ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD - Quarter Report: 2023 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)


☒			QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2023


☐			TRANSITION 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						98-0081645
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)						(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)

N/A

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

RCL

New York Stock Exchange

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 ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

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 ☒

Accelerated filer ☐

Non-accelerated filer ☐

Smaller reporting company ☐

Emerging growth 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. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

There were 256,235,104 shares of common stock outstanding as of October 23, 2023.

Table of Contents

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.

TABLE OF CONTENTS


			Page

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements			1

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations			23

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk			39

Item 4. Controls and Procedures			39

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings			40

Item 1A. Risk Factors			40

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds			52

I tem 5. Other Information			52

Item 6. Exhibits			53

SIGNATURES			54

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(unaudited; in thousands, except per share data)


	Quarter Ended September 30,
	2023		2022
Passenger ticket revenues	$	2,941,481	$	2,020,974
Onboard and other revenues	1,218,972		972,101
Total revenues	4,160,453		2,993,075
Cruise operating expenses:
Commissions, transportation and other	632,075		484,054
Onboard and other	261,225		220,216
Payroll and related	293,629		304,369
Food	211,709		194,966
Fuel	272,408		316,214
Other operating	465,814		446,630
Total cruise operating expenses	2,136,860		1,966,449
Marketing, selling and administrative expenses	393,016		373,116
Depreciation and amortization expenses	365,473		355,085
Operating Income	1,265,104		298,425
Other income (expense):
Interest income	7,472		11,953
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized	(340,620)		(352,187)
Equity investment income	86,627		73,997
Other (expense) income	(7,905)		780
	(254,426)		(265,457)
Net Income	1,010,678		32,968
Less: Net Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,602		—
Net Income attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.	$	1,009,076	$	32,968
Earnings per Share:
Basic	$	3.94	$	0.13
Diluted	$	3.65	$	0.13
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic	256,188		255,071
Diluted	281,876		255,378
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net Income	$	1,010,678	$	32,968
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	11,495		11,498
Change in defined benefit plans	3,972		7,226
Gain (loss) on cash flow derivative hedges	19,561		(259,949)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	35,028		(241,225)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	1,045,706		(208,257)
Less: Comprehensive Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,602		—
Comprehensive Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.	$	1,044,104	$	(208,257)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(unaudited; in thousands, except per share data)


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2023		2022
Passenger ticket revenues	$	7,281,503	$	4,091,035
Onboard and other revenues	3,287,078		2,145,513
Total revenues	10,568,581		6,236,548
Cruise operating expenses:
Commissions, transportation and other	1,551,012		964,256
Onboard and other	640,175		450,225
Payroll and related	887,999		981,128
Food	613,795		450,376
Fuel	849,839		779,873
Other operating	1,341,821		1,205,452
Total cruise operating expenses	5,884,641		4,831,310
Marketing, selling and administrative expenses	1,288,719		1,138,571
Depreciation and amortization expenses	1,086,923		1,046,094
Operating Income (Loss)	2,308,298		(779,427)
Other income (expense):
Interest income	31,863		21,765
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized	(1,055,519)		(932,552)
Equity investment income	149,112		29,759
Other (expense) income	(8,676)		4,699
	(883,220)		(876,329)
Net Income (Loss)	1,425,078		(1,655,756)
Less: Net Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	5,151		—
Net Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.	$	1,419,927	$	(1,655,756)
Earnings (Loss) per Share:
Basic	$	5.55	$	(6.49)
Diluted	$	5.24	$	(6.49)
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic	255,822		254,953
Diluted	283,847		254,953
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net Income (Loss)	$	1,425,078	$	(1,655,756)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,686		31,958
Change in defined benefit plans	3,700		34,991
Loss on cash flow derivative hedges	(7,148)		(148,541)
Total other comprehensive loss	(1,762)		(81,592)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	1,423,316		(1,737,348)
Less: Comprehensive Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	5,151		—
Comprehensive Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.	$	1,418,165	$	(1,737,348)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share data)


	As of
	September 30,		December 31,
	2023		2022
	(unaudited)
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	600,117	$	1,935,005
Trade and other receivables, net of allowances of $7,899 and $11,612 at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively	360,151		531,066
Inventories	241,522		224,016
Prepaid expenses and other assets	508,832		455,836
Derivative financial instruments	70,087		59,083
Total current assets	1,780,709		3,205,006
Property and equipment, net	27,854,624		27,546,445
Operating lease right-of-use assets	529,721		537,559
Goodwill	809,206		809,277
Other assets, net of allowances of $62,777 and $71,614 at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively	1,794,412		1,678,074
Total assets	$	32,768,672	$	33,776,361
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt	$	2,043,965	$	2,087,711
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	80,983		79,760
Accounts payable	715,386		646,727
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	1,210,858		1,459,957
Derivative financial instruments	158,165		131,312
Customer deposits	5,032,328		4,167,997
Total current liabilities	9,241,685		8,573,464
Long-term debt	17,924,927		21,303,480
Long-term operating lease liabilities	517,337		523,006
Other long-term liabilities	488,534		507,599
Total liabilities	28,172,483		30,907,549

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; 284,483,109 and 283,257,102 shares issued, September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively)	2,845		2,832
Paid-in capital	7,422,041		7,284,852
Accumulated deficit	(287,502)		(1,707,429)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(644,976)		(643,214)
Treasury stock (28,248,125 and 28,018,385 common shares at cost, September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively)	(2,069,432)		(2,068,229)
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.	4,422,976		2,868,812
Noncontrolling Interests	173,213		—
Total shareholders’ equity	4,596,189		2,868,812
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	32,768,672	$	33,776,361

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements


ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited, in thousands)
	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2023		2022
Operating Activities
Net Income (Loss)	$	1,425,078	$	(1,655,756)
Adjustments:
Depreciation and amortization	1,086,923		1,046,094
Net deferred income tax benefit	(2,723)		(14,345)
Loss on derivative instruments not designated as hedges	30,904		175,686
Share-based compensation expense	79,315		24,285
Equity investment income	(149,112)		(29,759)
Amortization of debt issuance costs, discounts and premiums	84,015		129,957
Loss on extinguishment of debt	81,441		16,449
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in trade and other receivables, net	131,199		(173,555)
Increase in inventories, net	(17,506)		(86,962)
Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets	(43,721)		(108,429)
Increase in accounts payable trade	62,007		79,249
(Decrease) increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities	(247,065)		3,080
Increase in customer deposits	864,332		613,632
Other, net	(24,082)		(114,367)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	3,361,005		(94,741)
Investing Activities
Purchases of property and equipment	(1,328,643)		(2,543,266)
Cash received on settlement of derivative financial instruments	23,096		42,958
Cash paid on settlement of derivative financial instruments	(66,272)		(389,387)
Investments in and loans to unconsolidated affiliates	(21,997)		(614)
Cash received on loans from unconsolidated affiliates	35,583		14,030
Other, net	9,021		5,328
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,349,212)		(2,870,951)
Financing Activities
Debt proceeds	1,808,177		7,207,566
Debt issuance costs	(56,150)		(222,787)
Repayments of debt	(5,305,966)		(5,135,323)


Proceeds from sale of noncontrolling interest	209,320		—
Other, net	(815)		(16,556)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(3,345,434)		1,832,900
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(1,247)		(2,765)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(1,334,888)		(1,135,557)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,935,005		2,701,770
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	600,117	$	1,566,213

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements


ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited, in thousands)
	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2023		2022
Supplemental Disclosure
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest, net of amount capitalized	$	1,064,031	$	752,623
Non-cash Investing Activities

Purchase of property and equipment included in accounts payable and accrued expenses and other liabilities	$	24,394	$	26,026
Acquisition of property and equipment from assumed debt	$	—	$	275,000
Non-cash Financing Activity
Debt related to purchase of property and equipment	$	—	$	275,000

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(unaudited; in thousands)


