$4,544 $711 $(2,602)



(1) These amounts are included in Other (expense) income within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).

(2) Represents net non-operating expense. For 2022, primarily represents our loss contingency recorded in connection with the ongoing Havana Docks litigation inclusive of related legal fees and costs. For 2021 primarily relates to changes in the fair value of fuel swaps for which cash flow hedge accounting was discontinued. The amount excludes income tax expense (benefit), included in the EBITDA calculation above.
(3) Represents gain on sale of controlling interest in cruise terminal facilities in Italy. These amounts are included in Other operating within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
(4) Represents asset impairments and credit loss recoveries for notes receivables for which credit losses were previously recorded. These amounts are included in Other operating within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Additionally, for 2023 includes an $11 million impairment related to ceasing the use of certain real estate assets in our shoreside operations. This amount is included in Marketing, selling and administrative expenses within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). For 2022 and 2021, amounts represents asset impairment and credit losses as a result of the impact of COVID-19, net of the recovery of credit losses previously recognized.
(5) For 2023, represents equity method impairments of $13 million recognized during the third quarter of 2023, and a $4 million recovery of losses from one of our equity method investees recognized during the second quarter of 2023. For 2021, amount represents equity investment asset impairment, primarily for our investments in TUI Cruises GmbH, as a result of the impact of COVID-19. These amounts are included in Equity investment income (loss) within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
(6) Represents estimated cash refunds expected to be paid to Pullmantur guests and other expenses incurred as part of the Pullmantur S.A. reorganization..
(7) Represents net insurance recoveries related to the collapse of the drydock structure at the Grand Bahama Shipyard involving Oasis of the Seas.



41


Gross Margin Yields and Net Yields were calculated by dividing Gross Margin and Adjusted Gross Margin by APCD as follows (in thousands,millions, except APCD and Yields):

Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Total revenues$13,900 $8,840 $1,532 
Less:
Cruise operating expenses7,775 6,616 2,739 
Depreciation and amortization expenses1,455 1,407 1,293 
Gross Margin4,670 817 (2,500)
Add:
Payroll and related1,197 1,288 838 
Food819 653 164 
Fuel1,150 1,073 385 
Other operating1,799 1,648 1,027 
Depreciation and amortization expenses1,455 1,407 1,293 
Adjusted Gross Margin$11,090 $6,886 $1,207 
APCD46,916,259 41,197,650 11,767,441 
Gross Margin Yields$99.54 $19.83 $(212.45)
Net Yields$236.38 $167.15 $102.57 

Year Ended December 31,
20232023 On a Constant Currency Basis2019
Total revenues$13,900 $— $10,951 
Less:
Cruise operating expenses7,775 — 6,063 
Depreciation and amortization expenses1,455 — 1,246 
Gross Margin4,670 4,699 3,642 
Add:
Payroll and related1,197 — 1,079 
Food819 — 584 
Fuel1,150 — 698 
Other operating1,799 — 1,406 
Depreciation and amortization expenses1,455 — 1,246 
Adjusted Gross Margin$11,090 $11,123 $8,655 
APCD46,916,259 46,916,259 41,432,451 
Gross Margin Yields$99.54 $100.16 $87.90 
Net Yields$236.38 $237.08 $208.89 

42
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2017
On a
Constant
Currency
basis
 2016 2015
Passenger ticket revenues$6,313,170
 $6,302,600
 $6,149,323
 $6,058,821
Onboard and other revenues2,464,675
 2,462,531
 2,347,078
 2,240,253
Total revenues8,777,845
 8,765,131
 8,496,401
 8,299,074
Less:       
Commissions, transportation and other1,363,170
 1,361,001
 1,349,677
 1,400,778
Onboard and other495,552
 493,790
 493,558
 553,104
Net revenues including other initiative costs6,919,123
 6,910,340
 6,653,166
 6,345,192
Less:       
Other initiative costs included within Net Revenues
 
 (2,230) 
Net Revenues$6,919,123
 $6,910,340
 $6,655,396
 $6,345,192
        
APCD36,930,939
 36,930,939
 37,844,644
 36,646,639
Gross Yields$237.68
 $237.34
 $224.51
 $226.46
Net Yields$187.35
 $187.12
 $175.86
 $173.15




Gross Cruise Costs, Net Cruise Costs and Net Cruise Costs Excludingexcluding Fuel were calculated as follows (in thousands,millions, except APCD and costs per APCD):
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2017 On a
Constant
Currency
basis
 2016 2015
Total cruise operating expenses$4,896,579
 $4,891,324
 $5,015,539
 $5,099,393
Marketing, selling and administrative expenses (1)
1,186,016
 1,189,694
 1,100,290
 1,086,504
Gross Cruise Costs6,082,595
 6,081,018
 6,115,829
 6,185,897
Less:       
Commissions, transportation and other1,363,170
 1,361,001
 1,349,677
 1,400,778
Onboard and other495,552
 493,790
 493,558
 553,104
Net Cruise Costs including other initiative costs4,223,873
 4,226,227
 4,272,594
 4,232,015
Less:       
Net gain related to the sale of Pullmantur and CDF Croisières de France brands included within other operating expenses
 
 (3,834) 
Other initiative costs included within cruise operating expenses and marketing, selling and administrative expenses
 
 2,433
 
Net Cruise Costs4,223,873
 4,226,227
 4,273,995
 4,232,015
Less:       
Fuel (2)
681,118
 681,114
 713,252
 795,801
Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel$3,542,755
 $3,545,113
 $3,560,743
 $3,436,214
        
APCD36,930,939
 36,930,939
 37,844,644
 36,646,639
Gross Cruise Costs per APCD$164.70
 $164.66
 $161.60
 $168.80
Net Cruise Costs per APCD$114.37
 $114.44
 $112.94
 $115.48
Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel per APCD$95.93
 $95.99
 $94.09
 $93.77

(1)For the year ended December 31, 2016, amount does not include restructuring charges of $8.5 million.

(2)
For the year ended December 31, 2016, amount does not include fuel expense of $0.4 million included within other initiative costs associated with the redeployment of Pullmantur’s Empress to the Royal Caribbean International brand.

Outlook
Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Total cruise operating expenses$7,775 $6,616 $2,739 
Marketing, selling and administrative expenses1,792 1,583 1,370 
Gross Cruise Costs9,567 8,199 4,109 
Less:
Commissions, transportation and other2,001 1,357 208 
Onboard and other809 597 117 
Net Cruise Costs including other costs6,757 6,245 3,784 
Less:
Gain on sale of controlling interests (1)(3)— — 
Impairment and credit losses (2)82 
Restructuring charges and other initiatives expense (3)12 
Net Cruise Costs6,747 6,232 3,700 
Less:
Fuel1,150 1,073 385 
Net Cruise Costs excluding Fuel$5,597 $5,159 $3,315 
APCD46,916,259 41,197,650 11,767,441 
Gross Cruise Costs per APCD$203.92 $199.02 $349.18 
Net Cruise Costs per APCD$143.81 $151.27 $314.43 
Net Cruise Costs excluding Fuel per APCD$119.30 $125.23 $281.71 
The company does not make predictions about fuel pricing,(1) Represents gain on sale of controlling interest rates or currency exchange rates but does provide guidance about its future business activities. On January 24, 2018, we announcedin cruise terminal facilities in Italy. These amounts are included in Other operating within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
(2) Represents asset impairments and credit loss recoveries for notes receivables for which credit losses were previously recorded. These amounts are included in Other operating within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Additionally, for 2023 includes an $11 million impairment related to ceasing the following initial full yearuse of certain real estate assets in our shoreside operations. This amount is included in Marketing, selling and first quarter 2018 guidance based onadministrative expenses within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). For 2022 and 2021, amounts represents asset impairment and credit losses as a result of the then current fuel pricing, interest ratesimpact of COVID-19, net of the recovery of credit losses previously recognized.
(3) These amounts are included in Marketing, selling and currency exchange rates:


Full Year 2018administrative expenses within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).

43
As ReportedConstant Currency
Net Yields2.75% to 4.75%1.5% to 3.5%
Net Cruise Costs per APCD1.0% to 1.5%0.5% to 1.0%
Net Cruise Costs per APCD, excluding Fuel2.0% to 2.5%1.5% to 2.0%
Capacity Increase3.9%
Depreciation and Amortization$1,053 to $1,063 million
Interest Expense, net$280 to $290 million
Fuel Consumption (metric tons)1,350,100
Fuel Expenses$675 million
Percent Hedged (fwd consumption)50%
Impact of 10% change in fuel prices$38 million
1% Change in Currency$18 million
1% Change in Net Yield$75 million
1% Change in NCC x Fuel$38 million
100 basis pt. Change in LIBOR$30 million
Adjusted Earnings per Share — Diluted$8.55 to $8.75


First Quarter 2018
Gross Cruise Costs, Net Cruise Costs and Net Cruise Costs excluding Fuel were calculated as follows (in millions, except APCD and costs per APCD):
Year Ended December 31,
20232023 On a Constant Currency Basis2019
Total cruise operating expenses$7,775 $— $6,063 
Marketing, selling and administrative expenses1,792 — 1,559 
Gross Cruise Costs9,567 9,602 7,622 
Less:
Commissions, transportation and other2,001 — 1,656 
Onboard and other809 — 640 
Net Cruise Costs including other costs6,757 5,326 
Less:
Gain on sale of controlling interests (1)(3)— — 
Impairment and credit losses (2)— — 
Restructuring charges and other initiatives expense (3)— 14 
Integration costs related to Silversea Cruises acquisition (3)— — 
Transaction costs related to Silversea Cruises acquisition (3)— — 
Incidental costs related to the Oasis of the Seas incident included within other operating expenses— — 15 
Net Cruise Costs6,747 6,769 5,295 
Less:
Fuel1,150 — 698 
Net Cruise Costs excluding Fuel$5,597 $5,619 $4,597 
APCD46,916,259 46,916,259 41,432,451 
Gross Cruise Costs per APCD$203.92 $204.66 $183.96 
Net Cruise Costs per APCD$143.81 $144.28 $127.80 
Net Cruise Costs excluding Fuel per APCD$119.30 $119.77 $110.95 
(1) Represents gain on sale of controlling interest in cruise terminal facilities in Italy. These amounts are included in Other operating within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
(2) Represents asset impairments and credit loss recoveries for notes receivables for which credit losses were previously recorded. These amounts are included in Other operating within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Additionally, for 2023 includes an $11 million impairment related to ceasing the use of certain real estate assets in our shoreside operations. This amount is included in Marketing, selling and administrative expenses within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
(3) These amounts are included in Marketing, selling and administrative expenses within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).






44

As Reported
Constant Currency
Net YieldsApprox. 5.5%3.0% to 3.5%
Net Cruise Costs per APCDApprox. 8.5%Approx. 7.5%
Net Cruise Costs per APCD, excluding FuelApprox. 11.0%Approx. 10.0%
Capacity Decrease(3.9%)
Depreciation and Amortization$245 to $250 million
Interest Expense, net$59 to $63 million
Fuel Consumption (metric tons)324,400
Fuel Expenses$162 million
Percent Hedged (fwd consumption)50%
Impact of 10% change in fuel prices$9 million
1% Change in Currency$4 million
1% Change in Net Yield$16 million
1% Change in NCC x Fuel$10 million
100 basis pt. Change in LIBOR$5 million
Adjusted Earnings per Share — DilutedApprox. $0.95

Since our earnings release on January 24, 2018, bookings have remained consistent with our previous expectations. Accordingly, our forecast has remained essentially unchanged.

Volatility in foreign currency exchange rates affects the United States dollar value of our earnings. Based on our highest net exposure for each quarter and the full year 2018, the top five foreign currencies are ranked below. For example, the Australian Dollar is the most impactful currency in the first and fourth quarters of 2018. Rankings are based on estimated net exposures.




RankingQ1Q2Q3Q4FY 2018
1AUDGBPGBPAUDGBP
2CADAUDCNHGBPAUD
3GBPCADEURCADCAD
4EURCNHCADEUREUR
5CNHEURAUDCNHCNH

The currency abbreviations above are defined as follows:
Currency AbbreviationCurrency
AUDAustralian Dollar
CADCanadian Dollar
CNHChinese Yuan
EUREuro
GBPBritish Pound

Year Ended December 31, 20172023 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2016

2022
In this section, references to 20172023 refer to the year ended December 31, 20172023 and references to 20162022 refer to the year ended December 31, 2016.

2022.
Revenues

Total revenues for 2017 increased $281.4 million,$5.1 billion, or 3.3%57.2%, to $13.9 billion in 2023 from $8.8 billion from $8.5 billion in 2016.2022.

Passenger ticket revenues comprised 71.9%68.8% of our 20172023 total revenues. Passenger ticket revenues increasedby $3.8 billion, or 65.2% to $9.6 billion in 2023 from $5.8 billion in 2022. The increase was primarily driven by a 20.5% higher occupancy, 13.9% increase in capacity, and higher ticket prices in 2023, compared to the same period in 2022.
The remaining 31.2% of total revenues was comprised of Onboard and other revenues, which increased by $163.8 million,$1.3 billion, or 2.7%42.2% to $4.3 billion in 2023 from 2016, despite the impact of canceled sailings resulting from hurricane-related disruptions during the third quarter of 2017.$3.0 billion in 2022. The increase was primarily due to:

an increase of $301.8 millionthe increased occupancy and capacity noted above in ticket prices primarily driven by the improvement in our ticket price on a per passenger basis due2023 compared to the exit of the Pullmantur ships and the addition of Harmony of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, as well as higher pricing on North America and Europe sailings. same period in 2022.
The increase in ticketrevenues reflect our full operations in 2023 at higher occupancy, capacity, and prices, on these itineraries was partially offset by lower pricing on Asia/Pacific sailings; and

the favorable effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates relatedcompared to our revenue transactions denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar of approximately $10.6 million.

The increase in passenger ticket revenues was partially offset by a 2.4% decrease in capacity, which decreased passenger ticket revenues by$148.5 million primarily duepartial return to the sale of our majority interest in Pullmantur Holdingsoperations during the third quarterfirst half of 2016, the sale of Splendour of the Seas2022, full operations in the second quarterhalf of 20162022 at lower occupancy and the sale of Legend of the Seascapacity rates. Occupancy in first quarter of 2017, which2023 was partially offset by an increase105.6% compared to 85.1% in capacity due to the addition of Ovation of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas into our fleet during the second quarter of 2016.2022.

The remaining 28.1% of 2017 total revenues was comprised of Onboard and other revenues, which increased $117.6 million, or 5.0%. The increase in Onboard and other revenues was primarily due to:

a $125.3 million increase in onboard revenue attributable to higher spending on a per passenger basis primarily due to our revenue enhancing initiatives, including beverage package, shore excursion and specialty restaurant sales and promotions and increased revenue associated with internet and other telecommunication service.

a $45.7 million increase in other revenue primarily due to charter revenue and management fees earned from Pullmantur Holdings.

The increase was partially offset by a $55.6 million decrease attributable to the 2.4% decrease in capacity noted above, including the impact of canceled sailings resulting from hurricane-related disruptions during the third quarter of 2017.

Onboard and other revenues included concession revenues of $326.5$472 million in 20172023 and $316.9$332 million in 2016.

2022.
Cruise Operating Expenses

Total cruiseCruise operating expenses for 2017 decreased $119.0 million, increased by $1.2 billion, or 2.4%17.5%, to $4.9$7.8 billion in 20172023 from $5.0$6.6 billion in 2016.2022. The decreaseincrease was primarily due to:

a $120.5 million decrease attributable to the 2.4% decrease in capacity noted above;

a $30.9 million gain resulting from the sale of Legend of the Seas in 2017 compared to an immaterial gain from the sale of Splendour of the Seas in 2016;

a $17.2 million decrease in air expense due to itinerary changes and lower ticket costs;

a $16.8 million decrease in vessel maintenance primarily due to the timing of scheduled drydocks; and

a $15.5 million decrease in fuel expense, excluding the impact of the decrease in capacity. Our cost of fuel (net of the financial impact of fuel swap agreements) for 2017 decreased 4.6% per metric ton compared to 2016.

The decrease was partially offset by:

a $33.8$644 million increase in commissions expense mainly due to the increase in ticket prices discussed aboveCommissions, transportation and changes in commission incentives;other expenses; and

a $19.3$212 million increase in head taxes primarily due to itinerary changes;Onboard and other expenses;

an $18.9a $166 million increase in foodFood Costs;
a $151 million increase in Other operating expenses; and
a $77 million increase in Fuel expense.
The increase in operating expenses mainlynoted above reflects full operations in 2023, including additional capacity and higher occupancy compared to the same period in 2022, offset by a decrease of $91 million in Payroll and related due to additional costs incurred during our new culinary initiatives.

return to service in 2022, which did not recur in 2023.
Marketing, Selling and Administrative Expenses

Marketing, selling and administrative expenses for 2017 increased $77.3$209 million, or 7.0%,13.2% to $1.2 billion from $1.1$1.8 billion in 2016. The increase was primarily due to2023 from $1.6 billion in 2022, driven by an increase in payroll and benefits mostlyexpense primarily driven by an increase in headcount and higher stock pricesprice year over year related to our performance share awards, partially offset by a decrease in expenses due to the sale of our majority interest in Pullmantur Holdings.

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses for 2017 increased $56.3 million, or 6.3%, to $951.2 million from $894.9 million in 2016. The increase was primarily due to the addition of Ovation of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas in the second quarter of 2016, new shipboard additions associated with our ship upgrade projects and to a lesser extent, additions related to our shoreside projects. The increase was partially offset by the decrease in depreciation associated with the sale of Legend of the Seas in the first quarter of 2017 and to a lesser extent, the sale of Splendour of the Seas in the second quarter of 2016.

awards.
Other Income (Expense)


Interest expense, net of interest capitalized, decreased $7.4Equity investment income (loss) increased$143 million, or 2.4%250.9%, to $300.0$200 million in 20172023 from $307.4$57 million in 2016.2022. The decreaseincrease in income was due to a lower average debt level in 2017 compared to 2016, partially offset by higher interest rates in 2017 compared to 2016.

Equity investment income increased $27.9 million, or 21.7%, to $156.2 million in 2017 from $128.4 million in 2016 primarily due to an increase inof income from TUI Cruises, one of our equity method investments.investments, in 2023 compared to 2022.

Other expense decreased $30.4 million, or 85.2%, to was$5.38 million in 2017 from $35.72023 compared to other expense of $119 million in 2016.2022. The decrease was primarily due to a net$111 million improvement is mainly driven by the loss contingency of $21.7$130 million related torecorded in 2022 in connection with the elimination of the Pullmantur reporting lag in 2016ongoing Havana Docks litigation, which did not recur in 2017.

Gross and Net Yields

Gross and Net Yields increased 5.9% and 6.5% in 2017, respectively, compared to 2016 primarily due to the increase in passenger ticket and onboard and other revenues discussed above.

Gross and Net Cruise Costs

Gross Cruise Costs remained consistent in 2017 compared to 2016. Net Cruise Costs decreased 1.2% in 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to the decrease in capacity and cruise operating expenses discussed above. Gross Cruise Costs per APCD and Net Cruise Costs per APCD increased 1.9% and 1.3% in 2017, respectively, compared to 2016. The increase was mainly due to the hurricane-related disruptions during the third quarter of 2017 which reduced our capacity; however, certain operating expenses were still incurred, negatively impacting our metrics per APCD. Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel per APCD increased 2.0% in 2017 compared to 2016.

2023.
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Other comprehensive incomeloss in 20172023 was $582.2$30 million compared to $411.9Other comprehensive income of $67 million in 2016.2022. The increasedecrease of $170.3$97 million or 41.3% was primarily due a Loss on cash flow derivative hedges in 2023 of 27 million compared to the a Gain on cash flow derivative hedges in 2017 of $570.5 million compared to $411.2$8 million in 2016. The increase of $159.3 million in 2017 was primarily due to an increase in foreign currency forward contract values in 2017 compared to a decrease in 2016, which was partially offset by lower amounts of fuel swap losses reclasssified to income in 20172022, and a smaller increase in fuel swap instrument values in 2017 compared to 2016.

Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2015

In this section, references to 2016 refer to the year ended December 31, 2016 and references to 2015 refer to the year ended December 31, 2015.

Revenues

Total revenues for 2016 increased $197.3 million, or 2.4%, to $8.5 billion from $8.3 billion in 2015.

Passenger ticket revenues comprised 72.4% of our 2016 total revenues. Passenger ticket revenues increased by $90.5 million, or 1.5%. The increase was primarily due to:

a 3.3% increase in capacity, which increased passenger ticket revenues by $198.1 million, net of the capacity decrease resulting from the sale of our majority interest in Pullmantur Holdings; and

an increase of $63.9 million in ticket prices primarily driven by our newest shipsas well as higher pricing on Alaska and Caribbean sailings. The increase in ticket prices was partially offset by lower pricing on Mediterranean and Asia sailings.


The increase in passenger ticket revenues was partially offset by the unfavorable effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates related to our revenue transactions denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar of approximately $171.5 million.

The remaining 27.6% of 2016 total revenues was comprised of Onboard and other revenues, which increased $106.8 million, or 4.8%. The increase in Onboard and other revenues was primarily due to:

a $70.5 million increase attributable to the 3.3% increase in capacity noted above; and

an $89.9 million increase in onboard revenue attributable to higher spending on a per passenger basis primarily due to our ship upgrade programs and other revenue enhancing initiatives, including various beverage and gaming initiatives, the promotion of specialty restaurants and the increased revenue associated with internet and other telecommunication services partially offset by a decrease in port activities revenue mainly due to itinerary changes.

The increase was partially offset by:

an approximate $16.4 million unfavorable effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates related to our onboard and other revenue transactions denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar; and

a $37.2 million decrease in other revenues primarily related to our travel agency business that was sold in 2015 partially offset by an increase in revenue received for our bareboat charter and ship management services associated with our unconsolidated affiliates. The decrease in revenues from our travel agency business sold is mostly offset by the related decrease in travel agency expenses discussed below.

Onboard and other revenues included concession revenues of $316.9 million in 2016 and $327.1 million in 2015.

Cruise Operating Expenses

Total cruise operating expenses for 2016 decreased $83.9 million, or 1.6%, to $5.0 billion in 2016 from $5.1 billion in 2015. The decrease was primarily due to:

a $114.4 million decrease in fuel expense, excluding the impact of the increase in capacity. Our cost of fuel (net of the financial impact of fuel swap agreements) for 2016 decreased 10.3% per metric ton compared to 2015;

an approximate $40.9 million favorable effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates related to our cruise operating expenses denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar;

a $41.2 million decrease in other expenses primarily related to our travel agency business that was sold in 2015, which mostly offsets the related decrease in travel agency revenues discussed above;

a $25.0 million decrease in air expense primarily due to the decrease in air transportation sales and lower costs; and

a $20.2 million decrease in shore excursion expense attributable to lower contractual costs incurred and the decrease in port activities revenue discussed above.

The decrease was partially offset by a $164.7 million increase attributable to the 3.3% increase in capacity noted above.

Marketing, Selling and Administrative Expenses

Marketing, selling and administrative expenses for 2016 remained consistent compared to 2015.


Depreciation and Amortization Expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses for 2016 increased $67.9 million, or 8.2%, to $894.9 million from $827.0 million in 2015. The increase was primarily due to the addition of Harmony of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas in the second quarter of 2016 into our fleet and the addition of Anthem of the Seas in the second quarter of 2015 and, to a lesser extent, new shipboard additions associated with our ship upgrade projects. The increase was partially offset by the sale of Splendour of the Seas in April 2016.

Impairment of Pullmantur Related Assets

During 2015, we recognized an impairment charge of $411.3 million to write down Pullmantur's goodwill to its implied fair value and to write down trademarks and trade names and certain long-lived assets, consisting of three aircraft that was then owned and operated by Pullmantur Air and two ships owned and operated by Pullmantur, to their fair value.

Other Income (Expense)

Interest expense, net of interest capitalized, decreased $29.6 million, or 10.7%, to $307.4 million in 2016 from $277.7 million in 2015. The increase was due to a higher average debt level attributable to the financing of Ovation of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas, partially offset by lower pricing on debt refinanced in 2015.

Equity investment income increased $47.3 million, or 58.4%, to $128.4 million in 2016 from $81.0 million in 2015 mainly due to the increase in income from TUI Cruises, one of our equity method investments.

Other expense in 2016 was $35.7 million compared to $24.4 million in 2015. The increase in expense of $11.2 million was primarily due to a net loss of $21.7 million related to the elimination of the Pullmantur reporting lag in 2016. The increase in other expense was partially offset by a decrease of $9.6$43 million in foreign exchange losses from the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities denominatedchange in foreign currency.

Gross and Net Yields

Gross Yields remained consistentdefined benefit plans in 20162023 compared to 2015. Net Yields increased 1.6% in 2016 compared to 2015 primarily due to the increase in passenger ticket and onboard and other revenues discussed above. Gross Yields and Net Yields increased 1.3% and 3.9%, respectively, in 2016 compared to 2015 on a Constant Currency basis.2022.


Gross and Net Cruise Costs


45
Gross Cruise Costs decreased 1.1% in 2016 compared to 2015 primarily due to the decrease in fuel. Net Cruise Costs increased 1.0% in 2016 compared to 2015 primarily due to the increase in capacity, partially offset by the decrease in fuel, which are further discussed above. Gross Cruise Costs per APCD and Net Cruise Costs per APCD decreased 4.3% and 2.2%, respectively, in 2016 compared to 2015 primarily due to the decrease in fuel. Gross Cruise Costs per APCD on a Constant Currency basis decreased 3.4% in 2016 compared to 2015. Net Cruise Costs per APCD on a Constant Currency basis decreased 1.7% in 2016 compared to 2015. Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel per APCD remained consistent in 2016 compared to 2015 and increased 0.9% in 2016 compared to 2015 on a Constant Currency basis.



Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Other comprehensive income in 2016 was $411.9 millioncompared to a loss of$431.4 million in 2015. The change of $843.4 million was primarily due to the Gain on cash flow derivative hedges in 2016 of $411.2 million compared to the Loss on cash flow derivative hedges of $406.0 million in 2015. The gain in 2016 resulted mostly from the reclassification of losses to earnings during 2016 from fuel cash flow hedges. In addition, there was an increase in the fair value of our fuel swaps in 2016 as a result of higher forward fuel prices. The loss in 2015 was primarily due to the decrease in the fair value of our fuel swaps and of our foreign currency forward contracts as a

result of decreases in fuel prices and forward currency rates, somewhat offset by the reclassification of losses to earnings during 2015 from fuel cash flow hedges.