	Common Stock		Paid-in Capital		Accumulated Deficit		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss		Treasury Stock		Noncontrolling Interest		Total Shareholders' Equity
Balance at July 1, 2023	$	2,844	$	7,406,818	$	(1,296,578)	$	(680,004)	$	(2,069,432)	$	177,434	$	3,541,082
Activity related to employee stock plans	1		14,479		—		—		—		—		14,480

Changes related to cash flow derivative hedges	—		—		—		19,561		—		—		19,561
Change in defined benefit plans	—		—		—		3,972		—		—		3,972
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—		—		—		11,495		—		—		11,495

Sale of noncontrolling interest	—		744		—		—		—		—		744
Noncontrolling interest	—		—		—		—		—		2,179		2,179
Dividends from noncontrolling interest	—		—		—		—		—		(6,400)		(6,400)
Net Income attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.	—		—		1,009,076		—		—		—		1,009,076
Balance at September 30, 2023	$	2,845	$	7,422,041	$	(287,502)	$	(644,976)	$	(2,069,432)	$	173,213	$	4,596,189


	Common Stock		Paid-in Capital		Accumulated Deficit		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss		Treasury Stock		Noncontrolling Interest		Total Shareholders' Equity
Balance at January 1, 2023	$	2,832	$	7,284,852	$	(1,707,429)	$	(643,214)	$	(2,068,229)	$	—	$	2,868,812
Activity related to employee stock plans	9		78,962		—		—		—		—		78,971
Convertible notes settlement	4		12,185		—		—		—		—		12,189
Changes related to cash flow derivative hedges	—		—		—		(7,148)		—		—		(7,148)
Change in defined benefit plans	—		—		—		3,700		—		—		3,700
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—		—		—		1,686		—		—		1,686
Purchase of treasury stock	—		—		—		—		(1,203)		—		(1,203)
Sale of noncontrolling interest	—		46,042		—		—		—		173,803		219,845
Noncontrolling interest	—		—		—		—		—		5,810		5,810
Dividends to noncontrolling interest	—		—		—		—		—		(6,400)		(6,400)
Net Income attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.	—		—		1,419,927		—		—		—		1,419,927
Balance at September 30, 2023	$	2,845	$	7,422,041	$	(287,502)	$	(644,976)	$	(2,069,432)	$	173,213	$	4,596,189

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(unaudited; in thousands)


	Common Stock		Paid-in Capital		Accumulated Deficit		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss		Treasury Stock		Total Shareholders' Equity
Balance at July 1, 2022	$	2,831	$	7,254,939	$	(1,240,191)	$	(551,252)	$	(2,068,229)	$	3,398,098
Activity related to employee stock plans	1		15,582		—		—		—		15,583
Changes related to cash flow derivative hedges	—		—		—		(259,949)		—		(259,949)
Change in defined benefit plans	—		—		—		7,226		—		7,226
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—		—		—		11,498		—		11,498
Net Income	—		—		32,968		—		—		32,968
Balance at September 30, 2022	$	2,832	$	7,270,521	$	(1,207,223)	$	(792,477)	$	(2,068,229)	$	3,205,424


	Common Stock		Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss		Treasury Stock		Total Shareholders' Equity
Balance at January 1, 2022	$	2,827	$	7,557,297	$	302,276	$	(710,885)	$	(2,065,959)	$	5,085,556
Activity related to employee stock plans	5		20,864		37		—		—		20,906
Cumulative effect of adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2020-06	—		(307,640)		146,220		—		—		(161,420)
Changes related to cash flow derivative hedges	—		—		—		(148,541)		—		(148,541)
Change in defined benefit plans	—		—		—		34,991		—		34,991
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—		—		—		31,958		—		31,958
Purchase of treasury stock	—		—		—		—		(2,270)		(2,270)
Net Loss	—		—		(1,655,756)		—		—		(1,655,756)
Balance at September 30, 2022	$	2,832	$	7,270,521	$	(1,207,223)	$	(792,477)	$	(2,068,229)	$	3,205,424

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, 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 "Silversea Cruises" refer to our wholly owned global cruise brands. Throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we also refer to our partner brands in which we hold an ownership interest, including “TUI Cruises” and "Hapag-Lloyd Cruises." However, because these partner 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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 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.

Note 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 Silversea Cruises (collectively, our "Global Brands"). We also own a 50% joint venture interest in TUI Cruises GmbH ("TUIC"), which operates the German brands TUI Cruises and Hapag-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 have a combined fleet of 64 ships as of September 30, 2023. Our ships offer a selection of worldwide itineraries that call on more than 1,000 destinations in over 120 countries on all seven continents.

Liquidity

As of September 30, 2023, we had liquidity of $3.3 billion, including $2.7 billion of undrawn revolving credit facility capacity, and $0.6 billion in cash and cash equivalents. We believe that we have sufficient liquidity to fund our obligations for at least the next twelve months from the issuance of these financial statements. Refer to Note 6. Debt for further information regarding refinancing transactions and our applicable financial covenants.

We will continue to pursue, as appropriate, various opportunities to raise capital to fund obligations associated with future debt maturities and/or to extend the maturity dates associated with our existing indebtedness or facilities.

Basis for Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements

The unaudited consolidated financial statements are presented pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In our opinion, these statements include all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results of the interim periods reported herein. Adjustments consist only of normal recurring items, except for any items discussed in the notes below. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted as permitted by such Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations. 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. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 for a discussion of our significant accounting policies.

All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. We consolidate entities over which we have control, usually evidenced by a direct ownership interest of greater than 50%, and variable interest entities where we are determined to be the primary beneficiary. Refer to Note 5. 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.

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements

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. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, except for the amendment on roll forward information which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. 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.

Reclassifications

For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 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 nine months ended September 30, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2023, we no longer separately present Amortization of debt discounts and premiums; (Decrease) increase 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; (Decrease) increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities; and Other, net, respectively, within Operating Activities to conform to the current year presentation. Additionally, we no longer separately present Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment and other assets in our cash flows from Investing Activities within our consolidated statements of cash flows. As a result, amounts presented in prior periods were reclassified to Other, net within Investing Activities to conform to the current year presentation.

Note 3. Revenues

Revenue Recognition

Revenues are measured based on consideration specified in our contracts with customers and are recognized as the related performance obligations are satisfied.

The majority of our revenues are derived from passenger cruise contracts which are reported within Passenger ticket revenues in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Our performance obligation under these contracts is to provide a cruise vacation in exchange for the ticket price. We satisfy this performance obligation and recognize revenue over the duration of each cruise, which generally ranges from two to 23 nights.

Passenger ticket revenues include charges to our guests for port costs that vary with passenger head counts. These type of port costs, along with port costs that do not vary by passenger head counts, are included in our cruise operating expenses. The amounts of port costs charged to our guests and included within Passenger ticket revenues on a gross basis were $252.3 million and $210.2 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $0.7 billion and $446.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, 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.

Disaggregated Revenues

The following table disaggregates our total revenues by geographic regions where we provide cruise itineraries (in thousands):


	Quarter Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2023		2022		2023		2022
Revenues by itinerary
North America (1)	$	2,275,292	$	1,638,226	$	6,620,877	$	3,871,356
Asia/Pacific	118,238		46,137		589,747		125,986
Europe	1,375,478		1,002,936		2,272,277		1,531,495
Other regions(2)	181,367		169,200		580,979		408,222
Total revenues by itinerary	3,950,375		2,856,499		10,063,880		5,937,059
Other revenues(3)	210,078		136,576		504,701		299,489
Total revenues	$	4,160,453	$	2,993,075	$	10,568,581	$	6,236,548

(1)Includes the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

(2) Includes seasonality impacted itineraries primarily in 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 5. 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 quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, our guests were sourced from the following areas:


	Quarter Ended September 30,
	2023		2022
Passenger ticket revenues:
United States	72	%	71	%
United Kingdom	10	%	11	%
All other countries (1)	18	%	18	%


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2023		2022
Passenger ticket revenues:
United States	74	%	75	%
All other countries (1)	26	%	25	%

(1)No other individual country's revenue exceeded 10% for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.

Customer Deposits and Contract Liabilities

Our payment terms generally require an upfront deposit to confirm a reservation, with the balance due prior to the cruise. Deposits received on sales of passenger cruises are initially recorded as Customer deposits in our consolidated balance sheets and subsequently recognized as passenger ticket revenues 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 $2.2 billion and $1.8 billion as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

During the pandemic we provided flexibility to guests with bookings on sailings cancelled due to COVID-19 by allowing guests to receive future cruise credits (“FCCs”). As of September 30, 2023, our customer deposit balance includes approximately $0.4 billion of unredeemed FCCs. Our FCCs are not refundable 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 future periods. Based on our current estimates, we recognized an immaterial amount of FCC breakage revenue during the quarter ended September 30, 2023. We will continue to monitor changes in redemption behavior and estimate and record revenue associated with breakage when the likelihood of the customer exercising their remaining rights becomes remote.

Contract Receivables and Contract Assets

Although we generally require full payment from our customers prior to their cruise, we grant credit terms to a relatively small portion of our revenue sourced in select markets outside of the United States. As a result, we have outstanding receivables from passenger cruise contracts in those markets. We also have receivables from credit card merchants for cruise ticket purchases and goods and services sold to guests during cruises that are collected before, during or shortly after the cruise voyage. In addition, we have receivables due from concessionaires onboard our vessels. These receivables are included within Trade and other receivables, net in our consolidated balance sheets.

Our credit card processors agreements require us, under certain circumstances, to maintain a reserve that can be satisfied by posting collateral. As of September 30, 2023, none of our credit card processors required us to maintain a reserve.

We have contract assets that are conditional rights to consideration for satisfying the construction services performance obligations under a service concession arrangement. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, our contract assets were $168.1 million and $167.9 million, respectively, and were included within Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. Given the short duration of our cruises and our collection terms, we do not have any other significant contract assets.

Assets Recognized from the Costs to Obtain a Contract with a Customer

Prepaid travel advisor commissions and prepaid credit and debit card fees are an incremental cost of obtaining contracts with customers that we recognize as an asset and include within Prepaid expenses and other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. Prepaid travel advisor commissions and prepaid credit and debit card fees were $230.5 million as of September 30, 2023 and $177.5 million as of December 31, 2022. Our prepaid travel advisor commissions and prepaid credit and debit card fees are recognized at the time of revenue recognition or at the time of voyage cancellation, and are reported primarily within Commissions, transportation and other in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).

Note 4. Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):


	Quarter Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2023		2022		2023		2022
Net Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. for basic earnings (loss) per share	$	1,009,076	$	32,968	$	1,419,927	$	(1,655,756)
Add convertible notes interest	20,269		—		67,605		—
Net Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. for diluted earnings (loss) per share	1,029,345		32,968		1,487,532		(1,655,756)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	256,188		255,071		255,822		254,953
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards	857		307		586		—
Dilutive effect of convertible notes	24,831		—		27,439		—
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	281,876		255,378		283,847		254,953
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	3.94	$	0.13	$	5.55	$	(6.49)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	3.65	$	0.13	$	5.24	$	(6.49)

Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing Net Income (Loss) by the weighted-average number of common stock outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share incorporates the incremental shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options and conversion of potentially dilutive securities. 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 potential common shares will be considered antidilutive, resulting in the same basic and diluted net loss per share amounts for those periods. There were no antidilutive shares for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to 30,532,145 and 31,085,736 antidilutive shares from our stock-based awards and convertible notes for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively.

Note 5. Investments and 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 previously announced 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 sold 80% of the entity which owns our terminal at PortMiami to the partnership. Refer below to equity method investments and controlled subsidiaries for further information on the transaction. In addition, the partnership has plans to 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 brands 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 September 30, 2023, the net book value of our investment in TUIC was $586.7 million, primarily consisting of $498.5 million in equity and a loan of €75.3 million, or approximately $79.7 million based on the exchange rate at September 30, 2023. As of December 31, 2022, the net book value of our investment in TUIC was $466.0 million, primarily consisting of $361.5 million in equity and a loan of €87.2 million, or approximately $93.0 million based on the exchange rate at December 31, 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 and is secured by a first priority mortgage on the ship.

TUIC has various ship construction and financing agreements which include certain restrictions on each of our and TUI AG’s ability to reduce our current ownership interest in TUI Cruises below 37.55% through May 2033. Our investment amount and outstanding term loan are substantially our maximum exposure to loss in connection with our investment in TUIC.

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. We have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of this facility as we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the facility’s economic performance. Accordingly, we do not consolidate this entity and 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 economic performance. Accordingly, we do not consolidate these entities and account for these investments under the equity method of accounting.

For further information on the measurements used to estimate the fair value of our equity method investments, refer to Note 11. Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments.

The following tables set forth information regarding our investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting, including the entities discussed above (in thousands):


	Quarter Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2023		2022		2023		2022
Share of equity income from investments	$	86,627	$	73,997	$	149,112	$	29,759
Dividends received (1)	$	628	$	—	$	4,455	$	986

(1) Represents dividends received net of tax withholdings during the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022.


	As of September 30, 2023		As of December 31, 2022
Total notes receivable due from equity investments	$	100,752	$	101,392
Less-current portion (1)	17,907		18,406
Long-term portion (2)	$	82,845	$	82,986

(1)Included within Trade and other receivables, net in our consolidated balance sheets.

(2)Included within Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets.

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 notes receivable for credit losses in connection with the preparation of our financial statements for the quarter ended September 30, 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 beginning and ending balances as of September 30, 2023 and 2022 primarily relate to credit losses recognized on notes receivable for the previous sale of certain property and equipment of $81.6 million. The notes receivable associated with previous sale of our property and equipment are related to loans that were originated in 2015 and 2020.

The following table summarizes our credit loss allowance related to receivables (in thousands):


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2023		2022
Balance, beginning of period	$	83,227	$	100,192
Credit loss (recovery), net	(9,975)		(8,466)
Write-offs	(2,576)		(9,024)
Balance, end of period	$	70,676	$	82,702

Note 6. Debt

Debt consists of the following (in thousands):


	Interest Rate (1)	Maturities Through	As of September 30, 2023		As of December 31, 2022
Fixed rate debt:
Unsecured senior notes	3.70% to 11.63%	2026 - 2030	$	7,898,670	$	7,199,331
Secured senior notes	8.25% to 11.50%	2025 - 2029	1,495,027		2,370,855
Unsecured term loans	1.28% to 5.89%	2027 - 2035	4,682,402		4,561,129
Convertible notes	2.88% to 6.00%	2023 - 2025	1,375,000		1,725,000
Total fixed rate debt			15,451,099		15,856,315
Variable rate debt(2):
Unsecured revolving credit facilities (3)	6.72% to 7.47%	2024 - 2025	350,000		2,744,105
USD unsecured term loan	6.30% to 10.05%	2023 - 2037	3,768,383		4,335,973
Euro unsecured term loan	5.28% to 6.11%	2023 - 2028	477,558		534,589
Total variable rate debt			4,595,941		7,614,667
Finance lease liabilities			327,334		351,332
Total debt (4)			20,374,374		23,822,314
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs			(405,482)		(431,123)
Total debt, net of unamortized debt issuance costs			19,968,892		23,391,191
Less—current portion			(2,043,965)		(2,087,711)
Long-term portion			$	17,924,927	$	21,303,480

(1) Interest rates based on outstanding loans as of September 30, 2023, and for variable rate debt include either LIBOR, EURIBOR or Term SOFR plus the applicable margin.

(2) During the quarter ended June 30, 2023, we completed our transition from LIBOR to Term SOFR rates for substantially all of our variable rate facilities, with such transition to take effect at the next respective interest reset date for each such facility.

(3) Advances under our $1.9 billion facility accrue interest at Term SOFR plus an interest rate margin ranging from 1.30% to 2.05%. Advances under our $1.1 billion facility accrue interest at Term SOFR plus an interest rate margin ranging from 1.70% to 2.05%. Based on applicable Term SOFR rates, as of September 30, 2023, the maximum interest rates under the $1.9 billion facility and the $1.1 billion facility was 7.47%. We also pay a facility fee for each facility ranging from 0.20% to 0.30% of the total commitments under such facility.