Future Application of Accounting Standards
Refer to Note 2. Note. 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for further information on Recent Accounting Pronouncements.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources and Uses of Cash
Cash flow generated from operations provides us with a significant source of liquidity. Net cash provided by operating activities increased $357.9 millionby $4.0 billion to $2.9cash provided of $4.5 billion in 2017for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $2.5 billion in 2016. The increase in cash provided by operating activitiesof $0.5 billion for the same period in 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to an increasehigher occupancy and bookings in proceeds from customer deposits, an increase in cash receipts from onboard spending and a decrease in fuel costs in 20172023 compared to 2016. Additionally, dividends received from unconsolidated affiliates increased by $33.7 million.the same period in 2022.
Net cash provided by operating activities increased $570.3 million to $2.5 billion in 2016 compared to $1.9 billion in 2015. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to an increase in proceeds from customer deposits, an increase in cash receipts from onboard spending and a decrease in fuel costs in 2016 compared to 2015. Additionally, dividends received from unconsolidated affiliates increased by $42.6 million.
Net cash used in investing activities decreased $2.5increased by$0.9 billion to $213.6 million in 2017 compared to $2.7cash used of $3.9 billion in 2016. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in capital expenditures of $1.9 billion due to ship deliveries in 2016, Ovation offor the Seas and Harmony of the Seas, compared to no ship deliveries in 2017. In addition, we received $230.0 million of proceeds from the sale of property and equipment in 2017 which did not occur in 2016. Furthermore, during 2017, we received cash of $63.2 million on settlements on our foreign currency forward contractsyear ended December 31, 2023, compared to cash paidused of $213.2 million during 2016.
Net cash used$3.0 billion for the same period in investing activities increased $981.9 million to $2.7 billion in 2016 compared to $1.7 billion in 2015.2022. The increase was primarily attributable to ana increase in capital expenditures of $881.0 million in 2016$1.2 billion during 2023, compared to the same period in 2015 primarily2022 due to the deliveriesincreased cost associated with taking delivery of OvationSilver Nova, Celebrity Ascent and Icon of the Seas and Harmony in 2023, compared to the delivery of Wonder of the Seas,Celebrity Beyond, and Silver Endeavour during the same period in 2016. Additionally,2022. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in cash repayments receivedpaid on loanssettlement of derivative financial instruments of $270 million during 2022 compared to our unconsolidated affiliates decreased $86.0 million2023.
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities was $(2) billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to cash provided of $1.7 billion for the same period in 20162022. The change of $3.7 billion was primarily attributable to decrease of debt proceeds of $2.1 billion in 2023 compared to the same period in 2015 mainly due to TUI Cruises repaying in 2015 the outstanding balance of the debt facility we originally provided to them in 2011.
Net cash used in financing activities was $2.7 billion in 2017 compared to Net cash provided in financing activities of $243.8 million in 2016. The change was primarily attributable to a decrease in debt proceeds of $1.5 billion, an increase in debt repayments of $1.5 billion2022, and a higher amount of dividends paid during 2017 compared to 2016, partially offset by a decrease of stock repurchases of $75.0 million during 2017 compared to 2016. The decrease in debt proceeds was primarily due to the $841.8 million unsecured term loan borrowed in April 2016 to finance Ovation of the Seas and the €700.7 million and $226.1 million unsecured term loans borrowed in May 2016 to finance Harmony of the Seas that did not recur in 2017and lower drawings on our revolving credit facilities during 2017 compared to 2016, partially offset by $800 million in proceeds received from unsecured senior notes issued during 2017 which did not occur in 2016. The increase in repayment of debt was primarily due to higher payments on our revolving credit facilities.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $243.8 million in 2016 compared to Net cash used in financing activities of $253.5 million in 2015. The change was primarily attributable to an increase in debt proceeds of $2.9 billion during 2016 compared to 2015, partially offset by an increase in repayment of debt of $2.2$1.8 billion an increase in stock repurchases of $100.0 millionand an increase in dividends paid of $66.3 million during 2016 compared to 2015. The increase in debt proceeds was primarily due to the $841.8 million unsecured term loan borrowed in April 2016 to finance Ovation of the Seas, the €700.7 million and $226.1 million unsecured term loans borrowed in May

2016 to finance Harmony of the Seas, the $200.0 million unsecured term loan borrowed in April 2016 and higher drawings on our revolving credit facilities during 20162023 compared to the $742.1same period in 2022. The change was partially offset by proceeds received of $209 million unsecured term loan borrowed in April 2015 to finance Anthemfor the sale of the Seas. The increase in repaymentnoncontrolling interest of debt was primarily due to higher payments on our revolving credit facilities.PortMiami during 2023.
Future Capital Commitments
Capital Expenditures
Our future capital commitments consist primarily of new ship orders. As of December 31, 2017,2023, we have two Quantum-class ships, twoone Oasis-class shipsship, and two ships of a new generation, known as our Icon-class, on order for our Royal Caribbean International brand with an aggregate capacity of approximately 30,50016,900 berths. Additionally,As of December 31, 2023, we have four ships of a new generation, known as ourone Edge-class and a ship designed for the Galapagos Islands on order for our Celebrity Cruises brand, with a capacity of approximately 3,250 berths. Additionally, as of December 31, 2023, we have one Evolution-class ship on order for our Silversea Cruises brand with an aggregate capacity of approximately 11,700730 berths. For each of these orders, weRefer to Item 1. Business-Operations for further information on our ships on order. We have committed unsecured financing arrangements in place covering 80% of the cost of the ship almostfor the five ships on order for our Global Brands, all of which include sovereign financing guarantees. Furthermore, during 2017,During the year ended December 31, 2023 we entered into an agreement to purchase areceived commitments for the unsecured financing of the fifth Edge-class ship, estimated for our Azamara Club Cruises brand that is scheduled to be delivereddelivery in March 2018 and expected to enter service during the third quarter of 2018.2025.

As of December 31, 2017,2023, the aggregate cost of our ships on order, not including the TUI Cruises'excluding any ships on order by our Partner Brands, was approximately $13.3$7.9 billion, of which we had deposited $465.7 million as of such date.$698 million. Approximately 54.0%43.5% of the aggregate cost was exposed to fluctuations in the Euro exchange rate at December 31, 2017. (Refer2023. Refer to Note 14. 16.Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments and Note 15. 17.Commitments and Contingencies to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data)Data.

As of December 31, 2017, anticipated2023, we anticipate overall full year capital expenditures, based on our existing ships on order, arewill be approximately $3.4$3.3 billion for 2018, $2.1 billion for 2019, $2.5 billion for 2020 and $2.5 billion for 2021.2024. This amount does not include any ships on order by our Partner Brands.


46
Contractual Obligations



Material Cash Requirements
As of December 31, 2017,2023, our contractual obligationsmaterial cash requirements were as follows (in thousands)millions):
 Payments due by period
   Less than 1-3 3-5 More than
 Total 1 year years years 5 years
Operating Activities: 
  
  
  
  
Operating lease obligations(1)
$241,468
 $29,420
 $44,191
 $22,644
 $145,213
Interest on long-term debt(2)
1,275,346
 250,600
 415,000
 292,665
 317,081
Other(3)
879,206
 214,444
 282,570
 150,003
 232,189
Investing Activities:0
        
Ship purchase obligations(4)
10,888,494
 2,368,806
 3,063,165
 4,089,153
 1,367,370
Financing Activities:0
        
Long-term debt obligations(5)
7,506,312
 1,185,038
 2,047,882
 2,012,922
 2,260,470
Capital lease obligations(6)
33,139
 3,476
 7,210
 8,395
 14,058
Other(7)
21,552
 8,868
 11,217
 1,467
 
Total$20,845,517
 $4,060,652
 $5,871,235
 $6,577,249
 $4,336,381
 Payments due by period
 20242025202620272028ThereafterTotal
Operating Activities:     
Interest on debt(1)
$1,222 $1,141 $1,004 $834 $512 $1,104 $5,817 
Other(2)
157 149 173 141 116 925 1,661 
Investing Activities:
Ship purchase obligations(3)
1,967 2,211 1,303 — — — 5,481 
Total$3,346 $3,501 $2,480 $975 $628 $2,029 $12,959 


(1)     We are obligated under noncancelable operating leases primarily for offices, warehouses and motor vehicles. Amounts represent contractual obligations with initial terms in excess of one year.
(2)    Long-term debt obligations mature at various dates through fiscal year 20282037 and bear interest at fixed and variable rates. Interest on variable-rate debt is calculated based on forecasted debt balances, including the impact of interest rate swap agreements, using the applicable rate at December 31, 2017.2023. Debt denominated in other currencies is calculated based on the applicable exchange rate at December 31, 2017.2023.

(3)(2)    Amounts primarily represent future commitments with remaining terms in excess of one year to pay for our usage of certain port facilities, marine consumables, services and maintenance contracts.
(3)     Amounts do notare based on contractual installment and delivery dates for our ships on order. Included in these figures are $4.5 billion in final contractual installments, which have committed financing covering 80% of the cost of the ships on order for our Global Brands, all of which include the PortMiami lease further discussed below under Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements.
(4)sovereign financing guarantees. Amounts do not include potential obligations which remain subject to cancellation at our sole discretion.discretion or any agreements entered for ships on order that remain contingent upon completion of conditions precedent.
(5)     Amounts represent debt obligations with initial terms in excess of one year.Refer to Note 8. Debt denominated in other currencies is calculated based on the applicable exchange rate at December 31, 2017.to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for maturities related to debt.
(6)     Amounts represent capitalRefer to Note 9. Leases to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for maturities related to lease obligations with initial terms in excess of one year.liabilities.
(7)     Amounts represent fees payableRefer to sovereign guarantors in connection with certain of our export credit debt facilities and facility fees on our revolving credit facilities.
Please refer to Funding Needs and Sources below for discussion on the planned funding of the above material contractual obligations.
As a normal part of our business, depending on market conditions, pricing and our overall growth strategy, we continuously consider opportunities to enter into contracts for the building of additional ships. We may also consider the sale of ships or the purchase of existing ships. We continuously consider potential acquisitions and strategic alliances. If any of these were to occur, they would be financed through the incurrence of additional indebtedness, the issuance of additional shares of equity securities or through cash flows from operations.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements.
WeRefer to Note 3. Revenue to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8. Financial Statements and TUI AG have each guaranteed repayment of 50% of a bank loan providedSupplementary Data for credit card processor agreements for export credit agency guarantees.
Refer to Note 7. Investments and Other Assets to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for ownership restrictions related to TUI Cruises which is due 2022. Notwithstanding this, the lenders have agreedCruises.
Refer to release each shareholder’s guarantee if certain conditions are met by April 2018. As of December 31, 2017, €95.1 million, or approximately $114.2 million based on the exchange rate at December 31, 2017, remains outstanding. Based on current factsNote 17. Commitments and circumstances, we do not believe potential obligationsContingencies to our consolidated financial statements under this guarantee are probable.
TUI Cruises has entered into various ship constructionItem 8. Financial Statements and credit agreements that 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 2021.
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, we will operate and lease the terminal from SMBC Supplementary Data 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.
Some of the contracts that we enter into include indemnification provisions that obligate us to make payments to the counterparty if certain events occur. These contingencies generally relate to changes in taxes, increased lender capital costs and other similar costs. The indemnification clauses are often standard contractual terms and are entered into in the normal course of business. There are no stated or notional amounts included in the indemnification clauses and we are not able to estimate the maximum potential amount of future payments, if any, under these indemnification clauses. We have not been required to make any payments under such indemnification clauses in the past and, under current circumstances, we do not believe an indemnification obligation is probable.agreements.
As of December 31, 2017,2023, other than the items described above, we are not party to any other off-balance sheet arrangements, including guarantee contracts, retained or contingent interest, certain derivative instruments and variable interest entities, that either have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on our financial position.

47


Funding Needs and Sources
We have significant contractual obligations of which our debt service obligations and the capital expenditures associated with our ship purchases represent our largest funding needs. As of December 31, 2017,2023, we had approximately $4.1$6.0 billion in contractualof committed financing for our ships on order. As of December 31, 2023, our obligations due through December 31, 20182024 primarily consisted of which approximately $1.2$1.7 billion relatesrelated to debt maturities, $0.3$1.2 billion relatesrelated to interest on long-term debt and $2.4$2.0 billion relatesrelated to progress payments on our ship purchase payments, includingorders and, based on expected delivery date, the final installments payable due upon the deliveriesdelivery of SymphonyUtopia of the Seas,and Celebrity Edge in the

first and fourth quarters of 2018, respectively.Silver Ray. We have historically relied on a combination of cash flows provided by operations, drawdownsdraw-downs under our available credit facilities, the incurrence of additional debt and/or the refinancing of our existing debt and the issuance of additional shares of equity securities to fund theseour obligations.
We had a working capital deficit of $3.9 billion and $3.7 billion as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Included within our working capital deficit is $1.2 billion and $1.3 billion of current portion of debt, including capital leases, as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Similar to others in our industry, we operate with a substantial working capital deficit. This deficit is mainly attributable to the fact that, under our business model, a vast majority of our passenger ticket receipts are collected in advance of the applicable sailing date. These advance passenger receipts remain a current liability until the sailing date. The cash generated from these advance receipts is used interchangeably with cash on hand from other sources, such as our revolving credit facilities and other cash from operations. The cash received as advanced receipts can be used to fund operating expenses for the applicable future sailing or otherwise, pay down our revolving credit facilities, invest in long term investments or any other use of cash. In addition, we have a relatively low-level of accounts receivable and rapid turnover results in a limited investment in inventories. We generate substantial cash flows from operations and our business model, along with our unsecured revolving credit facilities, has historically allowed us to maintain this working capital deficit and still meet our operating, investing and financing needs. We expect that we will continue to have working capital deficits in the future.
As of December 31, 2017,2023, we had liquidity of $2.2$3.1 billion, consisting of approximately $0.1 billion inincluding cash and cash equivalents of $0.5 billion, and $2.1$2.6 billion available under our unsecuredof undrawn revolving credit facilities.facility capacity. We anticipate that our cash flows from operations and our current financing arrangements, as described above, will be adequate to meet our capital expenditures and debt repayments over the next twelve-month period.

In April 2017, Moody's changed our senior unsecured debt credit rating to Baa3have agreed with a stable outlook. Consistent with the provisions of our interest rate derivatives instruments, all collateral that was posted with our counterparties as of that date was returned in April 2017. In addition, the interest margins and guarantee premium payable under certain of our credit agreementslenders not to pay dividends or engage in stock repurchases unless we repay the remaining principal payments that were automatically reduced in accordance with their terms.

On April 28, 2017, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized a twelve-month common stock repurchase program for up to $500 million. As of December 31, 2017, we have $275.0 million that remains available for future common stock repurchase transactions under this Board approved program. Future repurchases may be made at management's discretion from time to time on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. Repurchases under the program are expected to be funded from available cash or borrowingsdeferred under our revolvingexport credit facilities.facilities in 2020 and 2021. Refer to Note 8.8. Debt and Note 10. Shareholders' Equity to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for further information.

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 the Boardour board of directors is no longer comprised of individuals who were members of the Boardour 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.

Based on our assumptions and estimates and our financial condition, we believe that we have sufficient financial resources to fund our obligations for at least the next twelve months from the issuance of these financial statements. However, there is no assurance that our assumptions and estimates are accurate as there is inherent uncertainty in our ability to predict future liquidity requirements.
Debt Covenants
CertainOur export credit facilities and our non-export credit facilities, and certain of our financingcredit card processing agreements contain covenants that require us, among other things, to maintain minimum net worth of at least $8.0 billion, a fixed charge coverage ratio, of at least 1.25x and limit our net debt-to-capital ratio, and maintain a minimum liquidity, and under certain facilities, to no more than 62.5%. The fixed charge coverage ratio is calculated by dividing net cash from operations for the past four quarters by the summaintain a minimum level of dividend payments plus scheduled principal debt payments in excess of any new financings for the past four quarters.shareholders' equity. Our minimum net worthstockholders' equity and maximum net debt-to-capital calculations exclude the impact of Accumulated other comprehensive losson Total shareholders'shareholders’ equity. We were well in excess of all debt covenant requirements asAs of December 31, 2017. The specific2023, we were in compliance with our financial covenants and related definitions canwe estimate that we will be found in compliance for at least the applicable debt agreements, the majority of which have been previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.next twelve months.

Dividends
The declaration of dividends shall at all times be subject to the final determination of our board of directors that a dividend is prudent at that time in consideration of the needs of the business. In December 2017,the event we declare a dividend or engage in share repurchases, we will need to repay the amounts deferred under our export credit facilities. Accordingly, we have not declared a cash dividend on our common stock of $0.60 per share which was paid insince the first quarter of 2018. We declared a cash dividend on our common stock of $0.60 per share during the third quarter of 2017 which was paid in the fourth quarter of 2017. During the first and second quarters of 2017, we declared a cash dividend on our common stock of $0.48 per share which was paid in the second and third quarters of 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 2016.2020.


48


Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Financial Instruments and Other

General

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 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. (ReferRefer to Note 14. 16.Fair Value Measurementsand Derivative Instruments to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.)

Interest Rate Risk

Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates to our long-term debt obligations including future interest payments. At December 31, 2017,2023, approximately 57.4%83% of our long-term debt was effectively fixed as compared to 40.5%75.0% as of December 31, 2016.2022. 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 long-term 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 December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we maintained interest rate swap agreements on the following fixed-rate debt instruments:
Debt InstrumentSwap Notional as of December 31, 2017 (In thousands)MaturityDebt Fixed RateSwap Floating Rate: LIBOR plusAll-in Swap Floating Rate as of December 31, 2017
Oasis of the Seas term loan
$140,000
October 20215.41%3.87%5.44%
Unsecured senior notes650,000
November 20225.25%3.63%5.05%
 $790,000
    

These interest rate swap agreements are accounted for as fair value hedges.

The estimated fair value of our long-term fixed-rate debt at December 31, 20172023 was $2.4$15.9 billion, using quoted market prices, where available, or using the present value of expected future cash flows which incorporates risk profile. The fair value of our fixed to floating interest rate swap agreements was estimated to be a liability of $19.8 million as of December 31, 2017, based on the present value of expected future cash flows. A hypothetical one percentage point decrease in interest rates at December 31, 20172023 would increase the fair value of our hedged and unhedged long-term fixed-rate debt by approximately $127.4 million and would increase the fair value of our fixed to floating interest rate swap agreements by approximately $31.8 million.

$2.1 billion.
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. A hypothetical one percentage point increase in interest rates would increase our forecasted 20182024 interest expense by approximately $30.1$25.5 million, assuming no change in foreign currency exchange rates.

At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016,2023, we maintained interest rate swap agreements on the following floating-rate debt instruments:

Debt InstrumentSwap Notional as of December 31, 2017 (In thousands)MaturityDebt Floating RateAll-in Swap Fixed RateDebt InstrumentSwap Notional as of December 31, 2023 (In millions)MaturityDebt Floating Rate (3)All-in Fixed Rate
Celebrity Reflection term loan
$381,792
October 2024LIBOR plus0.40%2.85%
Celebrity Reflection term loan
$55 October 2024October 2024Term SOFR0.40%2.88%
Quantum of the Seas term loan
551,250
October 2026LIBOR plus1.30%3.74%
Quantum of the Seas term loan
184 October 2026October 2026Term SOFR1.30%3.78%
Anthem of the Seas term loan
573,958
April 2027LIBOR plus1.30%3.86%
Anthem of the Seas term loan
211 April 2027April 2027Term SOFR1.30%3.9%
Ovation of the Seas term loan
726,250
April 2028LIBOR plus1.00%3.16%
Ovation of the Seas term loan
311 April 2028April 2028Term SOFR1.00%3.2%
Harmony of the Seas term loan (1)
728,373
May 2028EURIBOR plus1.15%2.26%
Harmony of the Seas term loan (1)
287 May 2028May 2028EURIBOR plus1.15%2.26%
$2,961,623
 
Odyssey of the Seas term loan(2)
Odyssey of the Seas term loan(2)
345 October 2032Term SOFR0.96%3.28%
Odyssey of the Seas term loan (2)
Odyssey of the Seas term loan (2)
173 October 2032Term SOFR0.96%2.91%
$


(1)    Interest rate swap agreements hedging the Euro-denominated term loan for Harmony of the Seas include EURIBOR zero-floors matching the hedged debt EURIBOR zero-floor. Amount presented is based on the exchange rate as of December 31, 2023.
(1)
Interest rate swap agreements hedging the Euro-denominated term loan for Harmony of the Seas include EURIBOR zero-floors matching the hedged debt EURIBOR zero-floor. Amount presented is based on the exchange rate as of December 31, 2017.
(2)    Interest rate swap agreements hedging the term loan of Odyssey of the Seas include Term SOFR zero-floors, Term SOFR with no floors, and Overnight SOFR.
(3)    During the year ended December 31, 2023, we completed our transition from LIBOR to Term SOFR rates for substantially all of our Interest rate swap agreements.


49



These interest rate swap agreements are accounted for as cash flow hedges.

The fair value of our floating to fixed interest rate swap agreements was estimated to be a liabilityan asset of $24.5$87 million as of December 31, 20172023 based on the present value of expected future cash flows. These interest rate swap agreements are accounted for as cash flow hedges.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

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. WeOn a regular basis, we enter into foreign currency forward contracts collar options and, from time to time, we utilize cross-currency swap agreements and collar options to manage portions of the exposure to movements in foreign currency exchange rates.

The estimated fair value, as of December 31, 2017,2023, of our Euro-denominated forward contracts associated with our ship construction contracts was an asset of $235.9$51 million, based on the present value of expected future cash flows. As of December 31, 2017,2023, the aggregate cost of our ships on order, not including the TUI Cruises' ships on order by our Partner Brands, was approximately $13.3$7.9 billion, of which we had deposited $465.7$698 million as of such date. Approximately 54.0%43.5% and 66.7%52.3% of the aggregate cost of the ships under construction was exposed to fluctuations in the Euro exchange rate at December 31, 20172023 and December 31, 2016,2022, respectively. A hypothetical 10% strengthening of the Euro as of December 31, 2017,2023, assuming no changes in comparative interest rates, would result in a $716.0$346 million increase in the United States dollar cost of the foreign currency denominated ship construction contracts exposed to fluctuations in the Euro exchange rate. The majority of ourOur foreign currency forward contracts, collar options and cross-currency swapcontract agreements are accounted for as cash flow fair value or net investment hedges depending on the designation of the related hedge.

Our international business operations subject us to foreign currency exchange risk. We transact business in many different foreign currencies and maintain investments in foreign operations which may expose us to financial market risk resulting from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Movements in foreign currency exchange rates may affect the value of our earnings in foreign currencies and cash flows. We manage most of this exposure on a consolidated basis, which allows us to take advantage of any natural offsets. Therefore, weakness in one particular currency might be offset by strengths in other currencies over time. The extent to which one currency is effective as a natural offset of another currency fluctuates over time. In addition, some foreign currency exposures have little to no mitigating natural offsets available.
We consider our investments in our foreign operations to be denominated in relatively stable currencies and of a long-term nature. As of December 31, 2017, we maintained foreign currency forward contracts and designated them as hedges of a portion of our net investment in TUI cruises of €101.0 million, or approximately $121.3 million based on the exchange rate at December 31, 2017. These forward currency contracts mature in October 2021.

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 approximately €246.0€648 million, or approximately $295.3$716 million, through December 31, 2017.2023. As of December 31, 2016,2022, we had designated debt as a hedge of our net investments primarily in TUI Cruises of approximately €295.0€433.0 million, or approximately $311.2$462 million.

We have included net gains of approximately $68.5$41 million and $114.0$64 million of foreign-currency transaction lossesremeasurement and of changes in the fair value of derivatives in the foreign currency translation adjustment component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 20172023 and December 31, 2016,2022, respectively.

Lastly, onOn a regular basis, we enter into foreign currency forward contracts and, from time to time, we utilize cross-currency swap agreements and collar options 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 2017,2023, we maintained an average of approximately $739.4 million$1.3 billion of these foreign currency forward contracts. These instruments are not designated as hedging instruments. In 2017, 2016For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 20152021 changes in the fair value of the foreign currency forward contracts resulted in a gain (loss)(losses) of approximately $62.0$19 million,, $(51.1) $(102) million and $(55.5)$(31) million, respectively, which offset gains (losses) gains arising from the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies in those same years of $(75.6)$(43) million,, $39.8 $93 million and $34.6$24 million, respectively. These changes were recognized in earnings within Other expense (expense) income in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).

Fuel Price Risk

Our exposure to market risk for changes in fuel prices relates primarily to the consumption of fuel on our ships. Fuel cost, (netnet of the financial impact of fuel swap agreements),agreements, as a percentage of our total revenues, was approximately 7.8%8.3% in 2017, 8.4%2023, 12.1% in 20162022 and 9.6%25.1% in 2015.2021. We use fuel swap agreements to mitigate the financial impact of fluctuations in fuel prices.

As of December 31, 2017,2023, we had fuel swap agreements to pay fixed prices for fuel with an aggregate notional amount of approximately $828.5$899 million, maturing through 2021. The fuel swap agreements represented 50% of our projected 2018 fuel requirements, 46% of our projected 2019 fuel requirements, 36% of our projected 2020 fuel requirements and 14% of our projected 2021 fuel requirements.2026. These fuel swap agreements are generally accounted for as cash flow hedges. The fuel swap agreements designated as hedges of projected fuel purchases represented 61% of our projected 2024 fuel

50


requirements. The estimated fair value of these contractsour fuel swap agreements at December 31, 20172023 was estimated to be an asseta liability of $14.3$48 million. We estimate that a hypothetical 10% increase in our weighted-average fuel price from that experienced during the year ended December 31, 20172023 would increase our forecasted 20182024 fuel cost by approximately $38.0$58 million, net of the impact of fuel swap agreements.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Our Consolidated Financial Statements and Quarterly Selected Financial Data are included beginning on page F-1 of this report.
Item 9. Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.


51


Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our ChairmanPresident and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), as of the end of the period covered by this report.Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based upon such evaluation, our ChairmanPresident and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that those controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our ChairmanPresident and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and are effective to provide reasonable assurance that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms.forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission's (the "SEC").
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Our management, with the participation of our ChairmanPresident and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017. 2023.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20172023 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the independent registered certified public accounting firm that audited our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as stated in its report, which is included herein on page F-2.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(d) during the quarter ended December 31, 20172023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls

It should be noted that any system of controls, however well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the system will be met. In addition, the design of any control system is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events. Because of these and other inherent limitations of control systems, there is only reasonable assurance that our controls will succeed in achieving their goals under all potential future conditions.

Item 9B. Other Information
None.During the quarter ended December 31, 2023, none of our directors or executive officers adopted or terminated any contract, instruction or written plan for the purchase or sale of our securities that was intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) or any “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” (as such term is defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K).

Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Not applicable.

52


PART III
Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance; Executive Compensation; Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters; Certain Relationships and Related Transactions;Transactions, and Director IndependenceIndependence; and Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Except for information concerning executive officers (called for by Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K), which is included in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the information required by Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 is incorporated herein by reference to certain sections of the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Definitive Proxy Statement relating to our 20182024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Proxy Statement") to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year. Please refer to the following sections in the Proxy Statement for more information regarding our corporate governance:information: "Corporate Governance"; "Proposal 1—Election of Directors"; and "Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions.Transactions"; "Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports"; "Executive Compensation"; "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management"; and "Proposal 3—Ratification of Principal Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm." Copies of the Proxy Statement will become available when filed through our Investor Relations website at www.rclcorporate.com (please see "Financial Reports" under "Financial Information"); by contacting our Investor Relations department at 1050 Caribbean Way, Miami, Florida 33132—telephone (305) 982-2625; or by visiting the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our employees, including our executive officers, and our directors. A copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is posted in the corporate governance section of our website at www.rclcorporate.com and is available in print, without charge, to shareholders upon written request to our Corporate Secretary at Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., 1050 Caribbean Way, Miami, Florida 33132. Any amendments to the code or any waivers from any provisions of the code granted to executive officers or directors will be promptly disclosed to investors by posting on our website at www.rclcorporate.com. None of the websites referenced in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or the information contained therein is incorporated herein by reference.