(4) At September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the weighted average interest rate for total debt was 6.40% and 6.23%, respectively.

Unsecured revolving credit facilities

In January 2023, we amended and extended our two unsecured revolving credit facilities. The amendments extended the maturities of $2.3 billion of the $3.0 billion aggregate revolving credit capacity by one year to April 2025, with the remainder maturing in April 2024. As of September 30, 2023, we had undrawn capacity of $2.7 billion under our unsecured revolving credit facilities. In October 2023, we refinanced both unsecured revolving credit facilities as well as the $501.6 million unsecured term loan scheduled to fully mature in October 2024. Following this refinancing, our aggregate revolving credit commitments are $3.5 billion. Of this amount, $1.6 billion is scheduled to mature in October 2028, $1.6 billion is scheduled to mature in October 2026, $242.5 million is scheduled to mature in April 2025 and the remaining balance is scheduled to mature in April 2024.

Convertible Notes

In June 2023, $350 million of our 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes matured. The notes were settled using a combination of $337.8 million in cash, and the issuance of approximately 374,000 shares of common stock. The issuance of equity increased additional paid-in capital by $12.2 million.

In August 2023, we notified the holders of our 2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due November 15, 2023 of our irrevocable election to settle notes to which holders elect to convert with a combination of cash and shares of our common stock.

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 an immaterial loss on extinguishment of debt.

In June 2023, we took delivery of Silver Nova. To finance the delivery, we borrowed a total of $503.2 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.

In June 2023, we repaid $392.0 million of our 11.50% secured senior notes due in June 2025, which resulted in a total loss on extinguishment of debt of $30.2 million that was recognized within Interest expense, net of interest capitalized within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. During the third quarter of 2023, we repaid an additional $500 million of these notes due in June 2025, resulting in a total loss on extinguishment of debt of $37.9 million that was recognized within Interest expense, net of interest capitalized within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2023.

In October 2023, we issued an irrevocable notice to redeem in early November 2023 the remaining $500 million balance of our 11.50% senior secured notes due June 2025. This redemption will be funded with existing liquidity.

Export credit agency guarantees

Except 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. As of September 30, 2023, we pay to the applicable export credit agency, depending on the financing agreement, an upfront fee of 2.35% to 5.48% of the maximum loan amount in consideration for these guarantees. We amortize the fees that are paid upfront over the life of the loan. We classify these fees within Amortization of debt issuance costs, discounts and premiums in our consolidated statements of cash flows. 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.

Debt covenants

Our revolving credit facilities, the majority of our term loans, and certain of our credit card processing agreements, 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 September 30, 2023, we were in compliance with our debt covenants and we estimate we will be in compliance for the next twelve months.

The following is a schedule of annual maturities on our total debt, including finance leases, as of September 30, 2023 for each of the next five years (in thousands):


Year	As of September 30, 2023 (1)
Remainder of 2023	$	735,423
2024	2,308,807
2025	2,828,609
2026	2,797,022
2027	3,534,356
Thereafter	8,170,157
	$	20,374,374

(1) Debt denominated in other currencies is calculated based on the applicable exchange rate at September 30, 2023.

Note 7. Leases

Operating Leases

Our operating leases primarily relate to preferred berthing arrangements, real estate and shipboard equipment, and 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 September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on our consolidated balance sheet. We recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Our operating leases include Silver Explorer, operated by Silversea Cruises. The operating lease for Silver Explorer will expire in the fourth quarter of 2023 and Silversea Cruises does not intend to renew the lease.

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 range from one to 10 years and the renewal periods for berthing agreements 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.

Finance Leases

Our finance leases primarily relate to buildings and surrounding land located at our Miami headquarters and our lease for the Silver Dawn ship. 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 September 30, 2023 and December 31, 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. The total aggregate amount of the finance lease liabilities recorded for this Master Lease was $56.8 million and $55.5 million as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

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 $250.6 million and $264.8 million as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The lease payments on the Silver Dawn are subject to adjustments based on the Term SOFR rate.

The components of lease expense were as follows (in thousands):


	Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Classification	Quarter Ended September 30, 2023		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Lease costs:
Operating lease costs	Commission, transportation and other	$	32,925	$	127,897
Operating lease costs	Other operating expenses	5,545		16,636
Operating lease costs	Marketing, selling and administrative expenses	5,350		16,354
Financial lease costs:
Amortization of right-of-use-assets	Depreciation and amortization expenses	5,792		17,374
Interest on lease liabilities	Interest expense, net of interest capitalized	7,658		22,386
Total lease costs		$	57,270	$	200,647


	Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Classification	Quarter Ended September 30, 2022		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Lease costs:
Operating lease costs	Commission, transportation and other	$	26,924	$	77,646
Operating lease costs	Other operating expenses	5,545		16,540
Operating lease costs	Marketing, selling and administrative expenses	4,545		14,191
Financial lease costs:
Amortization of right-of-use-assets	Depreciation and amortization expenses	6,115		18,311
Interest on lease liabilities	Interest expense, net of interest capitalized	5,942		15,196
Total lease costs		$	49,071	$	141,884

In addition, certain of our berthing agreements include variable lease costs based on the number of passengers berthed. During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2023, we had $13.2 million and $72.1 million of variable lease costs recorded within Commission, transportation and other in our consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss), respectively, compared to $12.6 million and $32.0 million of variable lease costs recorded within Commission, transportation and other in our consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively.

The weighted average of the remaining lease terms and weighted average discount rates are as follows:


	As of September 30, 2023		As of December 31, 2022
Weighted average of the remaining lease term in years
Operating leases	17.73		17.69
Finance leases	19.49		19.26
Weighted average discount rate
Operating leases	7.36	%	6.92	%
Finance leases	6.48	%	6.43	%

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases is as follows (in thousands):


	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$	130,746	$	92,859
Operating cash flows from finance leases	22,386		15,196
Financing cash flows from finance leases	$	25,135	$	42,791

As of September 30, 2023, maturities related to lease liabilities were as follows (in thousands):


Year	Operating Leases		Finance Leases
Remainder of 2023	$	33,596	$	11,892
2024	116,417		45,318
2025	108,407		44,827
2026	96,260		38,838
2027	76,559		37,358
Thereafter	830,371		707,296
Total lease payments	1,261,610		885,529
Less: Interest	(663,290)		(558,195)
Present value of lease liabilities	$	598,320	$	327,334

Note 8. Commitments and Contingencies

Ship Purchase Obligations

Our future capital commitments consist primarily of new ship orders. As of September 30, 2023, the dates that the ships on order by our Global and Partner Brands are expected to be delivered, subject to change in the event of construction delays, and their approximate berths are as follows:

Ship

Shipyard

Expected delivery

Approximate
Berths

Royal Caribbean International —

Oasis-class:

Utopia of the Seas

Chantiers de l'Atlantique

2nd Quarter 2024

5,700

Icon-class:

Icon of the Seas

Meyer Turku Oy

4th Quarter 2023

5,600

Star of the Seas

Meyer Turku Oy

2nd Quarter 2025

5,600

Unnamed

Meyer Turku Oy

2nd Quarter 2026

5,600

Celebrity Cruises —

Edge-class:

Celebrity Ascent

Chantiers de l'Atlantique

4th Quarter 2023

3,250

Unnamed

Chantiers de l'Atlantique

4th Quarter 2025

3,250

Silversea Cruises —

Evolution Class:

Silver Ray

Meyer Werft

2nd Quarter 2024

730

TUI Cruises (50% joint venture) —

Mein Schiff 7

Meyer Turku Oy

2nd Quarter 2024

2,900

Mein Schiff Relax

Fincantieri

4th Quarter 2024

4,100

Unnamed

Fincantieri

2nd Quarter 2026

4,100

Total Berths

40,830

During the quarter ended June 30, 2023, we received commitments for the unsecured financing of the fifth Edge-class ship for up to 80% of the ship’s contract price and our building contract with Chantiers de l'Atlantique became effective. Bpifrance Assurance Export, the official French export credit agency, has agreed to guarantee to the lenders 100% of the financing.