53


PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a)(1) Financial Statements
Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data and are included beginning on page F-1 of this report.
(2)Financial Statement Schedules
(1)Financial Statement Schedules
None.
(3)Exhibits

(1)Exhibits













































INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibits 10.22 through 10.50 represent management compensatory plans or arrangements.
Incorporated By Reference
Exhibit NumberFormExhibitFiling Date/ Period End Date
3.1S-33.13/23/2009
3.28-K3.12/11/2022
4.1
4.2
10.1Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement dated as of July 30, 1997, by and among the Company, A. Wilhelmsen AS., Cruise Associates, Monument Capital Corporation, Archinav Holdings, Ltd. and Overseas Cruiseship, Inc.20-F2.2012/31/1997
10.210-Q10.13/31/2018
10.38-K10.111/19/2015
10.410-Q10.76/30/2018
10.510-Q10.86/30/2018
10.68-K10.211/19/2015
10.710-Q10.96/30/2018
10.810-Q10.106/30/2018

54


    Incorporated By Reference
Exhibit Number Exhibit Description Form Exhibit Filing Date/ Period End Date
3.1  S-3 3.1 3/23/2009
3.2  8-K 3.1 9/11/2013
4.1 Indenture dated as of July 15, 1994, by and between the Company, as issuer, and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., successor to NationsBank of Georgia, National Association, as Trustee 20-F 2.4 12/31/1994
4.2 Sixth Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 14, 1997, to the Indenture, dated as of July 15, 1994, by and between the Company, as issuer, and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee 20-F 2.11 12/31/1997
4.3 Eighth Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 16, 1998, to the Indenture, dated as of July 15, 1994, by and between the Company, as issuer, and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee 20-F 2.13 12/31/1997
4.4  S-3 4.1 7/31/2006
4.5  8-K 4.1 11/7/2012
4.6  8-K 4.1 11/28/2017
10.1 Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement dated as of July 30, 1997, by and among the Company, A. Wilhelmsen AS., Cruise Associates, Monument Capital Corporation, Archinav Holdings, Ltd. and Overseas Cruiseship, Inc. 20-F 2.20 12/31/1997
10.2  8-K 10.1 6/19/2015
10.3  8-K 10.1 12/7/2017
10.4  8-K 10.1 8/26/2013
10.5  10-Q 10.2 6/30/2015
10.6  8-K 10.3 10/17/2017
10.7  10-K 10.7 12/31/2015
10.8  10-K 10.8 12/31/2015

Incorporated By Reference
Exhibit NumberFormExhibitFiling Date/ Period End Date
10.98-K10.26/28/2016
10.1010-K10.2012/31/2018
10.118-K10.17/28/2017
10.128-K10.27/28/2017
10.138-K10.37/28/2017
10.148-K10.112/18/2019
10.158-K10.110/17/2017
10.168-K10.210/17/2017
10.1710-Q10.116/30/2018

55


    Incorporated By Reference
Exhibit Number Exhibit Description Form Exhibit Filing Date/ Period End Date
10.9  10-Q 10.1 3/31/2016
10.10  10-K 10.10 12/31/2015
10.11  8-K 10.1 2/5/2015
10.12  10-K 10.10 12/31/2016
10.13  8-K 10.1 11/19/2015
10.14  8-K 10.2 11/19/2015
10.15  8-K 10.1 6/28/2016
10.16  8-K 10.2 6/28/2016
10.17  8-K 10.1 7/28/2017
10.18  8-K 10.2 7/28/2017
10.19  8-K 10.3 7/28/2017
10.20  8-K 10.1 10/17/2017

Incorporated By Reference
Exhibit NumberFormExhibitFiling Date/ Period End Date
10.1810-Q10.126/30/2018
10.198-K10.112/20/2019
10.208-K10.13/23/2020
10.218-K10.24/10/2020
10.228-K10.25/4/2020
10.238-K10.35/4/2020
10.2410-Q10.45/21/2020
10.2510-Q10.55/21/2020

56


    Incorporated By Reference
Exhibit Number Exhibit Description Form Exhibit Filing Date/ Period End Date
10.21  8-K 10.2 10/17/2017
10.22  8-K 10.1 12/8/2005
10.23  8-K 10.1 9/22/2006
10.24  10-K 10.17 12/31/2016
10.25  10-Q 10.3 9/30/2008
10.26  10-Q 10.4 9/30/2008
10.27  10-K 10.23 12/31/2013
10.28  10-Q 10.7 9/30/2017
10.29  10-K 10.31 12/31/2010
10.30  10-K 10.27 12/31/2014
10.31  10-K 10.26 12/31/2015
10.32  10-K 10.22 12/31/2012
10.33  10-K 10.23 12/31/2012
10.34  10-Q 10.2 6/30/2013
10.35  10-Q 10.3 6/30/2015
10.36  10-K 10.33 12/31/2014
10.37  10-K 10.31 12/31/2016
10.38  10-Q 10.4 6/30/2015
10.39  8-K 10.2 12/8/2005
10.40  10-K 10.29 12/31/2006
10.41  10-K 10.28 12/31/2007
10.42  10-K 10.36 12/31/2008
10.43  8-K 10.3 12/8/2005
10.44  10-K 10.31 12/31/2006
10.45  10-K 10.31 12/31/2007
10.46  10-Q 10.1 9/30/2008
10.47  10-K 10.38 12/31/2008

Incorporated By Reference
Exhibit NumberFormExhibitFiling Date/ Period End Date
10.2610-Q10.65/21/2020
10.278-K10.68/3/2020
10.288-K10.78/3/2020
10.2910-Q10.158/10/2020
10.3010-Q10.168/10/2020
10.3110-Q10.1011/4/2020
10.3210-Q10.1111/4/2020
10.3310-Q10.1211/4/2020
10.3410-Q10.1311/4/2020

57


*Filed herewith
**Furnished herewith
Interactive Data File
Incorporated By Reference
Exhibit NumberFormExhibitFiling Date/ Period End Date
10.3510-K10.6912/31/2020
10.3610-K10.7212/31/2020
10.3710-K10.7312/31/2020
10.3810-K10.7412/31/2020
10.3910-K10.7512/31/2020
10.4010-K10.7612/31/2020
10.4110-K10.8012/31/2020
10.4210-K10.8312/31/2020
10.438-K10.42/18/2021

58


Incorporated By Reference
Exhibit NumberFormExhibitFiling Date/ Period End Date
10.448-K10.52/18/2021
10.458-K10.62/18/2021
10.468-K10.52/23/2021
10.478-K10.72/23/2021
10.488-K10.122/23/2021
10.498-K10.152/23/2021
10.508-K10.13/16/2021
10.518-K10.13/19/2021
10.528-K10.23/19/2021

59


Incorporated By Reference
Exhibit NumberFormExhibitFiling Date/ Period End Date
10.538-K10.33/19/2021
10.5410-Q10.19/30/2021
10.5510-Q10.29/30/2021
10.5610-Q10.39/30/2021
10.5710-Q10.49/30/2021
10.588-K10.112/28/2021
10.598-K10.512/28/2021
10.608-K10.1312/28/2021
10.618-K10.1412/28/2021

60


Incorporated By Reference
Exhibit NumberFormExhibitFiling Date/ Period End Date
10.628-K10.1512/28/2021
10.638-K10.1712/28/2021
10.648-K10.1912/28/2021
10.658-K10.2012/28/2021
10.668-K10.2112/28/2021
10.678-K10.2212/28/2021
10.688-K10.2312/28/2021
10.6910-K10.14212/31/2021
10.7010-Q10.13/31/2022

61


Incorporated By Reference
Exhibit NumberFormExhibitFiling Date/ Period End Date
10.7110-Q10.16/30/2022
10.7210-Q10.26/30/2022
10.7310-Q10.96/30/2022
10.7410-Q10.106/30/2022
10.7510-Q10.116/30/2022
10.7610-Q10.126/30/2022
10.7710-Q10.136/30/2022
10.7810-Q10.146/30/2022
10.7910-Q10.156/30/2022

62


Incorporated By Reference
Exhibit NumberFormExhibitFiling Date/ Period End Date
10.8010-Q10.166/30/2022
10.8110-Q10.176/30/2022
10.8210-Q10.216/30/2022
10.8310-Q10.276/30/2022
10.8410-Q10.19/30/2022
10.8510-Q10.29/30/2022
10.8610-K10.7212/31/2022
10.8710-K10.7312/31/2022
10.8810-Q10.16/30/2023
10.8910-Q10.26/30/2023
10.9010-Q10.36/30/2023

63


Incorporated By Reference
Exhibit NumberFormExhibitFiling Date/ Period End Date
10.9110-Q10.46/30/2023
10.9210-Q10.56/30/2023
10.9310-Q10.66/30/2023
10.9410-Q10.76/30/2023
10.9510-Q10.86/30/2023
10.968-K10.110/11/2023
10.978-K10.210/11/2023
10.9810-Q10.19/30/2023
10.9910-Q10.29/30/2023

64


Incorporated By Reference
Exhibit NumberFormExhibitFiling Date/ Period End Date
10.100
10.10110-K10.1712/31/2016
10.1028-K10.16/3/2022
10.10310-Q10.13/31/2023
10.10410-Q10.23/31/2023
10.10510-Q10.33/31/2023
10.10610-Q10.43/31/2023
10.10710-Q10.53/31/2023
10.10810-Q10.63/31/2023
10.10910-Q10.26/30/2013
10.11010-Q10.36/30/2015
10.11110-K10.3312/31/2014
10.11210-K10.262/25/2013
10.11310-K10.3312/31/2014
10.11410-Q10.46/30/2015
10.1158-K10.312/8/2005
10.11610-K10.3112/31/2006
10.11710-K10.3112/31/2007
10.11810-Q10.19/30/2008
10.11910-K10.3812/31/2008
21.1
23.1
23.2
24.1
31.1
31.2

65


*    Filed herewith
**    Furnished herewith
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
Interactive Data File
101The following financial statements from Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, as filed with the SEC on February 20, 2018,2023 formatted in XBRL,iXBRL (Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language) are as follows:
(i)the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015;2021;
(ii)the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 20172023, and 2016;2022;
(iii)the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015;2021;
(iv)the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015;2021; and
(v)(v)the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged in summary and detail.
104Cover Page Interactive Data File, formatted in iXBRL and contained in Exhibit 101



Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
None.



66


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.
(Registrant)
By:/s/ JASON T. LIBERTYNAFTALI HOLTZ
Jason T. Liberty  Executive Vice President, Naftali Holtz
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and duly authorized signatory)


February 20, 201821, 2024
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 20, 2018.
21, 2024.
/s/ RICHARD D. FAINJASON T. LIBERTY
Richard D. FainJason T. Liberty
 Director Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ JASON T. LIBERTYNAFTALI HOLTZ
Jason T. LibertyNaftali Holtz
 Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ HENRY L. PUJOL
Henry L. Pujol
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)
*
Richard D. Fain
Chairman of the Board
*
John F. Brock
Director
*
Stephen R. Howe Jr.
Director
*
William L. Kimsey
Director
*
Michael O. Leavitt
Director
*
Maritza G. Montiel
Director
*
Ann S. Moore
Director
*
Eyal M. Ofer
Director
*
Thomas J. Pritzker
Director
*
William K. Reilly
Director
*
Bernt Reitan
Director
*
Vagn O. Sørensen
Director
*
Donald Thompson
Director
*
Arne Alexander Wilhelmsen
Director
*
Amy C. McPherson
Director
*
Rebecca Yeung
Director
*By:/s/ NAFTALI HOLTZ
Naftali Holtz, as Attorney-in-Fact

67
*By:/s/ JASON T. LIBERTY
Jason T. Liberty, as Attorney-in-Fact




ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


F-1


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.


Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017,2023, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).


In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, and the results of theirits operations and theirits cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20172023 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework(2013)issued by the COSO.


Changes in Accounting Principles

As discussed in Notes 2 and 1 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2022, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for convertible notes and effective October 1, 2021, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for the consolidation of Silversea Cruises.

Basis for Opinions


The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management'sManagement’s Report on Internal Control overOver Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB")(PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.


We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.


Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.


Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting


A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

F-2




Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.



Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Impairment Assessments – Silversea Cruises Reporting Unit Goodwill and Trade Name

As described in Notes 2, 4 and 5 to the consolidated financial statements, as of December 31, 2023 the Company’s consolidated goodwill balance was $809 million and the goodwill associated with the Silversea Cruises reporting unit was $509 million. The Company’s consolidated indefinite-life intangible assets balance was $321 million which primarily relates to the Silversea Cruises trade name. Management reviews goodwill and indefinite-life intangible assets for impairment annually or, when events or circumstances dictate, more frequently. The quantitative impairment assessment consists of a comparison of the fair value of the reporting unit or asset with its carrying value. Fair value is estimated by management using a probability weighted discounted cash flow model in combination with a market-based valuation approach for reporting units and a relief-from-royalty method for trade names. Management’s principal assumptions for the impairment assessments consisted of forecasted revenues per available passenger cruise day, occupancy rates from existing vessels, vessel operating expenses, terminal growth rate, royalty rate, and weighted average cost of capital (i.e., discount rate).

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the impairment assessments of the Silversea Cruises reporting unit goodwill and trade name is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment by management when developing the fair value estimates of the Silversea Cruises reporting unit and trade name; (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effortin performing procedures and evaluating management’s significant assumptions related to forecasted revenues per available passenger cruise day, occupancy rates from existing vessels, terminal growth rates, and discount rates for the goodwill and trade name impairment assessments, vessel operating expenses for the goodwill impairment assessment and the royalty rate for the trade name impairment assessment; and (iii) the audit effort involved the use of professionalswith specialized skill and knowledge.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s goodwill and trade name impairment assessments, including controls over the valuation of the Silversea Cruises reporting unit and trade name. These procedures also included, among others, (i) testing management’s process for developing the fair value estimates; (ii) evaluating the appropriateness of the probability weighted discounted cash flow model and relief-from-royalty method used by management; (iii) testing the completeness and accuracy of underlying data used in the probability weighted discounted cash flow model and relief-from-royalty method; and (iv) evaluating the reasonableness of the significant assumptions used by management related to forecasted revenues per available passenger cruise day, occupancy rates from existing vessels, terminal growth rates, and discount rates for the goodwill and trade name impairment assessments, vessel operating expenses for the goodwill impairment assessment, and the royalty rate for the trade name impairment assessment. Evaluating management’s assumptions related to forecasted revenues per available passenger cruise day, occupancy rates from existing vessels, vessel operating expenses and terminal growth rates involved evaluating whether the assumptions used by management were reasonable considering (i) the current and past performance of the reporting unit and the Silversea Cruises brand; (ii) the consistency with external market and industry data; and (iii) whether these assumptions were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in evaluating (i) the appropriateness of the probability weighted discounted cash flow model and relief-from-royalty method and (ii) the reasonableness of the discount rate and royalty rate assumptions.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Certified Public Accountants
Miami, Florida
February 20, 201821, 2024


We have served as the Company’s auditor since at least 1989, which includes periods before the Company became subject to SEC reporting requirements. We have not determinedbeen able to determine the specific year we began serving as auditor of the Company.



F-3



ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in millions, except per share data)
Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Passenger ticket revenues$9,568 $5,793 $941 
Onboard and other revenues4,332 3,047 591 
Total revenues13,900 8,840 1,532 
Cruise operating expenses: 
Commissions, transportation and other2,001 1,357 208 
Onboard and other809 597 117 
Payroll and related1,197 1,288 838 
Food819 653 164 
Fuel1,150 1,073 385 
Other operating1,799 1,648 1,027 
Total cruise operating expenses7,775 6,616 2,739 
Marketing, selling and administrative expenses1,792 1,583 1,370 
Depreciation and amortization expenses1,455 1,407 1,293 
Operating Income (Loss)2,878 (766)(3,870)
Other income (expense):
Interest income36 36 17 
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized(1,402)(1,364)(1,292)
Equity investment income (loss)200 57 (135)
Other (expense) income (1)
(8)(119)20 
(1,174)(1,390)(1,390)
Net Income (Loss)1,704 (2,156)(5,260)
Less: Net Income attributable to noncontrolling interest— — 
Net Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.$1,697 $(2,156)$(5,260)
Earnings (Loss) per Share:
Basic$6.63 $(8.45)$(20.89)
Diluted$6.31 $(8.45)$(20.89)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net Income (Loss)$1,704 $(2,156)$(5,260)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments(9)10 16 
Change in defined benefit plans49 
(Loss) Gain on cash flow derivative hedges(27)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income(30)67 29 
Comprehensive Income (Loss)$1,674 $(2,089)$(5,231)
Less: Comprehensive Income attributable to noncontrolling interest— — 
Comprehensive Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.$1,667 $(2,089)$(5,231)
    ____________________________________________________________
(1) Including a $62.6 million net loss related to the 2021 elimination of the Silversea Cruises reporting lag for the year ended December 31, 2021.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
 (in thousands, except per share data)
Passenger ticket revenues$6,313,170
 $6,149,323
 $6,058,821
Onboard and other revenues2,464,675
 2,347,078
 2,240,253
Total revenues8,777,845
 8,496,401
 8,299,074
Cruise operating expenses:     
Commissions, transportation and other1,363,170
 1,349,677
 1,400,778
Onboard and other495,552
 493,558
 553,104
Payroll and related852,990
 882,891
 861,775
Food492,857
 485,673
 480,009
Fuel681,118
 713,676
 795,801
Other operating1,010,892
 1,090,064
 1,007,926
Total cruise operating expenses4,896,579
 5,015,539
 5,099,393
Marketing, selling and administrative expenses1,186,016
 1,108,742
 1,086,504
Depreciation and amortization expenses951,194
 894,915
 827,008
Impairment of Pullmantur related assets
 
 411,267
 7,033,789
 7,019,196
 7,424,172
Operating Income1,744,056
 1,477,205
 874,902
Other income (expense):     
Interest income30,101
 20,856
 12,025
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized(299,982) (307,370) (277,725)
Equity investment income156,247
 128,350
 81,026
Other expense(1)
(5,289) (35,653) (24,445)
 (118,923) (193,817) (209,119)
Net Income$1,625,133
 $1,283,388
 $665,783
Basic Earnings per Share:     
Net income$7.57
 $5.96
 $3.03
Diluted Earnings per Share:     
Net income$7.53
 $5.93
 $3.02
Comprehensive Income (Loss)     
Net Income$1,625,133
 $1,283,388
 $665,783
Other comprehensive income (loss):     
Foreign currency translation adjustments17,307
 2,362
 (30,152)
Change in defined benefit plans(5,583) (1,636) 4,760
Gain (loss) on cash flow derivative hedges570,495
 411,223
 (406,047)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)582,219
 411,949
 (431,439)
Comprehensive Income$2,207,352
 $1,695,337
 $234,344

(1)Including a $21.7 million loss related to the 2016 elimination of the Pullmantur reporting lag and a net deferred tax benefit of $12.0 million related to the 2015 Pullmantur impairment.




ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions, except share data)
As of December 31,
20232022
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents$497 $1,935 
Trade and other receivables, net of allowances of $6.6 and $11.6 at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively405 531 
Inventories248 224 
Prepaid expenses and other assets617 456 
Derivative financial instruments25 59 
Total current assets1,792 3,205 
Property and equipment, net30,114 27,546 
Operating lease right-of-use assets611 538 
Goodwill809 809 
Other assets, net of allowances of $42.7 and $71.6 at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively1,805 1,678 
Total assets$35,131 $33,776 
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt$1,720 $2,088 
Current portion of operating lease liabilities65 80 
Accounts payable792 647 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities1,478 1,459 
Derivative financial instruments35 131 
Customer deposits5,311 4,168 
Total current liabilities9,401 8,573 
Long-term debt19,732 21,303 
Long-term operating lease liabilities613 523 
Other long-term liabilities486 508 
Total liabilities30,232 30,907 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 17)
Shareholders' equity
Preferred stock ($0.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; none outstanding)— — 
Common stock ($0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 284,672,386 and 283,257,102 shares issued, December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively)
Paid-in capital7,474 7,285 
Accumulated deficit(10)(1,707)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(674)(644)
Treasury stock (28,248,125 and 28,018,385 common shares at cost, December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively)(2,069)(2,068)
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd4,724 2,869 
Noncontrolling Interest175 — 
Total shareholders' equity4,899 2,869 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$35,131 $33,776 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
 As of December 31,
 2017 2016
 (in thousands, except share data)
Assets   
Current assets   
Cash and cash equivalents$120,112
 $132,603
Trade and other receivables, net318,641
 291,899
Inventories111,393
 114,087
Prepaid expenses and other assets193,562
 209,716
Derivative financial instruments99,320
 
Total current assets843,028
 748,305
Property and equipment, net19,735,180
 20,161,427
Goodwill288,512
 288,386
Other assets1,429,597
 1,112,206
 $22,296,317
 $22,310,324
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity   
Current liabilities   
Current portion of long-term debt$1,188,514
 $1,285,735
Accounts payable360,113
 305,313
Accrued interest47,469
 46,166
Accrued expenses and other liabilities903,022
 692,322
Derivative financial instruments47,464
 146,592
Customer deposits2,243,682
 1,965,473
Total current liabilities4,790,264
 4,441,601
Long-term debt6,350,937
 8,101,701
Other long-term liabilities452,813
 645,610
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
 
Shareholders' equity   
Preferred stock ($0.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; none outstanding)
 
Common stock ($0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 235,198,901 and 234,613,486 shares issued, December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively)2,352
 2,346
Paid-in capital3,390,117
 3,328,517
Retained earnings9,022,405
 7,860,341
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(334,265) (916,484)
Treasury stock (21,861,308 and 20,019,237 common shares at cost, December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively)(1,378,306) (1,153,308)
Total shareholders' equity10,702,303
 9,121,412
 $22,296,317
 $22,310,324



ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
 (in thousands)
Operating Activities     
Net income$1,625,133
 $1,283,388
 $665,783
Adjustments:     
Depreciation and amortization951,194
 894,915
 827,008
Impairment of Pullmantur related assets
 
 411,267
Net deferred income tax expense (benefit)1,730
 2,608
 (10,001)
Share-based compensation expense69,459
 32,659
 36,073
Equity investment income(156,247) (128,350) (81,026)
Amortization of debt issuance costs45,943
 52,795
 52,153
Gain on sale of property and equipment(30,902) 
 
(Gain) loss on derivative instruments not designated as hedges(61,704) 45,670
 59,162
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:     
(Increase) decrease in trade and other receivables, net(32,043) 4,759
 63,102
Decrease (increase) in inventories2,424
 (1,679) 1,197
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other assets20,859
 11,519
 (2,262)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable36,780
 29,564
 (25,278)
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest1,303
 7,841
 (10,749)
Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities34,215
 20,718
 33,859
Increase (decrease) in customer deposits274,705
 188,632
 (92,849)
Dividends received from unconsolidated affiliates109,677
 75,942
 33,338
Other, net(17,960) (4,291) (14,411)
Net cash provided by operating activities2,874,566
 2,516,690
 1,946,366
Investing Activities     
Purchases of property and equipment(564,138) (2,494,363) (1,613,340)
Cash received (paid) on settlement of derivative financial instruments63,224
 (213,202) (178,597)
Investments in and loans to unconsolidated affiliates(10,396) (9,155) (56,163)
Cash received on loans to unconsolidated affiliates62,303
 38,213
 124,253
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment230,000
 
 
Other, net (1)
5,415
 (46,385) (19,128)
Net cash used in investing activities(213,592) (2,724,892) (1,742,975)
Financing Activities     
Debt proceeds5,866,966
 7,338,560
 4,399,501
Debt issuance costs(51,590) (88,241) (68,020)
Repayments of debt(7,835,087) (6,365,570) (4,118,553)
Purchase of treasury stock(224,998) (299,960) (200,000)
Dividends paid(437,455) (346,487) (280,212)
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options2,525
 2,258
 11,252
Other, net3,843
 3,249
 2,520
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(2,675,796) 243,809
 (253,512)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash2,331
 (24,569) (17,555)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents(12,491) 11,038
 (67,676)

Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
(in millions)
Operating Activities
Net Income (Loss)$1,704 $(2,156)$(5,260)
Adjustments:
Depreciation and amortization1,455 1,407 1,293 
Net deferred income tax benefit(8)(22)(43)
(Gain) Loss on derivative instruments not designated as hedges(19)100 (1)
Share-based compensation expense126 36 64 
Equity investment (income) loss(200)(57)135 
Amortization of debt issuance costs, discounts and premiums109 163 249 
Loss on extinguishment of debt121 94 139 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in trade and other receivables, net99 (234)(182)
Increase in inventories(24)(74)(35)
Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets(184)(153)(152)
Increase in accounts payable124 75 189 
Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities13 352 233 
Increase in customer deposits1,143 1,007 1,427 
Other, net18 (57)66 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities4,477 481 (1,878)
Investing Activities
Purchases of property and equipment(3,897)(2,710)(2,230)
Cash received on settlement of derivative financial instruments35 53 44 
Cash paid on settlement of derivative financial instruments(86)(356)(74)
Investments in and loans to unconsolidated affiliates(31)— (70)
Cash received on loans to unconsolidated affiliates40 19 31 
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment and other assets13 — 176 
Other, net(22)
Net cash used in investing activities(3,923)(2,987)(2,145)
Financing Activities
Debt proceeds7,641 9,787 4,468 
Debt issuance costs(194)(252)(202)
Repayments of debt(9,566)(7,729)(2,297)
Premium on repayment of debt(80)(49)(135)
Repayments of commercial paper notes— — (415)
Proceeds from common stock issuances— — 1,622 
Proceeds from sale of noncontrolling interest209 — — 
Other, net(3)(16)— 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(1,993)1,741 3,041 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year132,603
 121,565
 189,241
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year$120,112
 $132,603
 $121,565
Supplemental Disclosures     
Cash paid during the year for:     
Interest, net of amount capitalized$249,615
 $256,775
 $248,611

     
Non-Cash Investing Activities     
  Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable and accrued expenses and other liabilities$139,644
 $
 $
  Notes receivable issued upon sale of property and equipment$20,409
 $213,042
 $


(1)Amount includes $26.0 million in 2016 related to cash included in the divestiture of Pullmantur Holdings.



ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - CONTINUED
Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
(in millions)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash(2)— 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents(1,438)(767)(982)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year1,935 2,702 3,684 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year$497 $1,935 $2,702 
Supplemental Disclosures
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest, net of amount capitalized$1,442 $960 $834 
Non-Cash Investing Activities
Notes receivable issued upon sale of property and equipment and other assets$— $— $16 
Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable and accrued expenses and other liabilities$50 $34 $14 
Acquisition of property and equipment from assumed debt$— $277 $— 
Non-Cash Financing Activities
Debt related to acquisition of property and equipment$— $277 $— 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common StockPaid-in CapitalRetained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Treasury StockNoncontrolling InterestTotal Shareholders' Equity
(in millions)
Balances at January 1, 2021$$5,999 $5,563 $(740)$(2,064)$— $8,761 
Activity related to employee stock plans— 63 — — — — 63 
Common stock issuance— 1,496 — — — — 1,496 
Changes related to cash flow derivative hedges— — — — — 
Change in defined benefit plans— — — — — 
Foreign currency translation adjustments— — — 16 — — 16 
Purchases of treasury stock— — — — (2)— (2)
Net Loss attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.— — (5,260)— — — (5,260)
Balances at December 31, 2021$$7,558 $303 $(711)$(2,066)$— $5,087 
Activity related to employee stock plans— 35 — — — — 35 
Cumulative effect of adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2020-06— (308)146 — — — (162)
Changes related to cash flow derivative hedges— — — — — 
Change in defined benefit plans— — — 49 — — 49 
Foreign currency translation adjustments— — — 10 — — 10 
Purchases of treasury stock— — — — (2)— (2)
Net Loss attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.— — (2,156)— — — (2,156)
Balances at December 31, 2022$$7,285 $(1,707)$(644)$(2,068)$— $2,869 
Activity related to employee stock plans— 130 — — — — 130 
Convertible notes settlements— 13 — — — — 13 
Changes related to cash flow derivative hedges— — — (27)— — (27)
Change in defined benefit plans— — — — — 
Foreign currency translation adjustments— — — (9)— — (9)
Purchases of treasury stock— — — — (1)— (1)
Sale of noncontrolling interests— 46 — — — 174 220 
Net Income attributable to Noncontrolling interests— — — — — 
Dividends from noncontrolling interests— — — — — (6)(6)
Net Income attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.— — 1,697 — — — 1,697 
Balances at December 31, 2023$$7,474 $(10)$(674)$(2,069)$175 $4,899 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-8
 Common Stock Paid-in Capital Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Treasury Stock Total Shareholders' Equity
 (in thousands)
Balances at January 1, 2015$2,331
 $3,253,552
 $6,575,248
 $(896,994) $(649,778) $8,284,359
Issuance under employee related plans8
 40,497
 
 
 
 40,505
Common Stock dividends
 
 (296,169) 
 
 (296,169)
Changes related to cash flow derivative hedges
 
 
 (406,047) 
 (406,047)
Change in defined benefit plans
 
 
 4,760
 
 4,760
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
 
 (30,152) 
 (30,152)
Purchase of Treasury Stock
 3,570
 
 
 (203,570) (200,000)
Net income
 
 665,783
 
 
 665,783
Balances at December 31, 20152,339
 3,297,619
 6,944,862
 (1,328,433) (853,348) 8,063,039
Issuance under employee related plans7
 30,898
 
 
 
 30,905
Common Stock dividends
 
 (367,909) 
 
 (367,909)
Changes related to cash flow derivative hedges
 
 
 411,223
 
 411,223
Change in defined benefit plans
 
 
 (1,636) 
 (1,636)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
 
 2,362
 
 2,362
Purchases of Treasury Stock
 
 
 
 (299,960) (299,960)
Net income
 
 1,283,388
 
 
 1,283,388
Balances at December 31, 20162,346
 3,328,517
 7,860,341
 (916,484) (1,153,308) 9,121,412
Issuance under employee related plans6
 61,600
 
 
 
 61,606
Common Stock dividends
 
 (463,069) 
 
 (463,069)
Changes related to cash flow derivative hedges
 
 
 570,495
 
 570,495
Change in defined benefit plans
 
 
 (5,583) 
 (5,583)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
 
 17,307
 
 17,307
Purchases of Treasury Stock
 
 
 
 (224,998) (224,998)
Net income
 
 1,625,133
 
 
 1,625,133
Balances at December 31, 2017$2,352
 $3,390,117
 $9,022,405
 $(334,265) $(1,378,306) $10,702,303




ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1.1. General
Description of Business
We are a global cruise company. We own and operate three global cruise brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises.Silversea Cruises (collectively, our "Global Brands"). We also own a 50% joint venture interest in TUI Cruises GmbH ("TUIC"), which operates the German brandbrands TUI Cruises a 49% interest in the Spanish brand Pullmantur and have a 36% interest in the Chinese brand SkySeaHapag-Lloyd Cruises (collectively, our "Partner Brands"). We account for our investments in our Partner Brands under the equity method of accounting. Together, our Global Brands and our Partner Brands operateoperated a combined 49fleet of 64 ships as of December 31, 2017.2023. Our ships operate onoffer a selection of worldwide itineraries that call on approximately 540more than 1,000 destinations in over 120 countries on all seven continents.
Effective July 31, 2016, we sold 51% of our interest in Pullmantur Holdings (formerly known as Royal Caribbean Holdings de España S.L. or "RCHE"), the parent company of the Pullmantur brand. We retain a 49% interest in Pullmantur Holdings as well as full ownership of the four vessels currently operated by the Pullmantur brand under bareboat charter arrangements. We account for the bareboat charters of the vessels to Pullmantur Holdings as operating leases. We also provide certain ship management services to Pullmantur Holdings. We recognized an immaterial gain on the sale of our majority interest in Pullmantur Holdings. We had also retained full ownership of the aircraft which we subsequently sold during 2017. Effective August 2016, we no longer consolidate Pullmantur Holdings in our consolidated financial statements and our investment in the company is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Refer to Note 6. Other Assets for further information on our retained interest in Pullmantur Holdings and Note 5. Property and Equipment for further information on the sale of the aircraft. The sale did not represent a strategic shift that will have a major effect on our operations and financial results, as we continue to provide similar itineraries to and source passengers from the markets served by the Pullmantur business. Therefore, the sale of Pullmantur Holdings did not meet the criteria for discontinued operations reporting.
Basis for Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). Estimates are required for the preparation of financial statements in accordance with these principles. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Refer to Note 2. 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for a discussion of our significant accounting policies. The Company has changed its presentation from thousands to millions and, as a result, any necessary rounding adjustments have been made to prior period disclosed amounts.
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 6. 7. Investments and Other Assets for further information regarding our variable interest entities. For affiliates we do not control but over which we have significant influence on financial and operating policies, usually evidenced by a direct ownership interest from 20% to 50%, the investment is accounted for using the equity method.
Effective March 19, 2021, we sold our wholly-owned brand, Azamara Cruises ("Azamara"), including its three-ship fleet and associated intellectual property, to Sycamore Partners for $201 million, before closing adjustments. The March 2021 sale of Azamara did not represent a strategic shift that will have a major effect on our operations and financial results, as we continue to provide similar itineraries to and source passengers from the markets served by the Azamara business. Therefore, the sale of Azamara did not meet the criteria for discontinued operations reporting. Effective March 19, 2021, we no longer consolidate Azamara's balance sheet nor recognize its results of operations in our consolidated financial statements. We recognized an immaterial gain on the sale during 2021.
Prior to JanuaryOctober 1, 2016,2021, we consolidated the operating results of Pullmantur HoldingsSilversea Cruises on a two-monththree-month reporting lag to allow for more timely preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Effective JanuaryOctober 1, 2016,2021, we eliminated the two-monththree-month reporting lag to reflect Pullmantur Holdings'Silversea Cruises' financial position, results of operations and cash flows concurrently and consistently with the fiscal calendar of the Company ("elimination of the PullmanturSilversea reporting lag"). The elimination of the PullmanturSilversea reporting lag representedrepresents a change in accounting principle, which we believedbelieve to be preferable, because it providedprovides more current information to the users of our financial statements. A change in accounting principle requires retrospective application, if material. The impact of the elimination of the reporting lag was immaterial to prior periods and wasis immaterial for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.2021. As a result, we have accounted for this change in accounting principle in our consolidated results for the year ended December 31, 2016.2021. Accordingly, the results of Pullmantur Holdings for November andSilversea Cruises from October 1, 2020 to December 2015 were31, 2021 are included in our consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss)loss for the year ended December 31, 2016. The2021. To effect the change, we have reflected the third quarter 2021 operating results for Silversea Cruises, which were a net loss of this change was

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a decrease to net$62.6 million within Other (expense) income of $21.7 million, which has been reported within Other expense in our consolidated statementsstatement of comprehensive income (loss)loss for the year ended December 31, 2016.2021.

Note 2.2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Revenues and Expenses
Deposits received on sales of passenger cruises are initially recorded as customer deposit liabilities on our balance sheet. Customer deposits are subsequently recognized as passenger ticket revenues, together with revenues from onboard and other goods and services and all associated cruise operating expenses of a voyage. For further information on revenue recognition, refer to Note 3. Revenue.

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Revenues and expenses include port costs that vary with guest head counts. The amounts of such port costs charged to our guests and included within Passenger ticket revenues on a gross basis were $569.5 million, $570.3 million and $561.1 million for the years 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash and marketable securities with original maturities of less than 90 days.
Inventories
Inventories consist of provisions, supplies and fuel carried at the lower of cost (weighted-average) or net realizable value.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. We capitalize interest as part of the cost of acquiring certain assets. Improvement costs that we believe add value to our ships are capitalized as additions to the ship, the useful lives of the improvements are estimated and depreciated over the shorter of the improvements' estimated useful lives or that of the associated ship.ship, and the replaced assets are disposed of on a net cost basis. In addition, we capitalize interest on borrowings during the active construction period of capital projects. Capitalized interest is added to the cost of the assets and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated cost and accumulated depreciation of replaced or refurbished ship components are written off and any resulting losses are recognized in Cruise operating expenses. Liquidated damages received from shipyards as a result of the late delivery of a new ship are recorded as reductions to the cost basis of the ship.
Depreciation of property and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset. The useful lives of our ships are generally 3030-35 years, net of a 15%10%-15% projected residual value. The 30-year30-35-year useful life of our newly constructed ships and 15% associated10%-15% residual value are both based on the weighted-average of all major components of a ship. Our useful life and residual value estimates take into consideration the impact of anticipated technological changes, environmental regulations, long-term cruise and vacation market conditions and historical useful lives of similarly-built ships. In addition, we take into consideration our estimates of the weighted-average useful lives of the ships' major component systems, such as hull, superstructure, main electric, engines and cabins. We employ a cost allocation methodology at the component level, in order to support the estimated weighted-average useful lives and residual values, as well as to determine the net cost basis of assets being replaced. Given the very large and complex nature of our ships, our accounting estimates related to ships and determinations of ship improvement costs to be capitalized require considerable judgment and are inherently uncertain. Depreciation for assets under capitalfinance leases is computed using the shorter of the lease term or related asset life, unless the asset is a finance lease due to title transferring or a purchase option that is reasonably certain of being exercised, in which case the asset is depreciated over the related asset life.
Depreciation of property and equipment is computed utilizing the following useful lives:
Years
Shipsgenerally, 30-35
Ship improvementsYears3-25
Shipsgenerally 30
Ship improvements3-20
Buildings and improvements10-40
Computer hardware and software3-10
Transportation equipment and other3-30
Leasehold improvementsShorter of remaining lease term or useful life 3-30
We periodically review estimated useful lives and residual values for ongoing reasonableness, considering long term views on our intended use of each class of ships and the planned level of improvements to maintain and enhance vessels within those classes. In the event a factor is identified that may trigger a change in the estimated useful lives and residual values of our ships, a review of the estimate is completed.
We review long-lived assets, including right-of-use assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate, based on estimated undiscounted future cash flows, that the carrying amountvalue of these assets may not be fully recoverable. For purposes of recognition and measurement of an impairment loss, long-lived assets are grouped with other assets and

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liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. The lowest level for which we maintain identifiable cash flows that are independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities is at the ship level for our ships and, prior to the sale of the aircraft, at the aggregated asset group level for our aircraft.ships. If estimated future cash flows are less than the carrying value of an asset, an impairment charge is recognized to the extent its carrying value exceeds fair value.
We use the deferral method to account for drydocking costs. Under the deferral method, drydocking costs incurred are deferred and charged to expense on a straight-line basis over the period to the next scheduled drydock, which we estimate to be
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a period of thirty to sixty months based on the vessel's age as required by Class. Deferred drydock costs consist of the costs to drydock the vessel and other costs incurred in connection with the drydock which are necessary to maintain the vessel's Class certification. Class certification is necessary in order for our cruise ships to be flagged in a specific country, obtain liability insurance and legally operate as passenger cruise ships. The activities associated with those drydocking costs cannot be performed while the vessel is in service and, as such, are done during a drydock as a planned major maintenance activity. The significant deferred drydock costs consist of hauling and wharfage services provided by the drydock facility, hull inspection and related activities (e.g., scraping, pressure cleaning, bottom painting), maintenance to steering propulsion, thruster equipment and ballast tanks, port services such as tugs, pilotage and line handling, and freight associated with these items. We perform a detailed analysis of the various activities performed for each drydock and only defer those costs that are directly related to planned major maintenance activities necessary to maintain Class. The costs deferred are related to activities not otherwise routinely periodically performed to maintain a vessel's designed and intended operating capability. Repairs and maintenance activities are charged to expense as incurred.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. We review goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level annually or, when events or circumstances dictate, more frequently. The impairment review for goodwill consists ofWe may first perform a qualitative assessment ofto determine whether it is more-likely-than-notmore likely than not that a reporting unit is impaired. When assessing goodwill for impairment, our decision to perform a qualitative assessment for an individual reporting unit is influenced by a number of factors, including the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill, the significance of the excess of the reporting unit's estimated fair value is less than itsover carrying amount,value at the last quantitative assessment date, macroeconomic conditions, market conditions and if necessary,our operating performance.
If we do not perform a two-step goodwill impairment test. Factors to consider when performing the qualitative assessment, include general economic conditions, limitations on accessing capital, changes in forecasted operating results, changes in fuel prices and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. If the qualitative assessment demonstratesor if we determine that it is more-likely-than-notnot more likely than not that the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, it is not necessary to performamount, we calculate the two-step goodwill impairment test. We may elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to step one, for any reporting unit, in any period. On a periodic basis, we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed to step one to corroborate the results of recent years' qualitative assessments. We can resume the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any subsequent period. When performing the two-step goodwill impairment test, theestimated fair value of the reporting unit is determinedusing an income approach, which may also include a combination of a market-based valuation approach. The estimation of fair value utilizing a probability weighted discounted cash flow model including numerous uncertainties which require our significant judgment when making assumptions of expected revenues, operating costs, interest rates, ship additions and compared toretirements as well as regarding the carrying valuecruise vacation industry's competitive environment and general economic and business conditions. The principal assumptions used in the probability weighted discounted cash flow model for our 2023 impairment assessment consisted of: (i) forecasted revenues per available passenger cruise day, (ii) occupancy rates from existing vessels, (iii) vessel operating expenses, (iv) terminal growth rate, and (v) weighted average cost of capital (i.e., discount rate). The probability weighted discounted cash flow model uses the net assets allocatedmost current projected operating results for the upcoming fiscal year as a base. We discount the probability weighted projected cash flows using rates specific to the reporting unit.unit based on its weighted-average cost of capital. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, no further analysis or write-down of goodwill is required. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value of its net assets, an impairment is recognized based on the impliedamount by which the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the total amount of the reporting unit isgoodwill allocated to all its underlying assets and liabilities, including both recognized and unrecognized tangible and intangible assets, based on their fair value. If necessary, goodwill is then written down to its implied fair value.such reporting unit.
Intangible Assets
In connection with our acquisitions, we have acquired certain intangible assets to which value has been assigned based on our estimates. Intangible assets that are deemed to have an indefinite life are not amortized, but are subject to an annual impairment test, or when events or circumstances dictate, more frequently. The impairment review for indefinite-life intangible assetassets can be performed using a qualitative or quantitative impairment testassessment. The quantitative assessment consists of a comparison of the fair value of the indefinite-life intangible asset with its carrying amount.value. We estimate the fair value of these assets using a probability weighted discounted cash flow model and various valuation methods depending on the nature of the intangible asset, such as the relief-from-royalty method for trademarks and trade names. The principal assumptions used in the probability weighted discounted cash flow model for our 2023 impairment assessment consisted of: (i) forecasted revenues per available passenger cruise day, (ii) occupancy rates from existing vessels, (iii) terminal growth rate; (iv) royalty rate; and (v) weighted average cost of capital (i.e., discount rate). If the carrying amountvalue exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. If the fair value exceeds its carrying amount,value, the indefinite-life intangible asset is not considered impaired.
Other intangible assets assigned finite useful lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.

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Contingencies — Litigation
On an ongoing basis, we assess the potential liabilities related to any lawsuits or claims brought against us. While it is typically very difficult to determine the timing and ultimate outcome of such actions, we use our best judgment to determine if it is
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probable that we will incur an expense related to the settlement or final adjudication of such matters and whether a reasonable estimation of such probable loss, if any, can be made. In assessing probable losses, we take into consideration estimates of the amount of insurance recoveries, if any, which are recorded as assets when recoverability is probable. We accrue a liability, including legal costs, when we believe a loss is probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Due to the inherent uncertainties related to the eventual outcome of litigation and potential insurance recoveries, it is possible that certain matters may be resolved for amounts materially different from any provisions or disclosures that we have previously made.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred except those costs which result in tangible assets, such as brochures, which are treated as prepaid expenses and charged to expense as consumed. Advertising costs consist of media and online advertising as well as brochure, production and direct mail costs.
Media advertising was $233.5$379 million, $240.3$380 million and $242.8$303 million, and brochure, production and direct mail costs were $126.7$127 million, $120.8$129 million and $127.1$89 million for the years 2017, 2016ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively.
Derivative Instruments
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. Although certain of our derivative financial instruments do not qualify or are not accounted for under hedge accounting, we doour objective is not to hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.
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.operation or investment. In certain hedges of our net investment in foreign operations and investments, we exclude forward points from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and amortize the related amounts directly into 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. WeFor our net investment hedges, we use the dollar offset method to measure effectiveness. For all other hedging programs, 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 samerelationship. The methodology for assessing hedge effectiveness is applied on a consistent basis for assessing hedge effectiveness to all hedges within each one of our hedging programprograms (i.e., interest rate, foreign currency ship construction, foreign currency net investment and fuel). We performFor our regression analyses, overwe use 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. The determination of ineffectiveness is based on the amount of dollar offset between the change in fair value of the derivative instrument and the change in fair value of the hedged item at the end of the reporting period. 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

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it was determined to be effective is recognized in earnings. In addition, the ineffective portion of our highly effective hedges is immediately recognized in earnings and reported in Other expense in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
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.items in our consolidated statements of cash flows. 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 in our consolidated statements of 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
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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.
Foreign Currency Translations and Transactions
We translate assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries whose functional currency is the local currency, at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. We translate revenues and expenses at weighted-average exchange rates for the period. Equity is translated at historical rates and the resulting foreign currency translation adjustments are included as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, which is reflected as a separate component of Shareholders' equity. Exchange gains or losses arising from the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the entity involved are immediately included in our earnings, except for certain liabilities that have been designated to act as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation or investment. Exchange (losses) gains were $(75.6) million, $39.8 million and $34.6 million for the years 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and were recorded within Other expense. The majority of our transactions are settled in United States dollars. Gains or losses resulting from transactions denominated in other currencies are recognized in income at each balance sheet date.
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 December 31, 2017, we had counterparty credit risk exposure under our derivative instruments of approximately $212.8 million, which was 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. As of December 31, 2016, we did not have any exposure under our derivative instruments. 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.
Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Basic earningsEarnings (Loss) per share is computed by dividing net incomeNet Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Diluted earningsEarnings (Loss) per share incorporates the incremental shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options and conversion of potentially dilutive securities. Effective January 1, 2022, we use the if-converted method to calculate the impact of our convertible notes that may be settled in cash or shares. To the extent dilutive, shares related to our convertible notes are assumed to be converted into common stock at the beginning of the reporting period, and we add back the interest expense to the numerator. If we have a net loss for the period, all potentially dilutive securities will be considered antidilutive, resulting in the same basic and diluted net loss per share amounts for those periods.
Stock-Based Employee Compensation

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We measure and recognize compensation expense at the estimated fair value of employee stock awards. Compensation expense for awards and the related tax effects are recognized as they vest. We use the estimated amount of expected forfeitures to calculate compensation costs for all outstanding awards.
Segment Reporting
We own and operate three global cruise brands, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises. We also own a 50% joint venture interest with TUI AG which operates the brand TUI Cruises, a 49% interest in the Spanish brand Pullmantur and have a 36% interest in the Chinese brand SkySea Cruises. We believe our brands possess the versatility to enter multiple cruise market segments within the cruise vacation industry. Although each of these brands havehas its own marketing style as well as ships and crews of various sizes, the nature of the products sold and services delivered by these brands share a common base (i.e., the sale and provision of cruise vacations). Our brands also have similar itineraries as well as similar cost and revenue components. In addition, our brands source passengers from similar markets around the world and operate in similar economic environments with a significant degree of commercial overlap. As a result, our brands have been aggregated as a single reportable segment based on the similarity of their economic characteristics, types of consumers, regulatory environment, maintenance requirements, supporting systems and processes as well as products and services provided. Our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer has been identified as the chief operating decision-maker and all significant operating decisions including the allocation of resources are based upon the analyses of the Company as one segment.
Information
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Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), which provides optional expedients and exceptions to the current guidance on contract modifications and hedging relationships to ease the financial reporting burdens of the expected market transition from LIBOR and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. Subsequently, in January 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), which presents amendments to clarify that certain optional expedients and exceptions in Topic 848 for contract modifications and hedge accounting apply to derivatives that are affected by the discounting transition. The guidance in both ASUs was effective upon issuance. In December 2022, the FASB deferred the date for which this guidance can be applied from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2024. We adopted the new guidance during 2022. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements based on the change in reference rate from LIBOR to Term SOFR, with the transition being completed during the year ended December 31, 2023.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40) ("ASU 2020-06"), which simplifies the accounting for convertible instruments. The guidance removes certain accounting models which separate the embedded conversion features from the host contract for convertible instruments, requiring bifurcation only if the convertible debt feature qualifies as a derivative under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815") or for convertible debt issued at a substantial premium. The ASU removes certain settlement conditions required for equity contracts to qualify for the derivative scope exception, permitting more contracts to qualify for it. In addition, the guidance eliminates the treasury stock method to calculate diluted earnings per share for convertible instruments and requires the use of the if-converted method. The guidance also decreases interest expense due to the reversal of the remaining non-cash convertible debt discount. On January 1, 2022 we adopted this pronouncement using the modified retrospective approach to recognize our convertible notes as single liability instruments given they do not qualify as derivatives under ASC 815, nor were they issued at a substantial premium. Accordingly, as of January 1, 2022, we recorded a $162 million increase to debt, primarily as a result of the reversal of the remaining non-cash convertible debt discount, as well as a reduction of $308 million to additional paid in capital, which resulted in a cumulative effect on adoption of approximately $146 million to increase retained earnings.
In September 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-04, Liabilities-Supplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 405-50) - Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations. This ASU requires that a buyer in a supplier finance program disclose sufficient information about the program to allow a user of financial statements to understand the program’s nature, activity during the period, changes from period to period, and potential magnitude. This ASU is expected to improve financial reporting by requiring new disclosures about the programs, thereby allowing financial statement users to better consider the effect of the programs on an entity’s working capital, liquidity, and cash flows. We adopted ASU No. 2022-04 effective January 1, 2023. The adoption did not have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-05, Business Combinations - Joint Venture Formations (Subtopic 805-60): Recognition and Initial Measurement. This ASU provides guidance requiring a joint venture to initially measure all contributions received upon its formation at fair value. The guidance is intended to provide users of joint venture financial statements with more decision-useful information. This ASU is effective for joint venture entities with a formation date on or after January 1, 2025 on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted, and joint ventures formed prior to the adoption date may elect to apply the new guidance retrospectively back to their original formation date. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. This ASU requires enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses and other segment items and requires companies to disclose all annual disclosures about segments in interim periods. This ASU also requires public entities with a single reportable segment to provide all the disclosures required by the amendments in this ASU and all existing segment disclosures in Topic 280. The amendments in this ASU are intended to improve financial reporting by requiring disclosure of incremental segment information on an annual and interim basis for all public entities to enable investors to develop more decision-useful financial analyses. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted and the amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The new guidance is intended to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures,
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primarily through standardization and disaggregation of rate reconciliation categories and income taxes paid by jurisdiction. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024 on a prospective basis. Early adoption and retrospective application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Reclassifications
For the year ended December 31, 2023, we no longer separately present Impairments and Credit losses in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). As a result, amounts presented in prior periods were reclassified to Other Operating to conform to the current year presentation.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, we no longer separately present Accrued interest in our consolidated balance sheets. As a result, amounts presented in prior periods were reclassified to Accrued expenses and other liabilities to conform to the current year presentation.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, we no longer separately present Amortization of debt discounts and premiums;Increase (decrease) in accrued interest; and Impairments and Credit losses in our cash flows from Operating Activities within our consolidated statements of cash flows. As a result, amounts presented in prior periods were reclassified to Amortization of debt issuance costs, discounts and premiums;Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities; and Other, net, respectively,within Operating Activities to conform to the current year presentation.
Note 3. Revenue
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 receive payment before we satisfy this performance obligation and recognize revenue over the duration of each cruise, which generally ranges from two to 24 nights.
Passenger ticket revenues include charges to our guests for port costs that vary with passenger head counts. These types 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 $896 million, $639 million and $105 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, 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 cruise passengers and recognize revenue 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.
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Disaggregated Revenues
The following table disaggregates our total revenues by geographic area is shownregions where we provide cruise itineraries (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Revenues by itinerary
North America(1)$8,707 $5,716 $1,040 
Asia/Pacific993 372 128 
Europe2,685 1,754 180 
Other Regions(2)847 540 78 
Total revenues by itinerary13,232 8,382 1,426 
Other revenues(3)668 458 106 
Total revenues$13,900 $8,840 $1,532 
(1) Includes the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
(2) Includes seasonality impacted itineraries primarily in the table below. South and Latin American countries.
(3) Includes revenues primarily related to cancellation fees, vacation protection insurance, casino operations, pre- and post-cruise tours and fees for operating certain port facilities. Amounts also include revenues related to procurement and management related services we perform on behalf of our unconsolidated affiliates. Refer to Note 7. Investments and 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 years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, our guests were sourced from the following areas:
Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Passenger ticket revenues:
United States74 %75 %76 %
All other countries (1)26 %25 %24 %

2017
2016
2015
Passenger ticket revenues: 
 
 
United States59%
55% 55%
All other countries41%
45% 45%
(1) No other individual country's revenue exceeded 10% for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
Recent Accounting PronouncementsCustomer Deposits and Contract Liabilities
RevenueOur 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 or onboard revenues during the duration of the cruise. ASC 606, Revenues from Contracts with Customers, 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 $2.6 billion and $1.8 billion as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
In May 2014, amended GAAP guidance was issuedDuring the COVID-19 pandemic we provided flexibility to clarify the principles used to recognize revenue for all entities. The guidance also requires more detailed disclosures and provides additional guidance for transactionsguests with bookings on sailings that were cancelled by allowing guests to receive future cruise credits (“FCC”). As of December 31, 2023, our customer deposit balance includes $371 million of unredeemed FCCs. Our FCCs are not comprehensively addressedrefundable and do not have expiration dates. Based upon our analysis of historical redemption experience, we believe a portion of our FCCs are not probable of being used in the prior accounting guidance. This guidance must be applied using one of two retrospective application methods and will be effective for our annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods therein.

We have elected the modified retrospective method which will involve applying the guidance retrospectively only to the most current period presented in the consolidated financial statements and recognizing the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance as an adjustment to the January 1, 2018 opening balance of retained earnings, if any. We have completed our evaluation of potential changes to our core revenues using the five-step model supported by the new revenue standard, including our accounting for customer loyalty programs and promotional offerings.future periods. Based on our assessment,current estimates, we recognized an immaterial amount of FCC breakage revenue during the adoptionyear ended December 31, 2023. We will continue to monitor changes in redemption behavior and estimate and record revenue associated with breakage when the likelihood of this newly issued guidance is not expectedthe customer exercising their remaining rights becomes remote.
Contract Receivables and Contract Assets
Although we generally require full payment from our customers prior to havetheir cruise, we grant credit terms to a material impact to the timing of recognitionrelatively small portion of our core revenues, but will require us to enhance our disclosures with respect to our revenue recognition policies.