In June 2023, we amended the credit agreement for Celebrity Ascent, to increase the maximum loan amount by €32.1 million or $34.0 million based on the exchange rate at September 30, 2023. Interest on the incremental portion of the loan will accrue at a floating rate equal to Term SOFR plus 1.45%.

In September 2023, we amended the credit agreement for Icon of the Seas, to increase the maximum loan amount by €96.8 million or $102.5 million based on the exchange rate at September 30, 2023. Interest on the incremental portion of the loan will accrue at a floating rate equal to Term SOFR plus 1.10%.

In October 2023, we amended the credit agreement for Silver Ray, to increase the maximum loan amount by €30.3 million or $32.1 million based on the exchange rate at September 30, 2023 At our election, interest on the incremental portion will accrue either (1) at a fixed rate of 6.77% (inclusive of the applicable margin) or (2) at a floating rate equal to Term SOFR plus 1.40%.

As of September 30, 2023, the aggregate cost of our ships on order presented in the table above, not including any ships on order by our Partner Brands, was approximately $10.9 billion, of which we had deposited $1.1 billion as of such date. Refer to Note 11. Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments for further information.

Litigation

Act. The complaint filed by Havana Docks Corporation 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 plaintiff seeks 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.

Other

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 our board of directors is no longer comprised of individuals who were members of our board of directors on the first day of such period, we may be obligated to prepay indebtedness outstanding under our credit facilities, which we may be unable to replace on similar terms. Our public debt securities also contain change of control provisions that would be triggered by a third-party acquisition of greater than 50% of our common stock coupled with a ratings downgrade. If this were to occur, it would have an adverse impact on our liquidity and operations.

Note 9. Shareholders' Equity

Dividends

We did not declare any dividends during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022. We were previously restricted under certain of our 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 event 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 previously announced partnership with iCON. We sold 80% of the entity which owns our terminal at PortMiami for $208.9 million and retained a 20% minority interest. The cash consideration received, net of transaction costs, was allocated between paid-in capital and noncontrolling interest in the accompanying consolidated statement of shareholders' equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Refer to Note 5. Investments and Other Assets for further information on the transaction.

Note 10. Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):


	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023								Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
	Changes related to cash flow derivative hedges		Changes in defined benefit plans		Foreign currency translation adjustments		Accumulated other comprehensive loss		Changes related to cash flow derivative hedges		Changes in defined benefit plans		Foreign currency translation adjustments		Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Accumulated comprehensive loss at beginning of the year	$	(638,011)	$	(7,921)	$	2,718	$	(643,214)	$	(646,473)	$	(56,835)	$	(7,577)	$	(710,885)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	5,873		3,010		1,686		10,569		(18,061)		32,504		31,958		46,401
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	(13,021)		690		—		(12,331)		(130,480)		2,487		—		(127,993)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(7,148)		3,700		1,686		(1,762)		(148,541)		34,991		31,958		(81,592)
Ending balance	$	(645,159)	$	(4,221)	$	4,404	$	(644,976)	$	(795,014)	$	(21,844)	$	24,381	$	(792,477)

The following table presents reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):


	Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Income
Details About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components	Quarter Ended September 30, 2023		Quarter Ended September 30, 2022		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022		Affected Line Item in Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Gain (loss) on cash flow derivative hedges:
Interest rate swaps	$	14,951	$	(4,197)	$	35,389	$	(19,782)	Interest expense, net of interest capitalized
Foreign currency forward contracts	(4,379)		(4,363)		(13,105)		(12,722)		Depreciation and amortization expenses
Foreign currency forward contracts	—		(466)		(10,019)		(2,155)		Other (expense) income
Fuel swaps	—		18		—		(336)		Other (expense) income
Fuel swaps	16,485		43,490		756		165,475		Fuel
	27,057		34,482		13,021		130,480
Amortization of defined benefit plans:
Actuarial loss	—		(829)		(690)		(2,487)		Payroll and related
	—		(829)		(690)		(2,487)
Total reclassifications for the period	$	27,057	$	33,653	$	12,331	$	127,993

Note 11. Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments

Fair Value Measurements

The estimated fair value of our financial instruments that are not measured at fair value, categorized based upon the fair value hierarchy, are as follows (in thousands):


	Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2023										Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2022
Description	Total Carrying Amount		Total Fair Value		Level 1(1)		Level 2(2)		Level 3(3)		Total Carrying Amount		Total Fair Value		Level 1(1)		Level 2(2)		Level 3(3)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents(4)	$	600,117	$	600,117	$	600,117	$	—	$	—	$	1,935,005	$	1,935,005	$	1,935,005	$	—	$	—
Total Assets	$	600,117	$	600,117	$	600,117	$	—	$	—	$	1,935,005	$	1,935,005	$	1,935,005	$	—	$	—
Liabilities:
Long-term debt (including current portion of debt)(5)	$	19,641,558	$	20,856,937	$	—	$	20,856,937	$	—	$	23,039,859	$	22,856,306	$	—	$	22,856,306	$	—
Total Liabilities	$	19,641,558	$	20,856,937	$	—	$	20,856,937	$	—	$	23,039,859	$	22,856,306	$	—	$	22,856,306	$	—

(1) Inputs based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets that we have the ability to access. Valuation of these items does not entail a significant amount of judgment.

(2) Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the liability, either directly or indirectly. For unsecured revolving credit facilities and unsecured term loans, fair value is determined utilizing the income valuation approach. This valuation model takes into account the contract terms of our debt such as the debt maturity and the interest rate on the debt. The valuation model also takes into account the creditworthiness of the Company. 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 September 30, 2023 and December 31, 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 at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 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):


	Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2023								Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2022
Description	Total		Level 1(1)		Level 2(2)		Level 3(3)		Total		Level 1(1)		Level 2(2)		Level 3(3)
Assets:
Derivative financial instruments(4)	$	217,881	$	—	$	217,881	$	—	$	203,802	$	—	$	203,802	$	—
Total Assets	$	217,881	$	—	$	217,881	$	—	$	203,802	$	—	$	203,802	$	—
Liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments(4)	$	172,948	$	—	$	172,948	$	—	$	135,608	$	—	$	135,608	$	—
Total Liabilities	$	172,948	$	—	$	172,948	$	—	$	135,608	$	—	$	135,608	$	—

(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 September 30, 2023 and December 31, 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 September 30, 2023 and December 31, 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.

The reported fair values are based on a variety of factors and assumptions. Accordingly, the fair values may not represent actual values of the financial instruments that could have been realized as of September 30, 2023 or December 31, 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 nonfinancial instruments recorded at fair value as of September 30, 2023.

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.

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


	Gross Amounts not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet that are Subject to Master Netting Agreements
	As of September 30, 2023								As of December 31, 2022
	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 Liabilities		Cash Collateral Received		Net Amount of Derivative Assets
Derivatives subject to master netting agreements	$	217,881	$	(124,669)	$	—	$	93,212	$	203,802	$	(105,228)	$	—	$	98,574
Total	$	217,881	$	(124,669)	$	—	$	93,212	$	203,802	$	(105,228)	$	—	$	98,574
	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 Assets		Cash Collateral Pledged		Net Amount of Derivative Liabilities
Derivatives subject to master netting agreements	$	(172,948)	$	124,669	$	—	$	(48,279)	$	(135,608)	$	105,228	$	—	$	(30,380)
Total	$	(172,948)	$	124,669	$	—	$	(48,279)	$	(135,608)	$	105,228	$	—	$	(30,380)

Concentrations of Credit Risk

We monitor our credit risk associated with financial and other institutions with which we conduct significant business, and to minimize these risks, we select counterparties with credit risks acceptable to us and we seek to limit our exposure to an individual counterparty. Credit risk, including, but not limited to, counterparty nonperformance under derivative instruments, our credit facilities and new ship progress payment guarantees, is not considered significant, as we primarily conduct business with large, well-established financial institutions, insurance companies and export credit agencies many of which we have long-term relationships with and which have credit risks acceptable to us or where the credit risk is spread out among a large number of counterparties. As of September 30, 2023, we had counterparty credit risk exposure under our derivative instruments of $110.9 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. We do not anticipate nonperformance by any of our significant counterparties. In addition, we have established guidelines we follow regarding credit ratings and instrument maturities to maintain safety and liquidity. We do not normally require collateral or other security to support credit relationships; however, in certain circumstances this option is available to us.