Leases

In February 2016, amended GAAP guidance was issued to increasesourced in select markets outside of the transparency and comparability of lease accounting among organizations. For leases withUnited States. As 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.

result, we have outstanding receivables
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The guidance must be applied using a retrospective application methodfrom passenger cruise contracts in those markets. We also have receivables from credit card merchants for cruise ticket purchases and will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginninggoods and services sold to guests during cruises that are collected before, during or shortly after December 15, 2018the cruise voyage. In addition, we have receivables due from concessionaires onboard our vessels. These receivables are included within Trade and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this newly issued guidance toother receivables, net in our consolidated financial statements.balance sheets.

Our credit card processors agreements require us, under certain circumstances, to maintain a reserve that can be satisfied by posting collateral. As of December 31, 2023, none of our credit card processors required us to maintain a reserve.
ClassificationWe have contract assets that are conditional rights to consideration for satisfying the construction services performance obligations under a service concession arrangement. As of Certain Cash ReceiptsDecember 31, 2023 and Cash Payments

In August 2016, amended GAAP guidance was issued to clarify how certain cash receipts2022, our contract assets were $167 million and cash payments are presented$168 million, respectively, and classified in the statement of cash flows. The amendments are aimed at reducing the existing diversity in practice. The guidance should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented and will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periodswere included within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption Other assets in an interim period. We intend to adopt the guidance on the date of initial application, January 1, 2018. The adoption of this newly issued guidance is not expected to have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.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
Intra-Entity TransfersPrepaid travel advisor commissions and prepaid credit and debit card fees are an incremental cost of Assets Other Than Inventory

In October 2016, amended GAAP guidance was issuedobtaining contracts with customers that requires the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer ofwe recognize as an asset and include within Prepaid expenses and other than inventory, to beassets in our consolidated balance sheets. Prepaid travel advisor commissions and prepaid credit and debit card fees were $257 million and $178 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our prepaid travel advisor commissions and prepaid credit and debit card fees are recognized at the time thatof revenue recognition or at the transfer occurs, rather than when the asset is sold to an outside party. The new guidance is effective for annualtime of voyage cancellation, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual period for which financial statements have not been issued. The guidance is required to be adopted retrospectively by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the adoption period. The adoption of this newly issued guidance is not expected to have a material impact toare reported primarily within Commissions, transportation and other in our consolidated financial statements.

Service Concession Arrangements

In May 2017, amended GAAP guidance was issued to clarify who should be viewed as the customer under service concession arrangements. A service concession arrangement is an arrangement under which a public sector entity (“grantor”), such as a Port Authority, grants a private entity (“operator”), such as the Company, the right to operate the grantor's infrastructure for a specified period of time. The amended guidance will require the Company to evaluate the relationship with the grantor and identify the multiple performance obligations that may exist under these concession arrangements, including consideration of construction services that may be performed, operational services, and any other maintenance or ancillary services performed under the service concession. In addition, the amended guidance will require that all revenue streams identified under such arrangements be evaluated with the grantor as the customer, irrespective of whether some of the revenues are paid by third-party users of the infrastructure under concession. The clarification will enable a more consistent application of the new Revenue from Contracts with Customers guidance, which along with this clarification guidance, will be effective for our annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods therein. This guidance must be applied using one of two retrospective application methods. The adoption of this newly issued guidance is not expected to have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.

Derivatives and Hedging

In August 2017, amended GAAP guidance was issued to simplify and improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity's risk management activities in its financial statements. In addition to changes in designation and measurement for qualifying hedge relationships, the guidance requires an entity to report the earnings effect of the hedging instrument in the same income statement line item in which the earnings effect of the hedged item is reported. As a result, hedge ineffectiveness will no longer be separately measured or reported. This guidance will be effective for our annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods therein. Early adoption is permitted in any interim period after issuance of this guidance. All transition

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


requirements and elections should be applied to hedging relationships existing on the date of adoption. The effect of the adoption should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. We plan to early adopt this guidance in the first quarter of 2018. The adoption for this newly issued guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Reclassifications
For the year ended December 31, 2016, restructuring charges of $8.5 million have been reclassified from Restructuring charges into Marketing, selling and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) in order to conform to the current year presentation..
Note 3.4. Goodwill
The carrying amountAs of November 30, 2023, we performed our annual goodwill impairment review and determined there was no impairment of goodwill attributable to our Royal Caribbean Internationalfor the Silversea Cruises and Celebrity Cruises reporting units and the changes in such balances during the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows (in thousands):
 Royal
Caribbean
International
Celebrity CruisesTotal
Balance at December 31, 2015$286,764
$
$286,764
Goodwill attributable to purchase of Ocean Adventures(1)

1,600
1,600
Foreign currency translation adjustment(10)32
22
Balance at December 31, 2016286,754
1,632
288,386
Foreign currency translation adjustment126

126
Balance at December 31, 2017$286,880
$1,632
$288,512

(1)In 2016, we purchased Ocean Adventures. The acquisition was accounted for as a business purchase combination using the purchase method of accounting which requires the use of fair value measurements. The business combination, including purchase transaction and assets acquired, was immaterial to our consolidated financial statements.

During the fourth quarter of 2017, we performed a qualitative assessment of whether it was more-likely-than-not that our Royal Caribbean International reporting unit's fair value was less than its carrying amount before applyingunits.
The principal assumptions used in the two-stepdiscounted cash flow analyses that support our Silversea Cruises and Royal Caribbean International reporting unit goodwill impairment test. The qualitative analysis included assessingassessment consisted of:
Forecasted revenues per available passenger cruise day;
Occupancy rates from existing vessels;
Vessel operating expenses;
Terminal growth rate; and
Weighted average cost of capital (i.e., discount rate)
In respect to the impact of certain factors such as general economic conditions, limitations on accessing capital, changes in forecasted operating results, changes in fuel prices and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. Based on our qualitative assessment,Silversea Cruises reporting unit, we concluded that it was more-likely-than-not thatdetermined the estimated fair value of the Royal Caribbean InternationalSilversea Cruises reporting unit exceeded its carrying value and thus, weby approximately 63%, as of November 30, 2023. We did not proceed toperform interim impairment evaluations during the two-step goodwill impairment test. No indicators of impairment exist primarily because the reporting unit's fair value has consistently exceeded its carrying value byquarters ended March 31, 2023, June 30, 2023, and September 30, 2023 as no triggering events were identified. We used a significant margin and forecasts of operating results generated by the reporting unit appear sufficient to support its carrying value. Asprobability weighted discounted cash flow model in combination with a result of our assessment, we did not record an impairment of goodwillmarket-based valuation approach for the year ended December 31, 2017.Silversea reporting unit. This requires the use of assumptions (described above) that are subject to risk and uncertainties.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, we did not record an impairment of goodwill for our reporting units.

During the fourth quarter of 2015, we performed our annual impairment review of goodwill forIn respect to the Royal Caribbean International reporting unit. We elected to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceeded directly to step one of the two-step goodwill impairment test to corroborate the results of prior years' qualitative assessments. As a result of the test,Reporting unit, we determined the fair value of the Royal Caribbean International reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by approximately 90% resulting inmore than 100% as of November 30, 2023. We did not perform interim impairment evaluations during the quarters ended March 31, 2023, June 30, 2023, and September 30, 2023 as no impairmenttriggering events were identified. This requires the use of assumptions (described above) that are subject to therisk and uncertainties.
The carrying value of goodwill attributable to our Royal Caribbean International, goodwill forCelebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises reporting units during the yearyears ended December 31, 2015.2023 and 2022 were as follows (in millions):



Royal Caribbean InternationalCelebrity CruisesSilversea CruisesTotal
Balance at December 31, 2022$296 $$509 $809 
Balance at December 31, 2023$296 $$509 $809 
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In 2015, for our Pullmantur reporting unit, we reviewed the two-step goodwillAccumulated impairment test based on our cash flow projections. As a result of this analysis, we determined thatlosses to the carrying value of the Pullmanturgoodwill attributable to our reporting unit exceeded its fair value. Accordingly, upon the completionunits were $576 million as of the two-step impairment test, we recognized a goodwill impairment charge of $123.8 million. The charge reflected the full carrying amount of the goodwill leaving Pullmantur with no goodwill on its books. This impairment charge was recognized in earnings during the third quarter of 2015December 31, 2023 and is reported within Impairment of Pullmantur related assets within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).December 31, 2022.
Note 4.5.Intangible Assets
Intangible assets consist of finite and indefinite-life assets and are reported in within Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. The carrying amount
As of November 30, 2023, we performed our annual trade name impairment review and determined no impairment losses existed at the date of this annual assessment for this indefinite-life intangible assets wasasset. We determined the fair value of the Silversea Cruises trade name exceeded its carrying value by approximately 62% at the date of this annual assessment. We did not material for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
During the third quarter of 2015, we performed anperform interim impairment evaluationevaluations during the quarters ended March 31, 2023, June 30, 2023, and September 30, 2023 as no triggering events were identified.
The determination of Pullmantur's trademarks andour trade namesname fair values using a probability weighted discounted cash flow model and various valuation methods depending on the nature of the intangible asset, such as the relief-from-royalty method, requires the use of assumptions that are subject to comparerisk and uncertainties. The principal assumptions used in the fair valuediscounted cash flow analyses that support the Silversea Cruises trade name impairment assessment consisted of:
Forecasted revenues per available passenger cruise day;
Occupancy rates from existing vessels;
Terminal growth rate;
Royalty rate; and
Weighted average cost of these indefinite-livedcapital (i.e., discount rate).
The following is a summary of our intangible assets to its carrying value. We used a discount rate comparable to the rate used in valuing the Pullmantur reporting unit in our goodwill impairment test. Based on our cash flow projections, we determined that the fair value of Pullmantur’s trademarks and trade names no longer exceeded their carrying value. Accordingly, we recognized an impairment charge of approximately $174.3 million to write down trademarks and trade names to their fair value. The charge reflected the full carrying amount of the trademark and trade names leaving Pullmantur with no intangible assets on its books. This impairment charge was recognized in earnings during the third quarter of 2015 and is reported within Impairment of Pullmantur related assets within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
Finite-life intangible assets had a gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization amount of $11.6 million and $3.7 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2017, consisting2023 (in millions, except weighted average amortization period):
As of December 31, 2023
Remaining Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)Gross Carrying ValueAccumulated AmortizationAccumulated Impairment LossesNet Carrying Value
Finite-life intangible assets:
Customer relationships9.6$97 $35 $— $62 
Galapagos operating license20.648 13 — 35 
Total finite-life intangible assets145 48 — 97 
Indefinite-life intangible assets (1)
352 — 31 321 
Total intangible assets, net$497 $48 $31 $418 
(1) Primarily relates to the Silversea Cruises trade name representing approximately $318.7 million.
The following is a summary of operating licenses to operate in the Galapagos Islands. Asour intangible assets as of December 31, 2017, the remaining2022 (in millions, except weighted average remaining lifeamortization period):
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As of December 31, 2022
Remaining Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)Gross Carrying ValueAccumulated AmortizationAccumulated Impairment LossesNet Carrying Value
Finite-life intangible assets:
Customer relationships10.6$97 $29 $— $68 
Galapagos operating license21.648 11 — 37 
Total finite-life intangible assets145 40 — 105 
Indefinite-life intangible assets (1)
352 — 31 321 
Total intangible assets, net$497 $40 $31 $426 
(1) Primarily relates to the Silversea Cruises trade name representing approximately 26.6 years. Amortization expense$319 million.
The estimated future amortization for finite-life intangible assets was immaterial to our consolidated financial statements.for each of the next five years is $8 million.


Note 5.6. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consists of the following (in thousands)millions):
2017 2016
As of December 31,As of December 31,
202320232022
Ships$23,714,745
 $23,978,822
Ship improvements2,410,525
 2,359,639
Ships under construction642,235
 354,425
Land, buildings and improvements, including leasehold improvements and port facilities250,079
 341,605
Computer hardware and software, transportation equipment and other762,512
 1,108,301
Total property and equipment27,780,096
 28,142,792
Less—accumulated depreciation and amortization(8,044,916) (7,981,365)
$19,735,180
 $20,161,427
$
Ships under construction include progress payments for the construction of new ships as well as planning, design, capitalized interest and other associated costs. We capitalized interest costs of $24.2$99 million, $25.3$64 million, and $26.5$59 million for the years 2017, 2016ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively.
During 2017,In June 2023, we soldtook delivery of Silver Nova. In November 2023, we took delivery of Celebrity Ascent and Icon of the Seas. In our three aircraftconsolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2023, the acceptance of the ships and 6%satisfaction of our ownership stake in Wamos Air, S.A. (formerly knownobligations under the shipbuilding contract were classified as Pullmantur Air, S.A.)outflows and constructive disbursements within Investing Activities while the amounts novated and effectively advanced from our lenders under our previously committed financing arrangements were classified as inflows and constructive receipts within Financing Activities.
In January and April 2022, we took delivery of Wonder of the Seas and Celebrity Beyond, respectively. In July 2022, we purchased the Silver Endeavour for our Silversea Cruises brand for $277 million, including transaction fees. The ship entered service during the fourth quarter of 2022. Refer to Wamos Air, S.A. In connection withNote 8. Debt for further information on our ship financings.
Long-lived Assets impairments
During the sale transaction, we extended two loans to Wamos Air, S.A. totaling €17.3 million, or approximately $20.8 million based on the exchange rate atyears ended December 31, 2017. The loans accrue interest at rates ranging from 4.78% to 5.35% per annum, amortize through maturity2023 and 2022, there were no material impairment charges recognized. Any impairment charges recognized on Long-lived Assets used in our operations are generally reported within Other operating in our consolidated statements of October 2019 and July 2021, respectively, and are secured by first priority security interests over the aircraft engines and shares soldcomprehensive income (loss).


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in connection with the transaction. The sale resulted in an immaterial gain that was recognized in earnings during the fourth quarter of 2017. Post-sale, we retain a 13% interest in Wamos Air, S.A.

During 2017, we entered into agreements with Meyer Turku to build two Icon-class ships for our Royal Caribbean International brandNote 7. Investments and we entered into an agreement to purchase a ship for our Azamara Club Cruises brand. Refer to Note 15. Commitments and Contingencies for further information.

In March 2017, we sold Legend of the Seas to an affiliate of TUI AG, our joint venture partner in TUI Cruises. The sale resulted in a gain of $30.9 million and is reported within Other operating within Cruise operating expenses in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2017.

During 2016, we sold our 51% interest in Pullmantur Holdings. For further information on the sale transaction, refer to Note 1. General. Due to this sale and the resulting change in the nature of the cash flows generated by the vessels that are owned by us and operated by Pullmantur Holdings, we reviewed these vessels for impairment and determined that the undiscounted future cash flows of the vessels exceeded their carrying value; therefore, no impairment was required at the time of the sale.

In April 2016, we sold Splendour of the Seas to TUI Cruises. Concurrent with the acquisition, TUI Cruises leased the ship to an affiliate of TUI AG, our joint venture partner in TUI Cruises, which now operates the ship. The gain recognized did not have a material effect to our consolidated financial statements.

During 2015, in conjunction with performing the two-step goodwill impairment test for the Pullmantur reporting unit, we identified that the estimated fair value of certain long-lived assets, consisting of two ships and three aircraft were less than their carrying values. As a result of this determination, we evaluated these assets pursuant to our long-lived asset impairment test, resulting in an impairment charge of $113.2 million to write down these assets to their estimated fair values. This impairment charge was recognized in earnings during the third quarter of 2015 and is reported within Impairment of Pullmantur related assets within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).

During 2015, Pullmantur sold Ocean Dream to an unrelated third-party for $34.6 million. The purchase price was paid via a secured promissory note, payable over a nine-year period. The buyer's obligations under this loan accrue interest at the rate of 6.0% per annum and are secured by a first priority mortgage on the ship. The sale resulted in an immaterial gain that was deferred and is expected to be recognized at the end of the nine-year term.
Note 6.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 hold equity interests in ventures related to our cruise operations. We account for the majority of these investments as either an equity method investment or a controlled subsidiary.

Effective March 31, 2023, we closed on the partnership agreement with iCON Infrastructure Partners VI, L.P. ("iCON"). This partnership will own, develop, and manage cruise terminal facilities and infrastructure in key ports of call, initially including several development projects in Italy and Spain. As part of the transaction with iCON we also agreed to sell 80% of the entity which owns our terminal at PortMiami. Refer below to equity method investments and controlled subsidiaries for further information on the transaction. In addition, the partnership will pursue additional port infrastructure developments, including future plans to own, develop, and manage an infrastructure project in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Unconsolidated investments ("equity method investments")
We have determined that TUI Cruises GmbH ("TUIC"), our 50%-owned joint venture, which operates the brandbrands TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, is a VIE. We have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of TUIC. We believe that the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact TUIC’s economic performance is shared between ourselves and TUI AG, our joint venture partner. All the significant operating and financial decisions of TUIC require the consent of both parties, which we believe creates shared power over TUIC. Accordingly, we do not consolidate this entity and account for this investment under the equity method of accounting.
As of December 31, 2017,2023, the net book value of our investment in TUI CruisesTUIC was approximately $624.5$657 million, primarily consisting of $422.8$566 million in equity and a loan of €166.5€71 million, or approximately $199.8$79 million, based on the exchange rate at December 31, 2017.2023. As of December 31, 2016,2022, the net book value of our investment in TUI CruisesTUIC was approximately $517.0$466 million, primarily consisting of $323.5$361 million in equity and a loan of €182.3€87 million, or approximately $192.4$93 million, based on the exchange rate at December 31, 2016.2022. 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. Refer to Note 5. Property and Equipment for further information. The majority of these amounts were included within Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets.

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In addition, we and TUI AG have each guaranteed the repayment by TUI Cruises of 50% of a bank loan. As of December 31, 2017, the outstanding principal amount of the loan was €95.1 million, or approximately $114.2 million based on the exchange rate at December 31, 2017. While this loan matures in May 2022, the lenders have agreed to release each shareholder's guarantee if certain conditions are met by April 2018. The loan amortizes quarterly and is secured by first mortgages on the Mein Schiff 1 and Mein Schiff 2 vessels. Based on current facts and circumstances, we do not believe potential obligations under our guarantee of this bank loan are probable.

Our investment amount, outstanding term loan and the potential obligations under the bank loan guarantee are substantially 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.
TUI CruisesTUIC has two newbuild ships on order scheduled to be delivered in each of 2018 and 2019. TUI Cruises has in place agreements for the secured financing of each of the ships on order for up to 80% of the contract price. The remaining portion of the contract price of the ships is expected to be funded through an existing €150.0 million, or approximately $180.1 million based on the exchange rate at December 31, 2017, bank facility and TUI Cruises’ cash flows from operations. The 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 CruisesTUIC below 37.55% through 2021.
We have determined that Pullmantur Holdings, in which we have a 49% noncontrolling interest, is a VIE for which weMay 2033. Our investment amount and outstanding term loan 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, following the sale of our 51% interest in Pullmantur Holdings to Springwater Capital LLC ("Springwater") in 2016, we do not consolidate this entity and we account for this investment under the equity method of accounting. As of December 31, 2017,substantially our maximum exposure to loss in Pullmantur Holdings was approximately $53.7 million consisting of loans and other receivables. As of December 31, 2016,connection with our maximum exposure to lossinvestment in Pullmantur Holdings was approximately $43.7 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.TUIC.
In conjunction with the sale of our 51% interest in Pullmantur Holdings, we agreed to provide a non-revolving working capital facility to a Pullmantur Holdings subsidiary in the amount of up to €15.0 million or approximately $18.0 million based on the exchange rate at December 31, 2017. Proceeds of the facility, which may be drawn through July 2018, will bear interest at the rate of 6.5% per annum and are payable through 2022. Springwater has guaranteed repayment of 51% of the outstanding amounts under the facility. As of December 31, 2017, no amounts had been drawn on this facility. See Note 1. General for further discussion on the sales transaction.
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 year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we made payments of $16.0 million and $39.8 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 entityentity.
During the second half of 2023, we formed a 50%-owned joint venture with the other 40% shareholder of Grand Bahama to operate Floating Docks S. DE RL. (“Floating Docks”). Floating Docks will construct two floating drydocks, with delivery dates expected in 2025 and we account for this investment2026, that will be leased to Grand Bahama and allow it to service the entire range of cruise ships in operation and under construction, as well as much of the world’s commercial shipping fleet. We and our joint venture partner have each guaranteed 50% of certain installment payments payable by Floating Docks under the equity methoddrydock and related construction contracts, which are contingent on the achievement of accounting. Ascertain construction milestones, bringing our total payment guarantees to $46 million as of December 31, 2017, the net book value of our2023. Our investment in Grand Bahama was approximately $49.4 million, consistingFloating Docks, including loans, is immaterial to our consolidated financial statements as of $32.4 million in equity and a loan of $17.0 million. As of December 31, 2016, the net book value of our investment in Grand Bahama was approximately $47.0 million, consisting of $23.2 million in equity and a loan of $23.8 million. These amounts represent our maximum exposure to loss related to our investment in Grand Bahama. During the first quarter of 2016, our debt agreement with Grand Bahama was amended to extend the maturity by 10 years and increase the applicable interest rate to the lower

2023.
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ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)




of (i) LIBOR plus 3.50% and (ii) 5.50%. Interest payable on the loan is due on a semi-annual basis. We have experienced strong payment performance on the loan since its amendment, 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 the year ended December 31, 2017, we received principal and interest payments of approximately $15.7 million. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we received payments of approximately $14.8 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, webelieve the risk of loss associated with the outstanding loan is not probable as of December 31, 2017.
We have determined that Skysea Holding International Ltd. ("Skysea Holding"), in which we have a 36% noncontrolling interest,Floating Docks is a VIE. During the second quarter of 2017, we made an equity contribution of $7.1 million which increased our equity interest from 35% to 36%. The contribution was made pursuant to a funding arrangement in which the entity's three largest investors agreed to contribute a total of $30.0 million in proportion to their equity interest in a series of installments. We have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of Skysea HoldingFloating Docks since we believe that the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Floating Docks' economic performance is shared between ourselves and our joint venture partner. All the significant operating and financial decisions of Floating Docks require the consent of both parties which we believe creates shared power over Floating Docks. Accordingly, we do not consolidate this entity and account for this investment under the equity method of accounting.
As part of the transaction with iCON, we sold our controlling interest in two Italian entities for an immaterial amount of net proceeds and recognized an immaterial gain on the sale. At closing, we have determined that the partnership and both Italian entities are VIE's. These entities in Italy represent development projects to own, develop, and manage cruise terminal facilities in key ports of call. We have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary for either of these entities 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.com International Ltd, which also owns 36% 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 mature in January 2030. Due to recent payment performance, the loans were classified to non-accrual status in 2017. 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. As of December 31, 2017, the net book value of our investment in Skysea Holding and its subsidiaries was approximately $96.0 million, consisting of $4.4 million in equity and loans and other receivables of $91.6 million. As of December 31, 2016, the net book value of our investment in Skysea Holding and its subsidiaries was approximately $98.0 million, consisting of $9.2 million in equity and loans and other receivables of $88.8 million. The majority of these amounts were included within Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets and represent our maximum exposure to loss related to our investment in Skysea Holding.
We monitor credit risk associated with the loan through our participation on Skysea Holding's board of directors along with our review of Skysea Holding's financial statements and projected cash flows. Based on this review, webelieve the risk of loss associated with the outstanding loan is not probable as of December 31, 2017.entities.
The following tables set forth information regarding our investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting, including the entities discussed above (in thousands)millions):
Year ended December 31,
202320222021
Share of equity income (loss) from investments$200 $57 $(135)
Dividends received (1)
$11 $$— 
  For the period ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015
Share of equity income from investments $156,247
 $128,350
 $81,026
Dividends received $109,677
 $75,942
 $33,338
(1) Represents dividends received net of tax withholdings.


  As of December 31,
  2017 2016
Total notes receivable due from equity investments $314,323
 $323,636
Less-current portion(1)
 38,658
 40,742
Long-term portion(2)
 $275,665
 $282,894
As of December 31,
20232022
Total notes receivable due from equity investments$105 $101 
Less-current portion (1)
19 18 
Long-term portion (2)
$86 $83 


(1)     Included within Trade and other receivables, net in our consolidated balance sheets.
(2)Included within Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets.
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ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)





(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):
  For the period ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015
Revenues $53,532
 $30,517
 $20,217
Expenses $15,176
 $12,795
 $15,669

Summarized financial information for our affiliates accounted for under the equity method of accounting was as follows (in thousands)millions):
As of December 31,
20232022
Current assets$528 $658 
Non-current assets5,264 4,838 
Total assets$5,792 $5,496 
Current liabilities$1,464 $1,145 
Non- current liabilities2,907 3,381 
Total liabilities$4,371 $4,526 
Year ended December 31,
202320222021
Total revenues$2,328 $1,539 $679 
Total expenses(1,857)(1,416)(897)
Net income (loss)$471 $123 $(218)
Consolidated investments ("controlled subsidiaries")
As part of the transaction with iCON, we sold an 80% interest in the entity which owns our terminal at PortMiami for $208.9 million and retained a 20% minority interest, effective March 31, 2023. We also sold a noncontrolling interest in another entity which is developing a port project in Spain for an immaterial amount. We have determined that both of these entities are VIEs, and we are the primary beneficiary as we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the facility’s economic performance. Accordingly, we will continue to consolidate both entities. The cash consideration received for the sale of the PortMiami terminal company, net of transaction costs, was allocated between paid in capital and noncontrolling interest using the net book value of our investment in the PortMiami terminal, as presented in the statement of shareholders' equity.
Other Assets
Credit Losses
We reviewed our receivables for credit losses in connection with the preparation of our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023. In evaluating the allowance, management considered factors such as historical loss experience, the types of loans and the amount of loans in the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, peer group information and prevailing economic conditions. Our credit loss allowance as of December 31, 2023, primarily relates to credit losses recognized on notes receivable for the previous sale of certain property and equipment of $43 million which were originated in 2015 and 2020.
The following table summarizes our credit loss allowance related to receivables (in millions):
Credit Loss Allowance
Balance at January 1, 2022$100 
Credit loss (recovery), net(10)
Write-offs(7)
Balance at December 31, 202283 
Credit loss (recovery), net(12)
Write-offs(22)
Balance at December 31, 2023$49 
F-22
  As of December 31,
  2017 2016
Current assets $532,330
 $492,707
Non-current assets 3,673,613
 2,942,580
Total assets $4,205,943
 $3,435,287
     
Current liabilities $1,152,193
 $887,175
Non- current liabilities 1,974,166
 1,704,495
Total liabilities $3,126,359
 $2,591,670
     
Equity attributable to:    
Noncontrolling interest $1,753
 $1,544
  For the period ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015
Total revenues $1,994,014
 $1,340,662
 $990,172
Total expenses (1,684,276) (1,078,470) (830,898)
Net income $309,738
 $262,192
 $159,274

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ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)




Note 8. Debt
Note 7.Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands)millions):
 As of December 31,
Interest Rate(1)
Maturities Through20232022
Fixed rate debt:
Unsecured senior notes3.70% - 11.63%2026 - 2030$7,899 $7,199 
Secured senior notes8.25%20291,000 2,371 
Unsecured term loans1.28% - 5.89%2027 - 20356,569 4,561 
Convertible notes6.00%20251,150 1,725 
Total fixed rate debt16,618 15,856 
Variable rate debt(2):
Unsecured revolving credit facilities(3)
7.25% -7.50%2025 - 2028899 2,744 
USD unsecured term loans5.99% - 9.98%2024 - 20373,666 4,336 
Euro unsecured term loans5.26% -6.10%2024 - 2026443 535 
Total variable rate debt5,008 7,615 
Finance lease liabilities369 351 
Total debt (4)
21,995 23,822 
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs(543)(431)
Total debt, net of unamortized debt issuance costs21,452 23,391 
Less—current portion(1,720)(2,088)
Long-term portion$19,732 $21,303 

(1)Interest rates based on outstanding loan balance as of December 31, 2023, and for variable rate debt, includes either EURIBOR or Term SOFR plus the applicable margin.
(2)During the year ended December 31, 2023, we completed our transition from LIBOR to Term SOFR rates for all of our variable rate facilities, with such transition having taken effect at the interest reset date for each such facility.
 2017 2016
$1.4 billion unsecured revolving credit facility, LIBOR plus 1.175%, currently 2.64% and a facility fee of 0.20%, due 2020$300,000
 $925,000
$1.2 billion unsecured revolving credit facility, LIBOR plus 1.175%, currently 2.58% and a facility fee of 0.20%, due 2022280,000
 805,000
Unsecured senior notes and senior debentures, 2.65% to 7.50%, due 2018, 2020, 2022, 2027 and 20281,866,359
 1,073,261
$200 million unsecured term loan, LIBOR plus 1.30%
 200,000
$841.8 million unsecured term loan, LIBOR plus 1.00%, currently 2.52% due through 2028736,604
 806,756
$226.1 million unsecured term loan, 2.53%, due through 2028197,837
 216,677
€700.7 million unsecured term loan, EURIBOR plus 1.15% currently 1.15%, due through 2028736,020
 708,417
$742.1 million unsecured term loan, LIBOR plus 1.30%, currently 2.81%, due through 2027587,497
 649,338
$273.2 million unsecured term loan, LIBOR plus 1.75%
 273,166
$519 million unsecured term loan, LIBOR plus 0.45%, currently 2.00%, due through 2020129,786
 173,049
$420 million unsecured term loan, 5.41%, due through 2021135,514
 171,444
$420 million unsecured term loan, LIBOR plus 1.65%, currently 3.21%, due through 2021140,000
 175,000
€159.4 million unsecured term loan, EURIBOR plus 1.58%, currently 1.58%, due through 202163,798
 70,082
$524.5 million unsecured term loan, LIBOR plus 0.50%, currently 1.96%, due through 2021174,833
 218,542
$566.1 million unsecured term loan, LIBOR plus 0.37%, currently 1.90%, due through 2022212,276
 259,448
$1.1 billion unsecured term loan, LIBOR plus 1.65%, currently 3.21%, due through 2022345,877
 460,652
$632.0 million unsecured term loan, LIBOR plus 0.40%, currently 1.86%, due through 2023315,979
 368,643
$673.5 million unsecured term loan, LIBOR plus 0.40%, currently 1.92%, due through 2024392,860
 448,983
$65.0 million unsecured term loan, LIBOR plus 1.45%, currently 3.02%, due through 201965,227
 67,027
$380.0 million unsecured term loan, LIBOR plus 1.45%, currently 3.02%, due 2018380,000
 380,000
$791.1 million unsecured term loan, LIBOR plus 1.30%, currently 2.85%, due through 2026593,331
 659,256
$290.0 million unsecured term loan, LIBOR plus 1.75%
 290,000
€365 million unsecured term loan, EURIBOR plus 1.75%
 123,963
$7.3 million unsecured term loan, LIBOR plus 2.5%
 3,964
$30.3 million unsecured term loan, LIBOR plus 3.75%, currently 5.29%, due through 20215,400
 6,597
€80.0 million unsecured term loan, EURIBOR plus 1.32% currently 1.32%, due through 202414,267
 
Capital lease obligations33,139
 40,385
Total debt7,706,604
 9,574,650
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs(167,153) (187,214)
Total debt, net of unamortized debt issuance costs7,539,451
 9,387,436
Less: current portion(1,188,514) (1,285,735)
Long-term portion$6,350,937
 $8,101,701
(3)Advances under our unsecured revolving credit facilities accrue interest at Term SOFR plus a 0.10% credit adjustment spread plus an interest rate margin primarily at 1.80%. Based on applicable Term SOFR rates, as of December 31, 2023, the maximum interest rate under the unsecured credit facilities was 7.50%. We also pay a facility fee primarily at 0.20% of the total commitments under such facility.

(4)At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the weighted average interest rate for total debt was 6.06% and 6.23%, respectively.

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facilities
In October 2017,January 2023, we amended and restatedextended the majority of our $1.2 billiontwo unsecured revolving credit facility due August 2018.facilities. The amendment reduced the applicable margin and extended the termination datematurities of $2.3 billion of the $3.0 billion aggregate revolving capacity by one year to April 2025, with the remainder maturing in April 2024. In October 2022. The applicable margin and facility fee vary with our debt rating and are currently 1.175% and 0.20%, respectively. In December 2017,2023, we also amended and restated our $1.4 billionrefinanced both unsecured revolving credit facility due June 2020facilities as well as the $502 million unsecured term loan scheduled to reduce pricingfully mature in line with the amended pricingOctober 2024, bringing our aggregate revolving credit capacity to $3.5 billion. As of December 31, 2023, $1.7 billion of the $1.2commitments are scheduled to mature in October 2026, $1.7 billion of the commitments are scheduled to mature in October 2028, and the remaining $97 million of commitments are scheduled to mature in April 2025. As of December 31, 2023, we had undrawn capacity of $2.6 billion under our unsecured revolving credit facility. These amendments did not resultfacilities.

Convertible Notes
In June 2023, our remaining $350 million of the 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes matured. The notes were settled using a combination of $338 million in cash, and the issuance of approximately 374,000 shares of common stock. The issuance of equity increased additional paid in capital by an immaterial amount.
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)




In November 2023, our remaining $225 million of the 2.875% Convertible Senior Notes matured. The notes were settled using a combination of $225 million in cash and the issuance of approximately 147,000 shares of common stock. The issuance of equity increased additional paid in capital by an immaterial amount.
2023 Debt financing transactions
In February 2023, we issued $700 million aggregate principal amount of 7.25% senior guaranteed notes due January 2030 ("7.25% Priority Guaranteed Notes"). Upon closing, we terminated our commitment for the $700 million 364-day term loan facility. In addition, the remaining $350 million backstop committed financing was also terminated upon closing, which resulted in thean immaterial loss on extinguishment of debt. Accordingly,
In June 2023, we took delivery of Silver Nova. To finance the delivery, we borrowed a total of $503 million under the committed financing agreement, resulting in an unsecured term loan which is 95% guaranteed by Euler Hermes. The unsecured loan amortizes semi-annually over 12 years and bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.21% per annum.
During 2023, we repaid the remaining $1.4 billion of our 11.50% secured senior notes due June 2025, which resulted in a total loss on extinguishment of debt of $105 million that was recognized within Interest expense, net of interest capitalized within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2023.
In October 2023, in connection with the revolving credit facilities refinancing described above, we paid the remaining $502 million of the $0.6 billion unsecured term loan due October 2023 which was previously amended in September 2022 to extend the maturity date of advances under the facilities held by consenting lenders by 12 months to October 2024. The payment resulted in an immaterial loss on extinguishment of debt recognized within Interest expense, net of interest capitalized within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2023.
In November 2023, we took delivery of Celebrity Ascent. To finance the delivery, we borrowed a total of $844 million under the committed financing agreement, resulting in an unsecured term loan which is 100% guaranteed by Bpifrance Assurance Export. The unsecured loan amortizes semi-annually over 12 years. The majority of the loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 3.18% per annum and a portion of the loan bears interest at a floating rate equal to Term SOFR plus a margin of 1.45%. Based on applicable Term SOFR rates, as of December 31, 2017, we have an aggregate revolving borrowing capacity of $2.6 billion.2023, the unsecured term loan weighted average interest rate was 3.33%.
In November 2017,2023, we issued $300 milliontook delivery of 2.65% and $500 millionIcon of 3.70% unsecured senior notes due 2020 and 2028, respectively, at 99.977% and 99.623%the Seas. To finance the delivery, we borrowed a total of par, respectively. Amounts from$1.8 billion under the issuance of these notes were used for general corporate purposes, such as repayment and refinancing of debt.
In November 2017, we entered into a creditcommitted financing agreement, which providesresulting in an unsecured term loan facilitywhich is primarily guaranteed 100% by Finnvera plc and the remaining smaller portion guaranteed 95% by Euler Hermes. The unsecured loan amortizes semi-annually over 12 years. The majority of the loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 3.56% per annum and a portion of the loan bears interest at a floating rate equal to Term SOFR plus a margin of 1.53% - 1.58%. Based on applicable Term SOFR rates, as of December 31, 2023, the unsecured term loan weighted average interest rate was 4.76%.
2022 Debt financing transactions
In January 2022, we issued $1.0 billion of senior notes (the "January 2022 Unsecured Notes") due in 2027 for net proceeds of approximately $990 million. Interest accrues at a fixed rate of 5.375% per annum and is payable semi-annually in arrears. The proceeds from the January 2022 Unsecured Notes were used to repay principal payments on debt maturing in 2022 (including to pay fees and expenses in connection with such repayments).
In January 2022, we took delivery of Wonder of the Seas. To finance the delivery, we borrowed a total of $1.3 billion under a credit agreement novated to us upon delivery of the ship in January 2022, resulting in an amount up to €80.0 million,unsecured term loan which is 100% guaranteed by Bpifrance Assurance Export ("BpiFAE"), the official export credit agency ("ECA") of France. The unsecured loan amortizes semi-annually over 12 years and bears interest at a fixed rate of 3.18% per annum.
In April 2022, we took delivery of Celebrity Beyond. To finance the delivery, we borrowed a total of €0.7 billion or approximately $96.0 million$0.8 billion and $0.7 billion based on the exchange rate at December 31, 2017, for the purchase of2023 and 2022, respectively, under a ship we have on order designed for the Galapagos Islands. We may draw upcredit agreement novated to five times under the facility through the earlier of theus upon delivery of the ship in April 2022, resulting in an unsecured term loan which is 100% guaranteed by BpiFAE. The unsecured loan amortizes semi-annually over 12 years and June 30, 2019. Asbears interest at a fixed rate of December 31, 2017,1.28% per annum.
In July 2022, we have drawn €11.9purchased Silver Endeavour for our Silversea Cruises brand. To finance the purchase, we assumed $277 million or approximately $14.3 million based onof debt, which is 95% guaranteed by Euler Hermes Aktiengesellschaft (“Hermes”), the exchange rate at December 31, 2017, on this facility.official export credit
F-24

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


agency of Germany. The loan is dueamortizes semi-annually over 13 years starting in July 2024 and payable at maturity in November 2024. Interest on the loan accruesbears interest at a floating rate basedequal to Term SOFR plus a margin of 1.25%. The loan will mature in July 2037.
In August 2022, we issued $1.15 billion of convertible senior notes which accrue interest at 6.00% and mature in August 2025. Upon conversion election, we may deliver shares of our common stock, cash, or a combination of common stock and cash, at our election. The initial conversion rate per $1,000 principal amount of the convertible notes is 19.9577 shares of our common stock, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $50.11 per share, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. Prior to May 15, 2025, the convertible notes will be convertible at the option of holders during certain periods, and only under certain circumstances set forth in the indenture.
On or after May 15, 2025, the convertible notes will be convertible at any time until the close of business on EURIBOR plus the applicable margin.second scheduled trading day immediately preceding their maturity date. We received gross proceeds from the offering of $1.15 billion, which we used to repurchase $800 million aggregate principal amount of our 4.25% convertible senior notes due June 15, 2023 and $350 million aggregate principal amount of our 2.875% convertible senior notes due November 15, 2023 (which were settled in November 2023 as described above) in privately negotiated transactions. The applicable margin varies with$1.15 billion repayment resulted in a total loss on the extinguishment of debt of $12.8 million, which was recognized within Interest expense, net of interest capitalized within our debt rating and was 1.32% asconsolidated statements of comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2017. 2022.
In addition,August 2022, we are subjectissued $1.25 billion of senior unsecured notes which accrue interest at 11.625% that mature in August 2027. The net proceeds of the offering of $1.23 billion were used to repay debt that matured in 2022, including the $650 million 5.25% unsecured senior notes due November 2022, which resulted in an immaterial loss on extinguishment of debt.
In October 2022, we issued $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 9.250% senior guaranteed notes due 2029 (the "9.25% Priority Guaranteed Notes") and $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 8.250% senior secured notes due 2029 (the "8.25% Secured Notes" and together with the 11.5% Secured Notes, the "Secured Notes"), both callable in April 2025. We used the combined net proceeds, of the respective offerings, together with cash on hand, to fund the redemption, including call premiums, fees and expenses, of our outstanding 9.125% senior priority guaranteed notes due 2023 and 10.875% senior secured notes due 2023, which resulted in a commitment feetotal loss on extinguishment of 0.20% per annum ondebt of $77 million, which was recognized within Interest expense, net of interest capitalized within our consolidated statements of comprehensive loss for the undrawn amount.year ended December 31, 2022.
Export credit agency guarantees
Except as described above, for the term loans we incurred to acquire Celebrity Flora and Silver Moon, all of our unsecured ship financing term loans are guaranteed by the export credit agency in the respective country in which the ship is constructed. In consideration for these guarantees, depending onFor the financing arrangement,majority of the loans as of December 31, 2023, we pay to the applicable export credit agency, (1) a fee of 1.01% per annum baseddepending on the outstanding loan balance semi-annually over the term of the loan (subject to adjustment based upon our credit ratings) or (2)financing agreement, an upfront fee of 2.35% to 2.37%5.48% of the maximum loan amount.amount in consideration for these guarantees. We amortize the fees that are paid upfront over the life of the loan and those that are paid semi-annually over each respective payment period.loan. We classify these fees within Amortization of debt issuance costs, discounts and premiums in our consolidated statements of cash flows andflows. Prior to the loan being drawn, we present these fees within Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. Once the loan is drawn, such fees are classified as a discount to the related loan, or contra-liability account, within Current portion of long-term debt or long-term debt.
UnderDebt covenants
Our revolving credit facilities, the majority of our term loans, and certain of our credit card processing agreements, the contractual interest rate,contain covenants that require us, among other things, to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio, limit our net debt-to-capital ratio, maintain minimum liquidity, and under certain facilities, to maintain a minimum stockholders' equity. As of December 31, 2023, our credit facility fee and/amendments require us to prepay outstanding deferred amounts of $910 million, if we elect to pay dividends or export credit agency fee varycomplete share repurchases. As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with our debt rating.covenants and we estimate we will be in compliance for the next twelve months.
The unsecured seniornet carrying value of the 6.00% convertible notes and senior debentures are not redeemable priorwas as follows:
(in millions)As of December 31, 2023As of December 31, 2022
Principal$1,150 $1,725 
Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs13 24 
$1,137 $1,701 
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


The interest expense recognized related to maturity, except that certain series may be redeemed upon the payment of a make-whole premium.6.00% convertible notes was as follows:
(in millions)As of December 31, 2023As of December 31, 2022
Contractual interest expense$69 $76 
Amortization of debt issuance costs16 
$77 $92 
Following is a schedule of annual maturities on long-termour total debt including capitalfinance leases, as of December 31, 20172023 for each of the next five years (in thousands)millions):
YearAs of December 31, 2023 (1)
2024$1,722 
20252,650 
20263,406 
20273,763 
20283,489 
Thereafter6,965 
$21,995 
(1)    Debt denominated in other currencies is calculated based on the applicable exchange rate at December 31, 2023.

Note 9. Leases
Operating leases
Our operating leases primarily relate to preferred berthing arrangements, real estate, and shipboard equipment which are included within Operating lease right-of-use assets and Long-term operating lease liabilities, with the current portion of the liability included within Current portion of operating lease liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheet. We recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Our operating leases included the operating lease for Silver Explorer which expired in the fourth quarter of 2023 and the ship was returned to the lessor.
In November 2023 we executed a modification to our preferred berthing agreement with Miami-Dade County ("County") to extend the expiration from 2027 to 2042, inclusive of development plans for the County to finance the construction of a new and improved cruise Terminal G at PortMiami. The total aggregate amount of the operating lease liabilities recorded for this berthing agreements was $167 million and $79 million as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. In addition, there will be future remeasurements as the County completes several construction milestones throughout the term of the extended lease. The most significant of which will be for Terminal G, which will include a remeasurement of the operating lease in 2027 or later, when the County satisfies substantial completion, as the minimum lease payments will increase to approximately $55 million per year, with expected 3% annual increases thereafter.
For some of our real estate leases and berthing agreements, we do have the option to extend our current lease term. For those lease agreements with renewal options, the renewal periods for real estate leases primarily range from one to 10 years and the renewal periods for berthing agreements primarily range from one to 20 years. Generally, we do not include renewal options as a component of our present value calculation for berthing agreements. However, for certain real estate leases, we include them.
As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate in determining the present value of lease payments. We estimate our incremental borrowing rates based on Term SOFR and U.S. Treasury note rates corresponding to lease terms increased by the Company’s credit risk spread and reduced by the estimated impact of collateral. In addition, we have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately. However, for berthing agreements, we account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


Finance leases
Our finance leases primarily relate to buildings and surrounding land located at our Miami headquarters, and our lease for Silver Dawn. Finance leases are included within Property, and Equipment, net, and Long-term debt with the current portion of the liability included within Current portion of long-term debt in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
The Company's master lease agreement (“Master Lease”) with Miami-Dade County related to the buildings and surrounding land located at our Miami headquarters is classified as a finance lease in accordance with ASC 842, Leases. The Master Lease includes two five-year options to extend the lease which we are reasonably certain to exercise. In November 2023 we executed a modification to the Master Lease agreement to extend its expiration from 2076 to 2077 after coming to an agreement with Miami-Dade County on the financing plans to finalize the development of the buildings and land. The modification of the Master Lease did not change the classification of the lease. The total aggregate amount of the finance lease liabilities recorded for this Master Lease was $104 million and $56 million as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The development of the new campus buildings are expected to be completed in 2026, and the lease components will be recorded within our consolidated financial statements upon commencement.
Silversea Cruises operates Silver Dawn under a sale-leaseback agreement with a bargain purchase option at the end of the 15 year lease term. Due to the bargain purchase option at the end of the lease term in 2036 whereby Silversea Cruises is reasonably certain of obtaining ownership of the ship, Silver Dawn is accounted for as a finance lease. The lease includes other purchase options beginning in year three, none of which are reasonably certain of being exercised at this time. The total aggregate amount of finance lease liabilities recorded for this ship was $246 million and $265 million as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The lease payments on the Silver Dawn are subject to adjustments based on the Term SOFR rate.

Supplemental balance sheet information for leases was as follows (in millions):
As of December 31, 2023As of December 31, 2022
Lease assets:
Finance lease right-of-use assets, net:
Property and equipment, gross$520 $669 
Accumulated depreciation(69)(124)
Property and equipment, net451 545 
Operating lease right-of-use assets611 538 
Total lease assets$1,062 $1,083 
Lease liabilities:
Finance lease liabilities:
Current portion of debt$26 $34 
   Long-term debt343 317 
Total finance lease liabilities369 351 
Operating lease liabilities:
Current portion of operating lease liabilities65 80 
Long-term operating lease liabilities613 523 
Total operating lease liabilities678 603 
Total lease liabilities$1,047 $954 

The components of lease costs were as follows (in millions):
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


Year 
2018$1,188,514
2019762,614
20201,292,478
2021640,734
20221,380,583
Thereafter2,274,528
 $7,539,451
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) ClassificationYear Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021
Lease costs:
Operating lease costsCommission, transportation and other$183 $127 $19 
Operating lease costsOther operating expenses22 22 23 
Operating lease costsMarketing, selling and administrative expenses21 19 18 
Finance lease costs:
Amortization of right-of-use-assetsDepreciation and amortization expenses22 24 17 
Interest on lease liabilitiesInterest expense, net of interest capitalized30 22 
Total lease costs$278 $214 $80 
In addition, certain of our berthing agreements include variable lease costs based on the number of passengers berthed. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we had $85 million and $66 million of variable lease costs recorded within Commission, transportation and other in our consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss), respectively. These variable lease costs are included within the balances presented above.
The weighted average of the remaining lease terms and weighted average discount rates are as follows:
As of December 31, 2023As of December 31, 2022
Weighted average of the remaining lease term
Operating leases19.4317.69
Finance leases23.9219.26
Weighted average discount rate
Operating leases7.53 %6.92 %
Finance leases5.83 %6.43 %
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases is as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$178 $127 $43 
Operating cash flows from finance leases30 22 
Financing cash flows from finance leases$31 $48 $24 
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


As of December 31, 2023, maturities related to lease liabilities were as follows (in millions):
YearsOperating LeasesFinance Leases
2024$113 $47 
2025106 45 
202696 39 
202776 38 
202869 37 
Thereafter1,030 683 
Total lease payments1,490 889 
Less: Interest(812)(520)
Present value of lease liabilities$678 $369 

Note 8.10. Shareholders' Equity
On January 1, 2022, we adopted ASU 2020-06 using the modified retrospective approach to recognize our convertible notes as single liability instruments. As a result of the adoption of this pronouncement, the cumulative effect to Shareholders' equity was a reduction of $162 million. For further information regarding the entry recorded and the adoption of ASU 2020-06, refer to Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
Common Stock Issued
During March 2021, we issued 16.9 million shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, at a price of $91.00 per share. We received net proceeds of $1.5 billion from the fourth and third quarterssale of 2017, we declared a cash dividend on our common stock, after deducting the estimated offering expenses payable by us.
Dividends
We did not declare any dividends during the years ended December 31, 2023, December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021. We were previously restricted under certain of $0.60 per share which was paidour credit facilities from paying dividends while waivers to the financial covenants within such facilities were in effect. While the waivers have now expired, in the first quarterevent we declare a dividend, we will need to repay the principal amounts deferred under our export credit facilities.
Noncontrolling Interests
Effective March 31, 2023, we closed the partnership with iCON. We sold 80% of 2018the entity which owns our terminal at PortMiami for $208.9 million and fourth quarterretained a 20% minority interest. The cash consideration received, net of 2017, respectively. During the firsttransaction costs, was allocated between paid-in capital and second quarters of 2017, we declared a cash dividend on our common stock of $0.48 per share which was paidnoncontrolling interest in the second and third quartersaccompanying consolidated statement of 2017, respectively.

During the fourth and third quarters of 2016, we declared a cash dividend on our common stock of $0.48 per share which was paid in the first quarter of 2017 and fourth quarter of 2016, respectively. We also declared and paid a cash dividend on our common stock of $0.375 per share during each of the first and second quarters of 2016. During

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


the first quarter of 2016, we also paid a cash dividend on our common stock of $0.375 per share which was declared during the fourth quarter of 2015.

In April 2017, our board of directors authorized a 12-month common stock repurchase programshareholders' equity for up to $500 million. 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 year ended December 31, 2017, we repurchased 1.8 million shares of our common stock2023. Refer to Note 7. Investments and Other Assets for a total of $225.0 million in open market transactions that were recorded within Treasury stock in our consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2017, we have $275.0 million that remain available for future stock repurchase transactions under our Board approved program.further information on the transaction.


During February 2018, we repurchased an additional 1.5 million shares for a total of $186.4 million in open market transactions.