Derivative Instruments

We are exposed to market risk attributable to changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and fuel prices. We try to mitigate these risks through a combination of our normal operating and financing activities and through the use of derivative financial instruments pursuant to our hedging practices and policies. The financial impact of these hedging instruments is primarily offset by corresponding changes in the underlying exposures being hedged. We achieve this by closely matching the notional amount, term and conditions of the derivative instrument with the underlying risk being hedged. Although certain of our derivative financial instruments do not qualify or are not accounted for under hedge accounting, our objective is not to hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.

We enter into various forward, swap and option contracts to manage our interest rate exposure and to limit our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and fuel prices. These instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at their fair value and the vast majority are designated as hedges. We also use non-derivative financial instruments designated as hedges of our net investment in our foreign operations and investments.

At inception of the hedge relationship, a derivative instrument that hedges the exposure to changes in the fair value of a firm commitment or a recognized asset or liability is designated as a fair value hedge. A derivative instrument that hedges a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows related to a recognized asset or liability is designated as a cash flow hedge.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated as fair value hedges are offset against changes in the fair value of the underlying hedged assets, liabilities or firm commitments. Gains and losses on derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges are recorded as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss until the underlying hedged transactions are recognized in earnings. The foreign currency transaction gain or loss of our non-derivative financial instruments and the changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as hedges of our net investment in foreign operations and investments are recognized as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss along with the associated foreign currency translation adjustment of the foreign operation or investment. In certain hedges of our net investment in foreign operations and investments, we exclude forward points from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and we 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. For 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. The methodology for assessing hedge effectiveness is applied on a consistent basis for each one of our hedging programs (i.e., interest rate, foreign currency ship construction, foreign currency net investment and fuel). For our regression analyses, we 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. 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.

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.

Interest Rate Risk

Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates primarily relates to our debt obligations, including future interest payments. At September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, approximately 85% and 75%, respectively, of our debt was effectively fixed-rate debt, which is net of 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 fixed-rate debt is the potential increase in fair value resulting from a decrease in interest rates. We use interest rate swap agreements that effectively convert a portion of our fixed-rate debt to a floating-rate basis to manage this risk. At September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there were no interest rate swap agreements for fixed-rate debt instruments.

We use interest rate swap agreements that effectively convert a portion of our floating-rate debt to a fixed-rate basis to manage the market risk of increasing interest rates. At September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we maintained interest rate swap agreements on the following floating-rate debt instruments:


Debt Instrument	Swap Notional as of September 30, 2023 (in thousands)		Maturity	Debt Floating Rate (3)		All-in Swap Fixed Rate as of September 30, 2023
Celebrity Reflection term loan	$	81,813	October 2024	LIBOR plus	0.40%	2.85%
Quantum of the Seas term loan	214,375		October 2026	LIBOR plus	1.30%	3.74%
Anthem of the Seas term loan	241,667		April 2027	LIBOR plus	1.30%	3.86%
Ovation of the Seas term loan	345,833		April 2028	LIBOR plus	1.00%	3.16%
Harmony of the Seas term loan (1)	305,818		May 2028	EURIBOR plus	1.15%	2.26%
Odyssey of the Seas term loan (2)	364,167		October 2032	LIBOR plus	0.96%	3.21%
Odyssey of the Seas term loan (2)	182,083		October 2032	LIBOR plus	0.96%	2.84%
	$	1,735,756

(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 September 30, 2023.

(2)Interest rate swap agreements hedging the term loan of Odyssey of the Seas include LIBOR zero-floors matching the debt LIBOR zero-floor.

(3)During the quarter ended June 30, 2023, we completed our transition from LIBOR to Term SOFR rates for substantially all of our Interest rate swap agreements, with such transition to take effect at the next respective interest reset date for each such agreement.

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

The notional amount of interest rate swap agreements related to outstanding debt as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was $1.7 billion and $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 to manage portions of the exposure to movements in foreign currency exchange rates. As of September 30, 2023, the aggregate cost of our ships on order was $10.9 billion, of which we had deposited $1.1 billion as of such date. These amounts do not include any ships placed on order that are contingent upon completion of conditions precedent and/or financing and any ships on order by our Partner Brands. Refer to Note 8. Commitments and Contingencies, for further information on our ships on order. At September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, approximately 40.1% and 52.3%, respectively, of the aggregate cost of the ships under construction was exposed to fluctuations in the Euro exchange rate. Our foreign currency forward contract agreements are accounted for as cash flow 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 third quarter of 2023 and 2022 the average notional amount of foreign currency forward contracts was approximately $1.4 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively. These instruments are not designated as hedging instruments. For the quarters ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, changes in the fair value of the foreign currency forward contracts resulted in losses of $42.8 million and $88.4 million, respectively, which offset gains arising from the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies in those same periods of $38.5 million and $84.0 million, respectively. These amounts were recognized in earnings within Other (expense) income in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, changes in the fair value of the foreign currency forward contracts resulted in losses of $30.4 million and $176.3 million, respectively, which offset gains arising from the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies in those same periods of $11.2 million and $169.7 million, respectively. These amounts were recognized in earnings within Other (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 September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was $4.0 billion and $2.9 billion, respectively.

Non-Derivative Instruments

We consider our investment in our foreign operations to be denominated in relatively stable currencies and to be of a long-term nature. We 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 €554.8 million, or approximately $587.3 million, as of September 30, 2023. As of December 31, 2022, we had designated debt as a hedge of our net investments primarily in TUI Cruises of €433.0 million, or approximately $461.9 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 income (expense) 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. For the quarter ended September 30, 2023, we discontinued cash flow hedge accounting on certain fuel swap agreements, which resulted in an immaterial gain. For the quarter ended September 30, 2022, we did not discontinue cash flow hedge accounting on any of our fuel swap agreements.

At September 30, 2023, we have hedged the variability in future cash flows for certain forecasted fuel transactions occurring through 2024 and 2025. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we had the following outstanding fuel swap agreements:


	Fuel Swap Agreements
	As of September 30, 2023	As of December 31, 2022
Designated as hedges:	(metric tons)
2023	224,100	825,651
2024	1,054,501	—
2025	685,400	—


	Fuel Swap Agreements
	As of September 30, 2023		As of December 31, 2022
Designated hedges as a % of projected fuel purchases:	(% hedged)
2023	54	%	50	%
2024	60	%	—	%
2025	39	%	—	%

As of September 30, 2023, there was $55.6 million of estimated unrealized net gain associated with our cash flow hedges pertaining to fuel swap agreements that is expected to be reclassified to earnings from Accumulated other comprehensive loss within the next twelve months when compared to $7.9 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.