During the fourth quarter of 2015, our board of directors authorized a common stock repurchase program for up to $500 million that was completed in August 2016. During 2016, we purchased 4.1 million shares for a total of $300.0 million in open market transactions. These transactions were recorded within Treasury stock in our consolidated balance sheet. Our repurchases under this program, including the 2.1 million shares repurchased for $200.0 million during the fourth quarter of 2015, totaled $500.0 million.
Note 9.11. Stock-Based Employee Compensation
We currently have awards outstanding under twoone stock-based compensation plans,plan, our 2008 Equity Plan, which provideprovides for awards to our officers, directors and key employees. The plans consist of a 2000 Stock Award Plan and a 2008 Equity Plan. Our ability to issue new awards under the 2000 Stock Award Plan terminated in accordance with the terms of the plan in September 2009. The 2008 Equity Plan, as amended, provides for the issuance of up to 14,000,00010,083,570 shares of our common stock pursuant to grants of (i) incentive and non-qualified stock options, (ii) stock appreciation rights, (iii) stock awards (including time-based and/or performance-based stock awards) and (iv) restricted stock units (including time-based and performance-based restricted stock units). During any calendar year, no one individual (other than non-employee members of our Boardboard of Directors)directors) may be granted awards of more than 500,000 shares and no non-employee member of our Boardboard of Directorsdirectors may be granted awards with a value, in excessmeasured as of $500,000 at the grant date. Options and restricteddate, which together with cash compensation paid to such director for such calendar year, would exceed $750,000. Restricted stock units outstanding as of December 31, 20172023, generally vest in equal installments overthree or four years from the date of grant. In addition, performance shares and performance share units generally vest in three years. With certain limited exceptions, awards are
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forfeited if the recipient ceases to be an employee before the shares vest. Options are granted at a priceWe have not less than the fair value of the shares on the date of grant and expire not later than ten years after the date of grant.
Prior to 2012, our officers received a combination ofissued stock options since 2016, and restrictedall stock units. Beginning in 2012, ouroptions have been exercised as of December 31, 2021. As a result, no Stock option expense has been recognized for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
Our officers instead receive their long-term incentive awards through a combination of performance share units and restricted stock units. Each performance share unit award is expressed as a target number of performance share units based upon the fair market value of our common stock on the date the award is issued. The actual number of shares underlying each award (not to exceed 200% of the target number of performance share units) will be determined based upon the Company's achievement of a specified performance target range. In 2017,2023, we issued a target number of 140,542314,197 performance share units, which will vest approximately three years following the award issue date. The performance payout of these grants will be based on return on ourthe Company's invested capital ("ROIC") and, earnings per share (“EPS”("EPS"), EBITDA per APCD, and Carbon Intensity Reduction for the year ended December 31, 2019,2023, to December 31, 2025, as may be adjusted by the Talent and Compensation Committee of our Boardboard of Directorsdirectors in early 20202026 for events that are outside of management's control. In 2014, we also issued a one-time performance-based equity award to our Chairman & Chief Executive Officer in a target amount of 63,771 performance share units. In February 2016, the Compensation Committee set the payout level for this grant at 165% of target based on our 2015 ROIC performance. As of December 2017, the award is no longer subject to restrictions on transfer.
Beginning in 2016, ourOur senior officers meeting certain minimum age and service criteria receive their long-term incentive awards through a combination of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units. The restricted stock awards are subject to both performance and time-based vesting criteria while the restricted stock units are subject only to time-

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


basedtime-based vesting criteria. Each restricted stock award is issued in an amount equal to 200% of the target number of shares underlying the award based upon the fair market value of our common stock on the date the award is issued. DividendsDeclared dividends accrue (but do not get paid) on the restricted stock awards during the vesting period, with the accrued amounts to be paid out following vesting only on the number of shares underlying the award which actually vest based on satisfaction of the performance criteria. The actual number of shares that vest (not to exceed 200% of the shares) will be determined based upon the Company's achievement of a specified performance target range.
In 2017,2023, we issued 137,948354,822 restricted stock awards, representing 200%300% of the target number of shares underlying the award, all of which are considered issued and outstanding from the date of issuance, however;issuance; however, grantees will only retain those shares earned as the result of the Company achieving the performance goals during the measurement period. The performance payout of the 20172023 awards will be based on the Company's ROIC, EPS, EBITDA per APCD, and EPSCarbon Intensity Reduction for the year ended December 31, 2019,2024, as may be adjusted by the Talent and Compensation Committee of our Boardboard of Directorsdirectors in early 20202025 for events that are outside of management's control.
We also provide an Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") to facilitate the purchase by employees of up to 1,300,0002,800,000 shares of common stock in the aggregate. Offerings to employees are made on a quarterly basis. Subject to certain limitations, the purchase price for each share of common stock is equal to 85% of the average of the market prices of the common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on the first business day of the purchase period and the last business day of each month of the purchase period. During 2017, 2016the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2015, 51,989, 42,3472021, 151,989, 171,279 and 28,724136,480 shares of our common stock were purchased under the ESPP at a weighted-average price of $93.15, $65.48$71.23, $44.01 and $72.52,$70.95, respectively.
Total compensation expense recognized for employee stock-based compensation for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 20152021 was as follows:follows (in millions):
Employee Stock-Based Compensation
Classification of expense202320222021
Marketing, selling and administrative expenses$126 $36 $64 
Total compensation expense$126 $36 $64 
 Employee Stock-Based Compensation
Classification of expense2017 2016 2015
(In thousands)     
Marketing, selling and administrative expenses$69,459
 $32,659
 $36,073
Total compensation expense$69,459
 $32,659
 $36,073
The fair value of each stock option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The estimated fair value of stock options, less estimated forfeitures, is amortized over the vesting period using the graded-vesting method. We did not issue any stock options during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.
Stock option activity and information about stock options outstanding are summarized in the following table:
Stock Option ActivityNumber of
Options
 Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(1)


 
 (years) (in thousands)
Outstanding at January 1, 2017346,310
 $32.82
 2.39
 $17,221
Granted
 
 
 
Exercised(72,000) $35.07
 
 
Canceled(1,586) $46.18
 
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2017272,724
 $32.15
 1.41
 $24,053
Vested at December 31, 2017272,724
 $32.15
 1.41
 $24,053
Options Exercisable at December 31, 2017272,724
 $32.15
 1.41
 $24,053

(1)The intrinsic value represents the amount by which the fair value of stock exceeds the option exercise price.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $4.5 million, $2.3 million and $13.8 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, there was no unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to stock options granted under our stock incentive plan.
Restricted stock units are converted into shares of common stock upon vesting or, if applicable, are settled on a one-for-one basis. The cost of these awards is determined using the fair value of our common stock on the date of the grant, and compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period. Restricted stock activity is summarized in the following table:
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Restricted Stock Units ActivityNumber of
Awards
 Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Restricted Stock Units ActivityNumber of
Awards
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Non-vested share units at January 1, 2017748,516
 $61.95
Non-vested share units as of January 1, 2023
Granted425,170
 $99.03
Vested(376,992) $59.62
Canceled(58,795) $71.47
Non-vested share units expected to vest as of December 31, 2017737,899
 $83.78
Non-vested share units as of December 31, 2023
The weighted-average estimated fair value of restricted stock units granted during the yearyears ended 2016December 31, 2022 and 20152021 was $64.51$72.21 and $73.98,$85.08, respectively. The total fair value of shares released on the vesting of restricted stock units during the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 20152021 was $38.7$33 million, $23.2$30 million, and $27.6$36 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2017,2023, we had $24.2$38 million of total unrecognized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, related to restricted stock unit grants, which will be recognized over the weighted-average period of 1.730.91 years.
Performance share units are converted into shares of common stock upon vesting on a one-for-one basis. We estimate the fair value of each performance share when the grant is authorized and the related service period has commenced. We remeasure the fair value of our performance shares in each subsequent reporting period until the grant date has occurred, which is the date when the performance conditions are satisfied. We recognize compensation cost over the vesting period based on the probability of the service and performance conditions being achieved adjusted for each subsequent fair value measurement until the grant date. If the specified service and performance conditions are not met, compensation expense will not be recognized and any previously recognized compensation expense will be reversed. Performance share units activity is summarized in the following table:
Performance Share Units ActivityNumber of
Awards
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Non-vested share units as of January 1, 2023553,047 $85.93 
Granted314,197 73.96 
Vested(95,701)97.11 
Canceled(98,408)87.07 
Non-vested share units as of December 31, 2023673,135 $78.59 
Performance Share Units ActivityNumber of
Awards
 Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Non-vested share units at January 1, 2017342,152
 $61.78
Granted140,542
 $84.16
Vested(105,615) $45.62
Canceled(23,929) $71.37
Non-vested share units expected to vest as of December 31, 2017353,150
 $74.87

The weighted-average estimated fair value of performance share units granted during the yearyears ended 2016December 31, 2022 and 20152021 was $65.83$79.80 and $71.36,$84.83, respectively. The total fair value of shares released on the vesting of performance share units during the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 20152021 was $10.0$7 million,, $16.9 $5 million and $18.3$6 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2017,2023, we had $11.9$34 million of total unrecognized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, related to performance share unit grants, which will be recognized over the weighted-average period of 1.081.31 years.

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The shares underlying our restricted stock awards to age and service eligible senior officers are issued as of the grant date in an amount equal to 200% of the target number of shares. Following the vesting date, the restrictions will lift with respect to the number of shares for which the performance criteria was met and any excess shares will be canceled. Dividends will accrue on the issued restricted shares during the vesting period, but will not be paid to the recipient until the awards vest and the final number of shares underlying the award is determined, at which point, the dividends will be paid in cash only on the earned shares. We estimate the fair value of each restricted stock award when the grant is authorized and the related service period has commenced. We remeasure the fair value of these restricted stock awards in each subsequent reporting period until the grant date has occurred, which is the date when the performance conditions are satisfied. We recognize compensation cost over the vesting period based on the probability of the service and performance conditions being achieved adjusted for each subsequent fair value measurement until the grant date. If the specified service and performance conditions are not met, compensation expense will not be recognized, any previously recognized compensation expense will be reversed, and any unearned shares will be returned to the Company. Restricted stock awards activity is summarized in the following table:
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Restricted Stock Awards ActivityNumber of
Awards
 Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Restricted Stock Awards ActivityNumber of
Awards
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Non-vested share units at January 1, 2017132,228
 $66.93
Non-vested share units as of January 1, 2023
Granted137,948
 $95.04
Vested
 $
Canceled
 $
Non-vested share units expected to vest as of December 31, 2017270,176
 $81.28
Non-vested share units as of December 31, 2023
The weighted-average estimated fair value of restricted stock awards granted during the yearyears ended 2016December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $66.93.$79.80 and $84.83, respectively. As of December 31, 2017,2023, we had $2.0$3 million of total unrecognized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, related to restricted stock award grants, which will be recognized over the weighted-average period of 1.621.17 years.
Note 10.12. Earnings (Loss) Per Share
A reconciliation between basic and diluted earningsEarnings (Loss) per share is as follows (in thousands,millions, except per share data):
Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Net Income (loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. for basic and diluted loss per share$1,697 $(2,156)$(5,260)
Add convertible notes interest88 — — 
Net Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. for diluted earnings (loss) per share1,785 (2,156)(5,260)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding256 255 252 
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards— — 
Diluted effect of convertible notes26 — — 
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding283 255 252 
Basic earnings (loss) per share$6.63 $(8.45)$(20.89)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share$6.31 $(8.45)$(20.89)
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Net income for basic and diluted earnings per share$1,625,133
 $1,283,388
 $665,783
Weighted-average common shares outstanding214,617
 215,393
 219,537
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards1,077
 923
 1,152
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding215,694
 216,316
 220,689
Basic earnings per share:     
Net income$7.57
 $5.96
 $3.03
Diluted earnings per share:     
Net income$7.53
 $5.93
 $3.02
Effective January 1, 2022, we use the if-converted method to calculate the dilutive impact of our convertible notes that may be settled in cash or shares. In 2021, the dilutive impact was determined using the treasury stock method. There were no antidilutive shares for the year ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, compared to 31,027,815 and 2015.504,250 antidilutive shares from our stock-based awards and convertible notes for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Note 11.13. Retirement Plan
We maintain a defined contribution plan covering shoreside employees. Effective January 1, 2016, we commenced annual, non-elective contributions to the plan on behalf of all eligible participants equal to 3% of participants' eligible

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earnings. RemainingAdditional annual contributions to the plan are discretionary and are based on fixed percentages of participants' salaries and years of service, not to exceed certain maximums. Contribution expenses were $17.4$21 million, $16.7$20 million and $16.8$18 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively.
Note 12.14. Income Taxes
We are subject to corporate income taxes in countries where we have operations or subsidiaries. We and the majority of our ship-operating and vessel-owning subsidiaries are currently exempt from U.S. corporate income tax on U.S. source income from the international operation of ships pursuant to Section 883 of the Internal Revenue Code. Regulations under Section 883 have limited the activities that are considered the international operation of a ship or incidental thereto. Accordingly, our provision for U.S. federal and state income taxes includes taxes on certain activities not considered incidental to the international operation of our ships.
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Additionally, someone of our ship-operating subsidiaries areis subject to income tax under the tonnage tax regimesregime of Malta or the United Kingdom. Under these regimes,this regime, income from qualifying activities is subject to corporate income tax, but the tax is computed by reference to the tonnage of the ship or ships registered under the relevant provisions of the tax regimes (the "relevant shipping profits"), which replaces the regular taxable income base. Income from activities not considered qualifying activities, which we do not consider significant, remains subject to Maltese or U.K.United-Kingdom corporate income tax.
IncomeFor the year ended December 31, 2023, we had an income tax expense of approximately $6 million primarily driven by income tax from our non-US operations and items not qualifying under Section 883. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 we had an income tax expense of approximately $4 million and an income tax benefit of approximately $45 million, respectively for items not qualifying under Section 883, tonnage taxestax and income taxes for the remainder of our subsidiaries was approximately $18.3 million, $20.1 million and $11.1 million and wassubsidiaries. Income taxes are recorded within Other expense for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.(expense) income. In addition, all interest expense and penalties related to income tax liabilities are classified as income tax expense within Other expense(expense) income.
For a majority of our subsidiaries, we do not expect to incur income taxes on future distributions of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries.earnings. Accordingly, no deferred income taxes have been provided for the distribution of these earnings. Where we do expect to incur income taxes on future distributions of undistributed earnings, we have provided for deferred taxes, which we do not consider significant to our operations.
As of December 31, 2017,2023, the Company had Net Operating Lossesdeferred tax assets for U.S. and foreign net operating losses (“NOLs”) in foreign jurisdictions of $7.5approximately $57 million. If not utilized, $5.0We have provided a valuation allowance for approximately $19 million of these NOLs, of which $8 million of the NOLs deferred tax assets relate to NOLs which are subject to expiration between 20182024 and 2024. The Company has not recognized any benefits related to these NOLs, as all NOLs have full valuation allowances.2042.
NetOur deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities and corresponding valuation allowances related to our operations were not material as of December 31, 20172023 and 2016.2022.
We regularly review deferred tax assets for recoverability based on our history of earnings, expectations of future earnings, and tax planning strategies. Realization of deferred tax assets ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income to support the amount of deferred taxes. A valuation allowance is recorded in those circumstances in which we conclude it is not more-likely-than-not we will recover the deferred tax assets prior to their expiration.
During the third quarter of 2015, the Pullmantur trademark and trade names were impaired. As a result of the impairment, there was no longer a difference between the book and tax basis of the trademark and trade names. During the third quarter of 2015, we reversed the deferred tax liability of $43.4 million and increased the deferred tax asset valuation allowance by $31.4 million, or to 100% of the deferred tax asset balance. The resulting net $12.0 million deferred tax benefit was recorded as part of our income tax provision and was reported within Other expense in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2015. Effective July 31, 2016, we sold 51% of our interest in Pullmantur Holdings. For further information on the sale transaction, refer to







Note 1. General15.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)



Note 13. Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Loss)

The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the years ended December 31, 20172023, 2022 and 20162021 (in thousands)millions):

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ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


Changes related to cash flow derivative hedgesChanges related to cash flow derivative hedgesChanges in defined
benefit plans
Foreign currency translation adjustmentsAccumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Accumulated comprehensive loss at January 1, 2021
Accumulated comprehensive loss at January 1, 2021
Accumulated comprehensive loss at January 1, 2021
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
Net current-period other comprehensive income
 Changes related to cash flow derivative hedges Changes in defined
benefit plans
 Foreign currency translation adjustments Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Accumulated comprehensive loss at January 1, 2022
Accumulated comprehensive loss at January 1, 2022
Accumulated comprehensive loss at January 1, 2022
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
Net current-period other comprehensive income
        
Accumulated comprehensive loss at January 1, 2015 $(826,026) $(31,207) $(39,761) $(896,994)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (697,671) 3,053
 (25,952) (720,570)
Accumulated comprehensive loss at January 1, 2023
Accumulated comprehensive loss at January 1, 2023
Accumulated comprehensive loss at January 1, 2023
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 291,624
 1,707
 (4,200) 289,131
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income (406,047) 4,760
 (30,152) (431,439)
        
Accumulated comprehensive loss at January 1, 2016 (1,232,073) (26,447) (69,913) (1,328,433)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 73,973
 (2,777) 2,362
 73,558
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 337,250
 1,141
 
 338,391
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 411,223
 (1,636) 2,362
 411,949
        
Accumulated comprehensive loss at January 1, 2017 (820,850) (28,083) (67,551) (916,484)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 381,865
 (6,755) 17,307
 392,417
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 188,630
 1,172
 
 189,802
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 570,495
 (5,583) 17,307
 582,219
        
Accumulated comprehensive loss at December 31, 2017 $(250,355) $(33,666) $(50,244) $(334,265)
Accumulated comprehensive loss at December 31, 2023
Accumulated comprehensive loss at December 31, 2023
Accumulated comprehensive loss at December 31, 2023
The following table presents reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 20172023, 2022 and 20162021 (in thousands)millions):

Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into (Loss) Income
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss ComponentsYear Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021Affected Line Item in Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Gain (loss) on cash flow derivative hedges:
Interest rate swaps$49 $(12)$(44)Interest expense, net of interest capitalized
Foreign currency forward contracts(18)(17)(15)Depreciation and amortization expenses
Foreign currency forward contracts(10)(3)(3)Other (expense) income
Fuel swaps— — — Other (expense) income
Fuel swaps195 41 Fuel
30 163 (21)
Amortization of defined benefit plans:
Actuarial loss— (3)(4)Payroll and related
Total reclassifications for the period$30 $160 $(25)


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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)




  Amount of Loss Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components Year Ended December 31, 2017 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Year Ended December 31, 2015 Affected Line Item in Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Loss on cash flow derivative hedges:        
     Interest rate swaps (31,603) (41,480) (36,401) Interest expense, net of interest capitalized
     Foreign currency forward contracts (10,840) (8,114) (2,871) Depreciation and amortization expenses
     Foreign currency forward contracts (9,472) (14,342) 7,580
 Other expense
     Foreign currency forward contracts 
 (207) 
 Other indirect operating expenses
     Foreign currency collar options (2,408) (2,408) (1,605) Depreciation and amortization expenses
     Fuel swaps 7,382
 13,685
 (9,583) Other expense
     Fuel swaps (141,689) (284,384) (248,744) Fuel
  (188,630) (337,250) (291,624)  
Amortization of defined benefit plans:        
    Actuarial loss (1,172) (1,141) (1,414) Payroll and related
          Prior service costs 
 
 (293) 

Payroll and related
  (1,172) (1,141) (1,707)  
Release of foreign cumulative translation due to sale or liquidation of businesses:        
Foreign cumulative translation 
 
 4,200
 Other operating
Total reclassifications for the period $(189,802) $(338,391) $(289,131)  

Note 14. 16.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)millions):
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017 Using Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016 Using
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2023Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2023Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2022
DescriptionTotal 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)
DescriptionTotal Carrying AmountTotal Fair Value
Level 1(1)
Level 2(2)
Level 3(3)
Total Carrying AmountTotal Fair Value
Level 1(1)
Level 2(2)
Level 3(3)
Assets:                   
Cash and cash equivalents(4)
$120,112
 $120,112

$120,112
 $
 $
 $132,603
 $132,603
 $132,603
 $
 $
Cash and cash equivalents(4)
Cash and cash equivalents(4)
Cash and cash equivalents(4)
Total Assets$120,112
 $120,112

$120,112
 $
 $
 $132,603
 $132,603
 $132,603
 $
 $
Liabilities:                   
Long-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt)(5)
$7,506,312
 $8,038,092

$
 $8,038,092
 $
 $9,347,051
 $9,859,266
 $
 $9,859,266
 $
Long-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt)(5)
Long-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt)(5)
Long-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt)(5)
Total Liabilities$7,506,312
 $8,038,092

$
 $8,038,092
 $
 $9,347,051
 $9,859,266
 $
 $9,859,266
 $

(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

(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.
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


(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. We valued our senior notes and convertible notes using a quoted market price, which is considered a Level 2 input as it is observable in the market; however, these instruments have a limited trading volume and as such this fair value estimate is not necessarily indicative of the value at which the instruments could be retired or transferred.
(3)Inputs that are unobservable. The Company did not use any Level 3 inputs as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
(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. This does not include our capital lease obligations.

(3)Inputs that are unobservable. The Company did not use any Level 3 inputs as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
(4)Consists of cash and marketable securities with original maturities of less than 90 days.
(5)Consists of unsecured revolving credit facilities, senior notes, term loans and convertible notes. These amounts do not include our finance lease obligations.
Other Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued interest, and accrued expenses approximate fair value atas of December 31, 20172023 and December 31, 2016.2022.
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)millions):
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2023Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2022
DescriptionTotal Fair Value
Level 1(1)
Level 2(2)
Level 3(3)
Total Fair Value
Level 1(1)
Level 2(2)
Level 3(3)
Assets:
Derivative financial instruments(4)
$144 $— $144 $— $204 $— $204 $— 
Total Assets$144 $— $144 $— $204 $— $204 $— 
Liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments(4)
$66 $— $66 $— $136 $— $136 $— 
Total Liabilities$66 $— $66 $— $136 $— $136 $— 
F-35

 Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017 Using Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016 Using
DescriptionTotal Fair Value 
Level 1(1)
 
Level 2(2)
 
Level 3(3)
 Total Fair Value 
Level 1(1)
 
Level 2(2)
 
Level 3(3)
Assets:               
Derivative financial instruments(4)
$320,385
 $
 $320,385
 $
 $19,397
 $
 $19,397
 $
Investments(5)
3,340
 3,340
 
 
 3,576
 3,576
 
 
Total Assets$323,725
 $3,340
 $320,385
 $
 $22,973
 $3,576
 $19,397
 $
Liabilities:               
Derivative financial instruments(6)
$115,961
 $
 $115,961
 $
 $373,497
 $
 $373,497
 $
Total Liabilities$115,961
 $
 $115,961
 $
 $373,497
 $
 $373,497
 $
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


(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, cross currency 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. All 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 and December 31, 2016.
(4)Consists of foreign currency forward contracts, interest rate swaps and fuel swaps. Please 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.
(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. No Level 1 inputs were used in fair value measurements of other financial instruments as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
(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. No Level 3 inputs were used in fair value measurements of other financial instruments as of December 31, 2023 and 2022
(4)Consists of foreign currency forward contracts, interest rate and fuel swaps. Refer to the "Fair Value of Derivative Instruments" table for breakdown by instrument type.
(6)Consists of foreign currency forward contracts, interest rate swaps and fuel swaps. Please refer to the "Fair Value of Derivative Instruments" table for breakdown by instrument type.
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 December 31, 20172023 or December 31, 2016,2022, or that will be realized in the future, and do not include expenses that could be incurred in an actual sale or settlement.
Nonfinancial Instruments Recorded at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
Nonfinancial instruments include items such as goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, long-lived assets, right-of-use assets and equity method investments that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis when events and circumstances indicate the carrying value is not recoverable. There were no material nonfinancial instruments recorded at fair value as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
Master Netting Agreements
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.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)





The following table presents information about the Company’s offsetting of financial assets under master netting agreements with derivative counterparties:

  Gross Amounts not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet that are Subject to Master Netting Agreements
  As of December 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016
  Gross Amount of Derivative Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Gross Amount of Eligible Offsetting
Recognized
Derivative Liabilities
 Cash Collateral
Received
 Net Amount of
Derivative Assets
 Gross Amount of Derivative Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Gross Amount of Eligible Offsetting
Recognized
Derivative Assets
 Cash Collateral
Received
 Net Amount of
Derivative Assets
(In thousands)                
Derivatives subject to master netting agreements $320,385
 $(104,751) $
 $215,634
 $19,397
 $(19,397) $
 $
Total $320,385
 $(104,751) $
 $215,634
 $19,397
 $(19,397) $
 $

The following table presents information about the Company’s offsetting of financialand liabilities under master netting agreements with derivative counterparties:counterparties (in millions):

Gross Amounts not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet that are Subject to Master Netting Agreements
As of December 31, 2023As of December 31, 2022
Gross Amount of Derivative Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance SheetGross Amount of Eligible Offsetting
Recognized
Derivative Liabilities
Cash Collateral
Received
Net Amount of
Derivative Assets
Gross Amount of Derivative Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance SheetGross Amount of Eligible Offsetting
Recognized
Derivative Liabilities
Cash Collateral
Received
Net Amount of
Derivative Assets
Derivatives subject to master netting agreements$144 $(28)$— $116 $204 $(105)$— $99 
Total$144 $(28)$— $116 $204 $(105)$— $99 
Gross Amount of Derivative Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance SheetGross Amount of Eligible Offsetting
Recognized
Derivative Assets
Cash Collateral
Pledged
Net Amount of
Derivative Liabilities
Gross Amount of Derivative Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance SheetGross Amount of Eligible Offsetting
Recognized
Derivative Assets
Cash Collateral
Pledged
Net Amount of
Derivative Liabilities
Derivatives subject to master netting agreements$(66)$28 $— $(38)$(136)$105 $— $(31)
Total$(66)$28 $— $(38)$(136)$105 $— $(31)

  Gross Amounts not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet that are Subject to Master Netting Agreements
  As of December 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016
  Gross Amount of Derivative Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Gross Amount of Eligible Offsetting
Recognized
Derivative Assets
 Cash Collateral
Pledged
 Net Amount of
Derivative Liabilities
 Gross Amount of Derivative Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Gross Amount of Eligible Offsetting
Recognized
Derivative Liabilities
 Cash Collateral
Pledged
 Net Amount of
Derivative Liabilities
(In thousands)                
Derivatives subject to master netting agreements $(115,961) $104,751
 $
 $(11,210) $(373,497) $19,397
 $7,213
 $(346,887)
Total $(115,961) $104,751
 $
 $(11,210) $(373,497) $19,397
 $7,213
 $(346,887)
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 December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we had counterparty credit risk exposure under our derivative instruments of $125 million and $103 million, respectively, which was 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.
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


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.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


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 lossincome (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 lossincome (loss) along with the associated foreign currency translation adjustment of the foreign operation or investment. In certain hedges of our net investment in foreign operations and investments, we exclude forward points from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and amortize the related amounts directly into 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. WeFor our net investment hedges, we use the dollar offset method to measure effectiveness. For all other hedging programs, 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 samerelationship. The methodology for assessing hedge effectiveness is applied on a consistent basis for assessing hedge effectiveness to all hedges within each one of our hedging programprograms (i.e., interest rate, foreign currency ship construction, foreign currency net investment and fuel). We performFor our regression analyses, overwe use 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. The determination of ineffectiveness is based on the amount of dollar offset between the change in fair value of the derivative instrument and the change in fair value of the hedged item at the end of the reporting period. 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 highly effective is recognized in earnings. In addition, the ineffective portion of our highly effective hedges is immediately recognized in earnings and reported in Other expense in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
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.

The following table presents information on the Company's cash flows from derivative instruments classified as investing activities in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands):

 For the Years Ended December 31,
 201720162015
Cash received on settlement of derivative financial instruments$63,777
$110,637
$2,148
Cash paid on settlement of derivative financial instruments(553)(323,839)(180,745)
Cash received (paid) on settlement of derivative financial instruments$63,224
$(213,202)$(178,597)
Interest Rate Risk
Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates primarily relates to our long-term debt obligations including future interest payments. At December 31, 2017,2023 and 2022, approximately 57.4%83.2% and 75.0%, respectively, of our long-term debt was effectively fixed as compared to 40.5% asfixed-rate debt, which is net of December 31, 2016.our interest rate swap agreements. 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 long-term fixed ratefixed-rate debt is the potential increase in fair value resulting from a decrease in interest rates. We useAt December 31, 2023, there were no interest rate swap agreements that effectively convert a portion of ourfor fixed-rate debt to a floating-rate basis

instruments.
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)




to manage this risk. At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we maintained interest rate swap agreements on the following fixed-rate debt instruments:
Debt InstrumentSwap Notional as of December 31, 2017 (In thousands)MaturityDebt Fixed RateSwap Floating Rate: LIBOR plusAll-in Swap Floating Rate as of December 31, 2017
Oasis of the Seas term loan
$140,000
October 20215.41%3.87%5.44%
Unsecured senior notes650,000
November 20225.25%3.63%5.05%
 $790,000
    

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.the risk of increasing interest rates. At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016,2023, we maintained interest rate swap agreements on the following floating-rate debt instruments:
Debt InstrumentSwap Notional as of December 31, 2017 (In thousands)MaturityDebt Floating RateAll-in Swap Fixed RateDebt InstrumentSwap Notional as of December 31, 2023 (In millions)MaturityDebt Floating Rate (3)All-in Fixed Rate
Celebrity Reflection term loan
$381,792
October 2024LIBOR plus0.40%2.85%
Celebrity Reflection term loan
$55 October 2024October 2024Term SOFR0.40%2.88%
Quantum of the Seas term loan
551,250
October 2026LIBOR plus1.30%3.74%
Quantum of the Seas term loan
184 October 2026October 2026Term SOFR1.30%3.78%
Anthem of the Seas term loan
573,958
April 2027LIBOR plus1.30%3.86%
Anthem of the Seas term loan
211 April 2027April 2027Term SOFR1.30%3.9%
Ovation of the Seas term loan
726,250
April 2028LIBOR plus1.00%3.16%
Ovation of the Seas term loan
311 April 2028April 2028Term SOFR1.00%3.20%
Harmony of the Seas term loan (1)
728,373
May 2028EURIBOR plus1.15%2.26%
Harmony of the Seas term loan (1)
287 May 2028May 2028EURIBOR plus1.15%2.26%
$2,961,623
 
Odyssey of the Seas term loan(2)
Odyssey of the Seas term loan(2)
345 October 2032Term SOFR0.96%3.28%
Odyssey of the Seas term loan(2)
Odyssey of the Seas term loan(2)
173 October 2032Term SOFR0.96%2.91%
$


(1)Interest rate swap agreements hedging the Euro-denominated term loan for Harmony of the Seas include EURIBOR zero-floors matching the hedged debt EURIBOR zero-floor. Amount presented is based on the exchange rate as of December 31, 2023.
(1)
Interest rate swap agreements hedging the Euro-denominated term loan for Harmony of the Seas include a EURIBOR zero-floor matching the hedged debt EURIBOR zero-floor. Amount presented is based on the exchange rate as of December 31, 2017.

(2)    Interest rate swap agreements hedging the term loan of Odyssey of the Seas include Term SOFR zero-floors, Term SOFR with no floors, and Overnight SOFR.
(3)    During the year ended December 31, 2023, we completed our transition from LIBOR to Term SOFR rates for all of our Interest rate swap agreements.
These interest rate swap agreements are accounted for as cash flow hedges.hedges
The notional amount of interest rate swap agreements related to outstanding debt as of December 31, 20172023 and 20162022 was $3.8$1.6 billion and $4.0$1.9 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 collar options and cross currency swap agreements to manage portions of the exposure to movements in foreign currency exchange rates. As of December 31, 2017,2023, the aggregate cost of our ships on order not including the TUI Cruises' ships on order was approximately $13.3$8 billion, of which we had deposited $465.7$698 million as of such date. Approximately 54.0%These amounts do not include any ships placed on order that are contingent upon completion of conditions precedent and/or financing any ships on order by our Partner Brands. Refer to Note 17. Commitments and 66.7%Contingencies, for further information on our ships on order. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, approximately 43.5% and 52.3%, respectively, of the aggregate cost of the ships under construction was exposed to fluctuations in the Euro exchange rate at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The majority of ourrate. Our foreign currency forward contracts, collar options and cross currency swapcontract 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 and collar options 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 fourth quarteryear ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 the average notional amount of 2017, we maintained an average of approximately $843.3 million of these foreign currency forward contracts.contracts was approximately $1.3 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively.. These instruments

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


are not designated as hedging instruments. In 2017, 2016For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 20152021, changes in the fair value of the foreign currency forward contracts resulted in a gain (loss)(losses) of approximately $62.0$19 million,, $(51.1) $(102) million and $(55.5)$(31) million, respectively, which offset (losses) gains arising from the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies in those same years of $(75.6)$(43) million,, $39.8 $93 million and $34.6$24 million, respectively. These changesamounts were recognized in earnings within Other expense (expense) income in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
The notional amount of outstanding foreign exchange contracts, excluding the forward contracts entered into to minimize remeasurement volatility, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $2.9 billion.
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Non-Derivative Instruments
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 December 31, 2017, we maintained foreign currency forward contracts and designated them as hedges of a portion of our net investment in TUI cruises of €101.0 million, or approximately $121.3 million based on the exchange rate at December 31, 2017. These forward currency contracts mature in October 2021.
The notional amount of outstanding foreign exchange contracts, including our forward contracts, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $4.6 billion and $1.3 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 approximately €246.0€648 million, or approximately $295.3$716 million, throughas of December 31, 2017.2023. As of December 31, 2016,2022, we had designated debt as a hedge of our net investments primarily in TUI Cruises of approximately €295.0€433 million, or approximately $311.2$462 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. In the case that our hedged forecasted fuel consumption is not probable of occurring, hedge accounting will be discontinued and the related accumulated other comprehensive gain or loss will be reclassified to Other (expense) income immediately. For hedged forecasted fuel consumption that remains possible of occurring, hedge accounting will be discontinued and the related accumulated other comprehensive gain or loss will remain in accumulated other comprehensive gain or loss until the underlying hedged transactions are recognized in earnings or the related hedged forecasted fuel consumption is deemed probable of not occurring.
Changes in the fair value of fuel swaps for which cash flow hedge accounting was discontinued are currently recognized in Other (expense) income for each reporting period through the maturity dates of the fuel swaps. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we discontinued cash flow hedge accounting on certain fuel swap agreements, which resulted in immaterial gain. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we did not discontinue cash flow hedge accounting on any of our fuel swap agreements.
At December 31, 2017,2023, we have hedged the variability in future cash flows for certain forecasted fuel transactions occurring through 2021.2024 and 2026. As of December 31, 20172023 and 2016,December 31, 2022, we had the following outstanding fuel swap agreements:
Fuel Swap Agreements
As of December 31, 2023As of December 31, 2022
(metric tons)
Designated as hedges:
20241,054,501 825,651 
2025685,400 — 
202644,200 — 
 Fuel Swap Agreements
 As of December 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016
 (metric tons)
2017
 799,065
2018673,700
 616,300
2019668,500
 521,000
2020531,200
 306,500
2021224,900
 
Fuel Swap Agreements
As of December 31, 2023As of December 31, 2022
(% hedged)
Designated hedges as a % of projected fuel purchases:
202461 %50 %
202539 %— %
2026%— %

 Fuel Swap Agreements
 As of December 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016
 (% hedged)
Projected fuel purchases for year:   
2017
 60%
201850% 44%
201946% 35%
202036% 20%
202114% %
At December 31, 2017 and 2016, $23.72023, there was $21 million and $138.5 million, respectively, of estimated unrealized net loss associated with our cash flow hedges pertaining to fuel swap agreements werethat is expected to be reclassified to earnings from Accumulated

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other comprehensive loss income (loss)within the next 12 months.twelve months when compared to $8 million of estimated unrealized net loss at December 31, 2022. Reclassification is expected to occur as the result of fuel consumption associated with our hedged forecasted fuel purchases.
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


The fair value and line item caption of derivative instruments recorded within our consolidated balance sheets were as follows:follows (in millions):
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives
Balance Sheet
Location
 As of December 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016 Balance Sheet
Location
 As of December 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016
 Fair Value Fair Value Fair Value Fair Value
(In thousands)        
Fair Value of Derivative InstrumentsFair Value of Derivative Instruments
Asset DerivativesAsset DerivativesLiability Derivatives
Balance Sheet
Location
Balance Sheet
Location
As of December 31, 2023As of December 31, 2022Balance Sheet
Location
As of December 31, 2023As of December 31, 2022
Fair ValueFair ValueFair ValueFair ValueFair Value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20(1)
        
Interest rate swaps
Interest rate swaps
Interest rate swaps
Interest rate swapsOther assets $7,330
 $5,246
 Other long-term liabilities $46,509
 $57,679
Foreign currency forward contractsDerivative financial instruments 68,352
 
 Derivative financial instruments 
 5,574
Foreign currency forward contractsOther assets 158,879
 
 Other long-term liabilities 6,625
 68,165
Fuel swapsDerivative financial instruments 13,137
 
 Derivative financial instruments 38,488
 129,486
Fuel swapsOther assets 51,265
 13,608
 Other long-term liabilities 13,411
 95,125
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20 298,963
 18,854
 105,033
 356,029
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20        
Foreign currency forward contractsDerivative Financial Instruments 9,945
 
 Derivative financial instruments 2,933
 
Foreign currency forward contractsOther assets 2,793
 
 Other long-term liabilities 1,139
 
Fuel swapsDerivative financial instruments 7,886
 
 Derivative financial instruments 6,043
 11,532
Fuel swapsOther assets 798
 543
 Other long-term liabilities 813
 5,936
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20 21,422
 543
 10,928
 17,468
Total derivatives $320,385
 $19,397
 $115,961
 $373,497

(1)
Accounting Standard Codification 815-20 "Derivatives and Hedging."
(1)Subtopic 815-20 “Hedging-General” under ASC 815.
The carrying value and line item caption of non-derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments recorded within our consolidated balance sheets were as follows:follows (in millions):
 Carrying Value
Carrying ValueCarrying Value
Non-derivative instrument designated as
hedging instrument under ASC 815-20
 Balance Sheet Location As of December 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016Non-derivative instrument designated as
hedging instrument under ASC 815-20
Balance Sheet LocationAs of December 31, 2023As of December 31, 2022
(In thousands)    
Foreign currency debt Current portion of long-term debt $70,097
 $61,601
Foreign currency debt Long-term debt 225,226
 249,624

 
 $295,323
 $311,225
$
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:follows (in millions):

Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative and Hedged ItemAmount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on DerivativeAmount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Hedged Item
Derivatives and related Hedged Items under ASC 815-20 Fair Value Hedging RelationshipsYear Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021
Interest rate swapsInterest expense, net of interest capitalized$— $(4)$(1)$— $$11 
$— $(4)$(1)$— $$11 
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)




  Location of Gain
(Loss)
Recognized in
Income on
Derivative and
Hedged Item
 Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on Derivative
 Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on Hedged Item
Derivatives and Related Hedged Items
under ASC 815-20 Fair Value Hedging
Relationships
 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Year Ended December 31, 2016
(In thousands)          
Interest rate swaps Interest expense, net of interest capitalized $3,007
 $7,448
 $
 $7,203
Interest rate swaps Other expense (3,139) (3,625) 6,065
 5,072

 
 $(132) $3,823
 $6,065
 $12,275
The effect of derivative instruments qualifying and designated as cash flow hedging instruments on the consolidated financial statements was as follows:follows (in millions):
  Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income
on Derivatives
(Effective Portion)
 Location of Gain
(Loss) Reclassified
from Accumulated
OCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
 Amount of Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income into Income
(Effective Portion)
 Location of Gain
(Loss) Recognized
in Income on
Derivative
(Ineffective
Portion and Amount Excluded from
Effectiveness
Testing)
 Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income
on Derivative (Ineffective
Portion and
Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness testing)
Derivatives under
ASC 815-20 Cash Flow
Hedging Relationships
 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Year Ended December 31, 2016  Year Ended December 31, 2017 Year Ended December 31, 2016  Year Ended December 31, 2017 Year Ended December 31, 2016
(In thousands)                
Interest rate swaps $(13,312) $(31,049) Interest expense $(31,603) $(41,480) Other expense $
 $
Foreign currency forward contracts 276,573
 (51,092) Depreciation and amortization expenses (10,840) (8,114) Other expense 131
 
Foreign currency forward contracts 
 
 Other expense (9,472) (14,342) Other expense 
 (59)
Foreign currency forward contracts 
 
 Other indirect operating expenses 
 (207) Other expense 
 
Foreign currency collar options 
 
 Depreciation and amortization expenses (2,408) (2,408) Other expense 
 
Fuel swaps 
 
 Other expense 7,382
 13,685
 Other expense 
 
Fuel swaps 118,604
 156,139
 Fuel (141,689) (284,384) Other expense 2,738
 (751)
  $381,865
 $73,998
   $(188,630) $(337,250)   $2,869
 $(810)

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on Derivative
Derivatives under ASC 815-20 Cash Flow Hedging RelationshipsYear Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021
Interest rate swaps$11 $165 $46 
Foreign currency forward contracts24 (145)(204)
Fuel swaps(32)151 141 
$$171 $(17)
The effect of non-derivative instruments qualifying and designated as net investment hedging instruments on the consolidated financial statements was as follows:follows (in millions):
 Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)
 Location of Gain
(Loss) in Income
(Ineffective Portion
and Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness Testing)
 Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income (Ineffective Portion and
Amount Excluded from
Effectiveness Testing)
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Non-derivative instruments under ASC 815-20
Net Investment Hedging Relationships
 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Location of Gain
(Loss) in Income
(Ineffective Portion
and Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness Testing)
 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Year Ended December 31, 2016Non-derivative instruments under ASC 815-20
Net Investment Hedging Relationships
Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021
(In thousands) 
 
 
 
Foreign Currency Debt $(38,971) $20,295
 Other expense $
 $
 $(38,971) $20,295
 
 $
 $
$
The effect of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the consolidated financial statements was as follows:follows (in millions):
 Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized
in Income on Derivatives
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized
in Income on Derivative
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized
in Income on Derivative
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging
Instruments under ASC 815-20
 Location of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income
on Derivatives
 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Year Ended December 31, 2016Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging
Instruments under ASC 815-20
Location of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income
on Derivative
Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021
(In thousands)    
Foreign currency forward contracts Other expense $61,952
 $(51,029)
Fuel swaps Other expense (1,133) (1,000)

 
 $60,819
 $(52,029)
$
Credit Related Contingent Features
Our current interest rate derivative instruments may require us to post collateral if our Standard & Poor'sPoor’s and Moody'sMoody’s credit ratings arefall below specified levels. Specifically, under most of our agreements, if on the fifth anniversary of executing a derivative instrument, or on any succeeding fifth-year anniversary, our credit ratings for our senior unsecured debt were to beis rated below BBB- by Standard & Poor'sPoor’s and Baa3 by Moody's,Moody’s, then the counterparty maywill periodically have the right to demand that we post collateral in an amount equal to the difference between (i) the net market value of all derivative transactions with such counterparty that have reached their fifth year anniversary, to the extent negative, and (ii) the applicable minimum call amount.
The amount of collateral required to be posted following such event will change as, and to the extent, our net liability position increases or decreases by more than the applicable minimum call amount. If our credit rating for our senior unsecured debt is subsequently equal to or above BBB- by Standard & Poor'sPoor’s or Baa3 by Moody's,Moody’s, then any collateral posted at such time will be released to us and we will no longer be required to post collateral unless we meet the collateral trigger requirement, generally, at the next fifth-year anniversary. At
As of December 31, 2017, four of our interest rate derivative instruments had reached their fifth anniversary; however,2023, our senior unsecured debt credit rating was BBB-BB- by Standard & Poor's and Baa3B1 by Moody'sMoody's. As of December 31, 2023, five of our ship debt interest rate derivative hedges had reached their fifth-year anniversary; however, the net market value for these derivative hedges were in a net asset position, and accordingly, we were not required to post any collateral as of such date. As of December 31, 2016, two of our interest rate derivative instruments had reached their fifth anniversary. As our unsecured debt credit rating at December 31, 2016 was below BBB-/Baa3, we had posted $7.2 million in collateral as of such date. Consistent with the provisions of our interest rate derivatives instruments, all collateral that was posted with our counterparties was returned upon reaching investment grade.


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Note 15.17.Commitments and Contingencies
Ship Purchase Obligations
Our future capital commitments consist primarily of new ship orders. As of December 31, 2017,2023, we had two Quantum-class ships, twoone Oasis-class shipsship 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 30,50016,900 berths. As of December 31, 2023, we had one Edge-class ship on order for our Celebrity brand with capacity of approximately 3,250 berths. Additionally, as of December 31, 2017,2023, we have four ships of a new generation of ships, known as our Edge-class, and ahad one Evolution-class ship designed for the Galapagos Islands on order for our Celebrity Cruises brand with an aggregate capacity of approximately 11,700 berths.730 berths for our Silversea Cruises brand. The following provides further information on recent developments with respect to our ship orders.
During the second quarter of 2017,In December 2023, we entered into agreementsa credit agreement for the unsecured financing of Celebrity Xcel, the fifth Edge-class ship for approximately 80% of the ship’s contract price and our building contract with Meyer TurkuChantiers de l'Atlantique became effective. Bpifrance Assurance Export, the official French export credit agency, has agreed to build twoguarantee to the lenders 100% of the financing. The maximum loan amount under the facility is not to exceed the United States dollar equivalent of €850 million, or approximately $939 million based on the exchange rate at December 31, 2023. The loan will amortize semi-annually and will mature 12 years following delivery of the ship. Interest on the loan will accrue either at a floating rate equal to Term SOFR + 1.45%. Celebrity Xcel will have a capacity of approximately 3,250 berths.
In September 2019, Silversea Cruises entered into a credit agreement, guaranteed by us, for the unsecured financing of Silver Ray, the second Evolution-class ship for an amount of up to 80% of the ship's contract price through facilities to be guaranteed 95% by Euler Hermes, the official export credit agency of Germany. The maximum loan amount under the facility is not to exceed the United States dollar equivalent of €359 million or approximately $397 million, based on the exchange rate at December 31, 2023. The loan, once funded, will amortize semi-annually and will mature 12 years following the delivery of the ship. At our election, which has to be consistent across all tranches, interest on the loan will accrue either (1) at a fixed rate 4.18%, (inclusive of the applicable margin) or (2) at a floating rate equal to Term SOFR plus 1.26%. Silver Ray will have a capacity of approximately 730 berths. In September 2021, we amended the credit agreement for the second Evolution-class ship to increase their maximum loan amounts by €176 million on an aggregate basis, or approximately $194 million based on the exchange rate at December 31, 2023. At our election, which has to be consistent across all tranches, interest on the incremental portion of the loan will accrue either (1) at a fixed rate of 4.38% (inclusive of the applicable margin) or (2) at a floating rate equal to Term SOFR plus 1.46%. In October 2023, we amended the credit agreement for Silver Ray, to increase the maximum loan amount by €30 million or $34 million based on the exchange rate at December 31, 2023 At our election, which has to be consistent across all tranches, interest on the incremental portion will accrue either (1) at a fixed rate of 6.80% (inclusive of the applicable margin) or (2) at a floating rate equal to Term SOFR plus 1.40%.
In December 2019, we entered into a credit agreement for the unsecured financing of Utopia of the Seas, the sixth Oasis-class ship for up to 80% of the ship’s contract price through a facility to be guaranteed 100% by BpiFrance Assurance Export, the official export credit agency of France. Under the financing arrangement, we have the right, but not the obligation, to satisfy the obligations to be incurred upon delivery and acceptance of the ship under the shipbuilding contract by assuming, at delivery and acceptance, the debt indirectly incurred by the shipbuilder during the construction of the ship. The maximum loan amount under the facility is not to exceed the United States dollar equivalent of €1.3 billion, or approximately $1.4 billion based on the exchange rate at December 31, 2023. The loan will amortize semi-annually and will mature 12 years following delivery of the ship. Interest on the loan will accrue at a fixed rate of 3.00% (inclusive of margin). Utopia of the Seas will have a capacity of approximately 5,700 berths.
In December 2019, we entered into a credit agreement for the unsecured financing of the third Icon-class ships. Subsequently, in Octobership for up to 80% of the ship’s contract price. Finnvera plc, the official export credit agency of Finland, has agreed to guarantee 95% of the substantial majority of the financing, with a smaller portion of the financing to be 95% guaranteed by Euler Hermes. The maximum loan amount under the facility is not to exceed the United States dollar equivalent of €1.4 billion, or approximately $1.5 billion based on the exchange rate at December 31, 2023. The loan, once funded, will amortize semi-annually and will mature 12 years following the delivery of the ship. Approximately 60% of the loan will accrue interest at a fixed rate of 3.29%. The balance of the loan will accrue interest at a floating rate of Term SOFR plus 1.28%. The third Icon-class ship will have a capacity of approximately 5,600 berths.
During 2017, we entered into credit agreementsagreement for the unsecured financing of these shipsStar of the Seas, the second Icon-class ship for up to 80% of each ship’sthe contract price. For each ship, the official Finnish export credit agency, Finnvera plc, has agreed to guarantee 100% of a substantial majority of the financing to the lenders, with a smaller portion of the financing to be 95% guaranteed by Euler Hermes, the official German export credit agency.Hermes. The maximum loan amount under eachthe facility is not to exceed €1.4 billion, or approximately $1.7$1.5 billion, based on the exchange rate at December 31, 2017.2023. Interest on approximately 75% of eachthe loan will accrue at a fixed rate of 3.56% and 3.76% for the first and the second Icon-class ships, respectively,, and the balance will accrue interest at a floating rate ranging from LIBOR plus 1.10% to 1.15% and LIBOR plus 1.15% to 1.20% for the first and the second Icon-class ships, respectively. Each loan will amortize semi-annually and will mature 12 years following delivery of each ship. The first and second Icon-class ships will each have a capacity of approximately 5,650 berths and are expected to enter service in the second quarters of 2022 and 2024, respectively.

In July 2017, we entered into credit agreements for the unsecured financing of the third and fourth Edge-class ships and the fifth Oasis-class ship for up to 80% of each ship’s contract price through facilities to be guaranteed 100% by Bpifrance Assurance Export, the official export credit agency of France. Under these financing arrangements, we have the right, but not the obligation, to satisfy the obligations to be incurred upon delivery and acceptance of each ship under the shipbuilding contract by assuming, at delivery and acceptance, the debt indirectly incurred by the shipbuilder during the construction of each ship. The maximum loan amount under each facility is not to exceed €684.2 million in the case of the third Edge-class ship and the United States dollar equivalent of €714.6 million and €1.1 billion in the case of the fourth Edge-class ship and fifth Oasis-class ship, or approximately $857.9 million and $1.3 billion, respectively, based on the exchange rate at December 31, 2017. The loans will amortize semi-annually and will mature 12 years following delivery of each ship. Interest on the loans will accrue at a fixed rate of 1.28% for the third Edge-class ship and at a fixed rate of 3.18% for both, the fourth Edge-class ship and the fifth Oasis-class ship. The third and fourth Edge-class ships, each of which will have a capacity of approximately 2,900 berths, are expected to enter service in the fourth quarters of 2021 and 2022, respectively. The fifth Oasis-class ship will have a capacity of approximately 5,450 berths and is expected to enter service in the second quarter of 2021.

In September 2017, we entered into an agreement to purchase a ship for our Azamara Club Cruises brand. The sale is expected to be completed with the delivery of the ship scheduled for March 2018.

During 2016, we entered into credit agreements for the unsecured financing of our first two Edge-class ships for up to 80% of each ship’s contract price through facilities to be guaranteed 100% by COFACE, the official export credit agency of France. The ships will each have a capacity of approximately 2,900 berths and are expected to enter service in the fourth quarter of 2018 and the first half of 2020, respectively. Under these financing arrangements, we have the right, but not the obligation, to satisfy the obligations to be incurred upon delivery and acceptance of each vessel under the shipbuilding contract by assuming, at delivery and acceptance, the debt indirectly incurred by the shipbuilder during the construction of each ship. The maximum loan amount under each facility is not to exceed the United States dollar equivalent of €622.6 million and €627.1 million, or approximately $747.4 million and $752.8 million, respectively, based on the exchange rate at December 31, 2017, for the first Edge-class ship delivery and the second Edge-class ship

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)




delivery, respectively.ranging from Term SOFR plus 1.58% to 1.63%. The loansloan will amortize semi-annually and will mature 12 years following delivery of eachthe ship. Interest onStar of the loansSeas will accrue athave a fixed ratecapacity of 3.23%.approximately 5,600 berths.
Our future capital commitments consist primarily of new ship orders. As of December 31, 2017,2023, our Global Brands and our Partner Brands have eight ships on order.The table below sets forth, as of December 31, 2023, the dates that the ships on order are expected to be delivered, and their approximate berths. The expected delivery dates for all of our ships on order are subject to change due to events such as shipyard construction delays or agreed upon scope changes which impact the delivery timelines.
ShipShipyardExpected to be deliveredApproximate
Berths
Royal Caribbean International —
Oasis-class:
Utopia of the SeasChantiers de l’Atlantique2nd Quarter 20245,700
Icon-class:
Star of the SeasMeyer Turku Oy2nd Quarter 20255,600
UnnamedMeyer Turku Oy2nd Quarter 20265,600
Celebrity Cruises —
Edge-class:
Celebrity XcelChantiers de l’Atlantique4th Quarter 20253,250
Silversea Cruises —
Evolution-class:
Silver RayMeyer Werft2nd Quarter 2024730
TUI Cruises (50% joint venture) —
Mein Schiff 7Meyer Turku Oy2nd Quarter 20242,900
Mein Schiff RelaxFincantieri4th Quarter 20244,100
UnnamedFincantieri2nd Quarter 20264,100
Total Berths31,980
In addition, in February 2024, we entered into an agreement with Chantiers de l’Atlantique to build an additional Oasis class ship for delivery in 2028, which is contingent upon completion of certain conditions precedent including financing.
As of December 31, 2023, the aggregate cost of our ships on order, presented in the above table, not including any ships on order by our Partner Brands, was approximately $13.3$7.9 billion, of which we had deposited $465.7 million as of such date.$698 million. Approximately 54.0%43.5% of the aggregate cost was exposed to fluctuations in the Euro exchange rate at December 31, 2017.2023. Refer to Note 14. 16.Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments for further information.
Litigation
As previously reported, a lawsuit was filed against us in August 2019 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida (the "Court") under Title III of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act, also known as the Helms-Burton Act. The complaint filed by Havana Docks Corporation ("Havana Docks Action") alleges it holds an interest in the Havana Cruise Port Terminal, was expropriated by the Cuban government. The complaint further alleges that we trafficked in the terminal by embarking and disembarking passengers at these facilities. The plaintiffs seek all available statutory remedies, including the value of the expropriated property, plus interest, treble damages, attorneys’ fees and costs.
The Court entered final judgment in December 2022 in favor of the plaintiff and awarded damages and attorneys' fees to the plaintiff in the aggregate amount of approximately $112 million. We have appealed the judgment to the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. We believe we have meritorious grounds for and intend to vigorously pursue our appeal. During the fourth quarter of 2022, we recorded a charge of approximately $130 million to Other (expense) income within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) related to the Havana Docks Action, including post-judgment interest and related legal defense costs and bonding fees.
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


In addition, we are routinely involved in 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.
Operating Leases
We are obligated under other noncancelable operating leases primarily for offices, warehouses and motor vehicles. As of December 31, 2017, future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases were as follows (in thousands):
Year 
2018$29,420
201924,077
202020,113
202113,005
20229,639
Thereafter145,214
 $241,468
Total expense for all operating leases amounted to $29.3 million, $29.0 million and $29.7 million for the years 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
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, 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.

Some of the contracts that we enter into include indemnification provisions that obligate us to make payments to the counterparty if certain events occur. These contingencies generally relate to changes in taxes, increased lender capital costs and other similar costs. The indemnification clauses are often standard contractual terms and are entered into in the normal course of business. There are no stated or notional amounts included in the indemnification clauses and we are not able to estimate the maximum potential amount of future payments, if any, under these indemnification clauses. We have not been required to make any payments under such indemnification clauses in the past and, under current circumstances, we do not believe an indemnification in any material amount is probable.

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 the Boardour board of directors is no longer comprised of individuals who were members of the Boardour board of directors on the first day of such period, we may be obligated to prepay indebtedness outstanding under our credit facilities,

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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.
At December 31, 2017,2023, we have future commitments to pay for our usage of certain port facilities, marine consumables, services and maintenance contracts as follows (in thousands)millions):
Year
2024$157 
2025149 
2026173 
2027141 
2028116 
Thereafter925 
$1,661 
Year 
2018$214,444
2019152,345
2020130,225
202187,748
202262,255
Thereafter232,189
 $879,206
Note 16.Quarterly Selected Financial Data (Unaudited)
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 (In thousands, except per share data)
 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Total revenues(1)
$2,008,560
 $1,917,795
 $2,195,274
 $2,105,262
 $2,569,544
 $2,563,741
 $2,004,467
 $1,909,603
Operating income$279,522
 $163,127
 $419,697
 $282,273
 $737,488
 $734,963
 $307,349
 $296,842
Net income(2)
$214,726
 $99,140
 $369,526
 $229,905
 $752,842
 $693,257
 $288,039
 $261,086
Earnings per share:               
Basic$1.00
 $0.46
 $1.72
 $1.07
 $3.51
 $3.23
 $1.35
 $1.22
Diluted$0.99
 $0.46
 $1.71
 $1.06
 $3.49
 $3.21
 $1.34
 $1.21
Dividends declared per share$0.48
 $0.375
 $0.48
 $0.375
 $0.60
 $0.48
 $0.60
 $0.48

(1)Our revenues are seasonal based on the demand for cruises. Demand is strongest for cruises during the Northern Hemisphere's summer months and holidays.
(2)Amount for the first quarter of 2016 includes $21.7 million net loss related to the elimination of the Pullmantur reporting lag.

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