The fair value and line item caption of derivative instruments recorded within our consolidated balance sheets were as follows (in thousands):


	Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
	Asset Derivatives					Liability Derivatives
	Balance Sheet Location	As of September 30, 2023		As of December 31, 2022		Balance Sheet Location	As of September 30, 2023		As of December 31, 2022
		Fair Value		Fair Value			Fair Value		Fair Value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20(1)
Interest rate swaps	Other assets	$	114,101	$	115,049	Other long-term liabilities	$	—	$	—
Foreign currency forward contracts	Derivative financial instruments	13,041		18,892		Derivative financial instruments	156,714		84,953
Foreign currency forward contracts	Other assets	8,587		25,504		Other long-term liabilities	14,332		149
Fuel swaps	Derivative financial instruments	57,046		40,191		Derivative financial instruments	1,451		46,359
Fuel swaps	Other assets	23,522		4,166		Other long-term liabilities	451		4,147
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments under 815-20		$	216,297	$	203,802		$	172,948	$	135,608
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20



Fuel swaps	Other Assets	1,584		—		Other long-term liabilities	—		—
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under 815-20		1,584		—			—		—
Total derivatives		$	217,881	$	203,802		$	172,948	$	135,608

(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 (in thousands):


		Carrying Value
Non-derivative instrument designated as hedging instrument under ASC 815-20	Balance Sheet Location	As of September 30, 2023		As of December 31, 2022
Foreign currency debt	Current portion of long-term debt	$	61,806	$	62,282
Foreign currency debt	Long-term debt	525,450		399,577
		$	587,256	$	461,859

The effect of derivative instruments qualifying and designated as hedging instruments and the related hedged items in fair value hedges on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) was as follows (in thousands):


Derivatives and Related Hedged Items under ASC 815-20 Fair Value Hedging Relationships	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative and Hedged Item	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative								Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Hedged Item
		Quarter Ended September 30, 2023		Quarter Ended September 30, 2022		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022		Quarter Ended September 30, 2023		Quarter Ended September 30, 2022		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Interest rate swaps	Interest expense, net of interest capitalized	$	—	$	966	$	—	$	(3,569)	$	—	$	(4,417)	$	—	$	4,534
		$	—	$	966	$	—	$	(3,569)	$	—	$	(4,417)	$	—	$	4,534

The effect of derivative instruments qualifying and designated as cash flow hedging instruments on the consolidated financial statements was as follows (in thousands):


Derivatives under ASC 815-20 Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss on Derivatives
	Quarter Ended September 30, 2023		Quarter Ended September 30, 2022		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Interest rate swaps	$	22,639	$	55,016	$	35,439	$	159,132
Foreign currency forward contracts	(133,669)		(148,275)		(120,921)		(311,252)
Fuel swaps	157,650		(132,208)		91,355		134,059
	$	46,620	$	(225,467)	$	5,873	$	(18,061)

The effect of non-derivative instruments qualifying and designated as net investment hedging instruments on the consolidated financial statements was as follows (in thousands):


	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Non-derivative instruments under ASC 815-20 Net Investment Hedging Relationships	Quarter Ended September 30, 2023		Quarter Ended September 30, 2022		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Foreign Currency Debt	$	18,262	$	22,464	$	7,024	$	42,023
	$	18,262	$	22,464	$	7,024	$	42,023

The effect of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the consolidated financial statements was as follows (in thousands):


		Amount of (Loss) Gain Recognized in Income on Derivatives
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under ASC 815-20	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	Quarter Ended September 30, 2023		Quarter Ended September 30, 2022		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Foreign currency forward contracts	Other (expense) income	$	(42,786)	$	(88,440)	$	(30,414)	$	(176,322)
Fuel swaps	Other (expense) income	592		(230)		592		36
		$	(42,194)	$	(88,670)	$	(29,822)	$	(176,286)

Credit Related Contingent Features

Our current interest rate derivative instruments require us to post collateral if our Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s credit ratings fall 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 is rated below BBB- by Standard & Poor’s and Baa3 by Moody’s, then the counterparty will 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 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’s or Baa3 by 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.

As of September 30, 2023, our senior unsecured debt credit rating was BB- by Standard & Poor's and B1 by Moody's. As of September 30, 2023, five of our 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.

Item 2. 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 Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes "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 our expectations for future periods, business and industry prospects or future results of operations or financial position, made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are forward-looking. Words such as "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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and, in particular, the risks discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in Part II, Item 1A herein.

All forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q speak only as of the date of this 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 is organized to present the following:

•a review 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 quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022; and

•a discussion of our liquidity and capital resources, including our future capital and material cash requirements and potential funding sources.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

For a discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates, refer to Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations within our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Seasonality

Our revenues are seasonal based on demand for cruises. Demand has 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, pre- and post-cruise tours and fees for operating certain port facilities. Onboard and other revenues also include revenues we receive from independent third-party concessionaires that pay us a percentage of their revenues in exchange for the right to provide selected goods and/or services onboard our ships, as well as revenues received for 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 advisor 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 2023 and 2022 periods, these items included (i) other expense (income); (ii) gain on sale of controlling interest; (iii) impairment and credit losses (recoveries); (iv) restructuring charges and other initiative expenses; and (v) equity investments impairment and recovery of losses. 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 that represents 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. A reconciliation of Earnings (Loss) per Share to Adjusted Earnings (Loss) per share is provided below under Results of Operations.

Adjusted Net Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is a non-GAAP measure that represents Net Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. 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) Silver Whisper deferred tax liability release; (v) impairment and credit losses (recoveries); (vi) the amortization of the Silversea Cruises intangible assets resulting from the Silversea Cruises acquisition in 2018; (vii) restructuring charges and other initiative expenses; and (viii) equity investments impairment and recovery of losses. A reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. to Adjusted Net Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Loss is provided below under Results of Operations.

Available Passenger Cruise Days (“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 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.

EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure that represents Net Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. excluding (i) interest income; (ii) interest expense, net of interest capitalized; (iii) depreciation and amortization expenses; and (iv) income tax benefit or expense. We believe that this non-GAAP measure is meaningful when assessing our operating performance on a comparative basis. A reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. to EBITDA is provided below under Results of Operations.

Gross Cruise Costs represent the sum of total cruise operating expenses plus marketing, selling and administrative expenses.

Net Cruise Costs and 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 Excluding 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 performance. A reconciliation of 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 and Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel excludes (i) the gain on sale of controlling interest; (ii) impairment and credit losses (recoveries); and (iii) restructuring and other initiative expenses.

Gross Margin Yield represent Gross Margin per APCD.

Adjusted Gross Margin represent Gross Margin, adjusted for payroll and related, food, fuel, other operating expenses, and depreciation and amortization. Gross Margin is calculated pursuant to GAAP as total revenues less total cruise operating expenses, and depreciation and amortization.

Net Yields represent Adjusted Gross Margin per APCD. We utilize Adjusted 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.

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.

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 measures, and as such, they may not be comparable to other companies within the industry.

We have not provided a quantitative reconciliation of projected non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures because preparation of meaningful U.S. GAAP projections 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 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.

Results of Operations

Summary

Net Income attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and Adjusted Net Income attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. for the third quarter of 2023 was $1.0 billion and $1.1 billion, compared to Net Income and Adjusted Net Income of $33.0 million and $65.8 million, respectively, for the third quarter of 2022.

Net Income attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and Adjusted Net Income attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $1.4 billion and $1.5 billion, compared to Net Loss and Adjusted Net Loss of $1.7 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

Significant items for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2023 include:

•Total revenues, increased $1.2 billion and $4.3 billion, respectively, for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. The increase is primarily driven by a 13.9% and 30.2% higher occupancy for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, as well as an increase in capacity, and ticket prices in 2023, compared to same periods in 2022.

•Total cruise operating expenses, increased $170.4 million and $1.1 billion, respectively, for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. The increase reflects our operations in 2023 at higher capacity and occupancy, compared to the same period in 2022.

•In January 2023, we amended and extended the majority of our two unsecured revolving credit facilities. The amendment extended the maturities 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 February 2023, we issued $0.7 billion aggregate principal amount of 7.25% Priority Guaranteed Notes. Upon closing, we terminated our commitment for the $0.7 billion 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 the transaction, we sold 80% of PortMiami to the partnership for $208.9 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 5. Investments and Other Assets in our consolidated financial statements for further information on the transaction.

•In June 2023, we took delivery of Silver Nova.

•In June 2023, our 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes with an outstanding balance of $350 million were settled using a combination of $337.8 million in cash, and the issuance of approximately 374,000 shares of common stock. The issuance of equity increased additional paid-in capital by $12.2 million.

•During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we repaid $0.9 billion of our 11.50% secured senior notes due in June 2025.

For further information regarding the debt transactions discussed above, refer to Note 6. Debt to our consolidated financial statements.

Operating results for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 are shown in the following table (in thousands, except per share data):


	Quarter Ended September 30,
	2023				2022
			% of Total Revenues				% of Total Revenues
Passenger ticket revenues	$	2,941,481	70.7	%	$	2,020,974	67.5	%
Onboard and other revenues	1,218,972		29.3	%	972,101		32.5	%
Total revenues	4,160,453		100.0	%	2,993,075		100.0	%
Cruise operating expenses:
Commissions, transportation and other	632,075		15.2	%	484,054		16.2	%
Onboard and other	261,225		6.3	%	220,216		7.4	%
Payroll and related	293,629		7.1	%	304,369		10.2	%
Food	211,709		5.1	%	194,966		6.5	%
Fuel	272,408		6.5	%	316,214		10.6	%
Other operating	465,814		11.2	%	446,630		14.9	%
Total cruise operating expenses	2,136,860		51.4	%	1,966,449		65.7	%
Marketing, selling and administrative expenses	393,016		9.4	%	373,116		12.5	%
Depreciation and amortization expenses	365,473		8.8	%	355,085		11.9	%
Operating Income	1,265,104		30.4	%	298,425		10.0	%
Other income (expense):
Interest income	7,472		0.2	%	11,953		0.4	%
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized	(340,620)		(8.2)	%	(352,187)		(11.8)	%
Equity investment income	86,627		2.1	%	73,997		2.5	%
Other (expense) income	(7,905)		(0.2)	%	780		—	%
	(254,426)		(6.1)	%	(265,457)		(8.9)	%
Net Income	1,010,678		24.3	%	32,968		1.1	%
Less: Net Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,602		—	%	—		—	%
Net Income attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.	$	1,009,076	24.3	%	$	32,968	1.1	%
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share	$	3.65			$	0.13


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2023				2022
			% of Total Revenues				% of Total Revenues
Passenger ticket revenues	$	7,281,503	68.9	%	$	4,091,035	65.6	%
Onboard and other revenues	3,287,078		31.1	%	2,145,513		34.4	%
Total revenues	10,568,581		100.0	%	6,236,548		100.0	%
Cruise operating expenses:
Commissions, transportation and other	1,551,012		14.7	%	964,256		15.5	%
Onboard and other	640,175		6.1	%	450,225		7.2	%
Payroll and related	887,999		8.4	%	981,128		15.7	%
Food	613,795		5.8	%	450,376		7.2	%
Fuel	849,839		8.0	%	779,873		12.5	%
Other operating	1,341,821		12.7	%	1,205,452		19.3	%
Total cruise operating expenses	5,884,641		55.7	%	4,831,310		77.5	%
Marketing, selling and administrative expenses	1,288,719		12.2	%	1,138,571		18.3	%
Depreciation and amortization expenses	1,086,923		10.3	%	1,046,094		16.8	%
Operating Income (Loss)	2,308,298		21.8	%	(779,427)		(12.5)	%
Other income (expense):
Interest income	31,863		0.3	%	21,765		0.3	%
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized	(1,055,519)		(10.0)	%	(932,552)		(15.0)	%
Equity investment income	149,112		1.4	%	29,759		0.5	%
Other (expense) income	(8,676)		(0.1)	%	4,699		0.1	%
	(883,220)		(8.4)	%	(876,329)		(14.1)	%
Net Income (Loss)	1,425,078		13.5	%	(1,655,756)		(26.5)	%
Less: Net Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	5,151		—	%	—		—	%
Net Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.	$	1,419,927	13.4	%	$	(1,655,756)	(26.5)	%
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share	$	5.24			$	(6.49)

Net Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and Adjusted Net Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, were calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share data):


	Quarter Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2023		2022		2023		2022
Net Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.	$	1,009,076	$	32,968	$	1,419,927	$	(1,655,756)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	37,923		16,449		81,441		16,449
Gain on sale of controlling interest (1)	—		—		(3,130)		—
PortMiami tax on sale of noncontrolling interest (2)	—		—		10,020		—
Silver Whisper deferred tax liability release (3)	—		—		(25,784)		—
Impairment and credit losses (recoveries) (4)	—		10,186		(6,990)		(584)
Amortization of Silversea Cruises intangible assets resulting from the Silversea Cruises acquisition (5)	1,623		1,623		4,869		4,870
Restructuring charges and other initiative expenses	—		4,573		5,288		6,448
Equity investments impairment and recovery of losses (6)	16,672		—		12,444		—
Adjusted Net Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.	$	1,065,294	$	65,799	$	1,498,085	$	(1,628,573)

Basic:
Earnings (Loss) per Share	$	3.94	$	0.13	$	5.55	$	(6.49)
Adjusted Earnings (Loss) per Share	$	4.16	$	0.26	$	5.86	$	(6.39)

Diluted:
Earnings (Loss) per Share (7)	$	3.65	$	0.13	$	5.24	$	(6.49)
Adjusted Earnings (Loss) per Share (7)	$	3.85	$	0.26	$	5.52	$	(6.39)

Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic	256,188		255,071		255,822		254,953
Diluted	281,876		255,378		283,847		254,953

(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). Refer to Note 5. Investments and Other Assets to our consolidated financial statements for further information on the transaction.

(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).

(5)Represents the amortization of the Silversea Cruises intangible assets resulting from the 2018 Silversea Cruises acquisition.

(6)For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2023, represents equity method impairments of $12.6 million and recognition of deferred currency translation adjustment losses of $4.0 million. These amounts are included in Equity investment income and Other (expense) income within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), respectively. Additionally, the nine months ended September 30, 2023, includes a $4.2 million recovery of losses from one of our equity method investees recognized during the second quarter of 2023. This amount is included in Equity investment income within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).

(7)Diluted EPS and Adjusted Diluted EPS includes the add-back of dilutive interest expense related to our convertible notes of $20.3 million and $67.6 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. Refer to Note 4. Earnings (Loss) Per Share to our consolidated financial statements for further information.

Selected statistical information is shown in the following table:


	Quarter Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2023		2022		2023		2022
Passengers Carried	1,999,764		1,714,774		5,706,843		3,790,205
Passenger Cruise Days	13,172,002		11,136,331		36,944,034		23,998,975
APCD	12,011,593		11,564,662		34,953,919		29,553,564
Occupancy	109.7	%	96.3	%	105.7	%	81.2	%

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


	Quarter Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2023		2022		2023		2022
Net Income (Loss) attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.	$	1,009,076	$	32,968	$	1,419,927	$	(1,655,756)
Interest income	(7,472)		(11,953)		(31,863)		(21,765)
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized	340,620		352,187		1,055,519		932,552
Depreciation and amortization expenses	365,473		355,085		1,086,923		1,046,094
Income tax expense (benefit) (1)	6,876		(38)		6,339		4,515
EBITDA	1,714,573		728,249		3,536,845		305,640

Other expense (income) (2)	1,029		(742)		2,337		(9,214)
Gain on sale of controlling interest (3)	—		—		(3,130)		—
Impairment and credit losses (recoveries) (4)	—		10,186		(6,990)		(584)
Restructuring charges and other initiative expenses	—		4,573		5,288		6,448
Equity investment impairment and recovery of losses (5)	12,634		—		8,406		—
Adjusted EBITDA	$	1,728,236	$	742,266	$	3,542,756	$	302,290

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

(2) Represents net non-operating income or expense. For the periods reported, primarily relates to gains or losses arising from the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. 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).

(5) For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2023, represents equity method impairments of $12.6 million. Additionally, the nine months ended September 30, 2023, includes a $4.2 million recovery of losses from one of our

equity method investees recognized during the second quarter of 2023. These amounts are included in Equity investment income within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).

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


	Quarter Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2023		2022		2023		2022
Total revenue	$	4,160,453	$	2,993,075	$	10,568,581	$	6,236,548
Less:
Cruise operating expenses	2,136,860		1,966,449		5,884,641		4,831,310
Depreciation and amortization expenses	365,473		355,085		1,086,923		1,046,094

Gross Margin	1,658,120		671,541		3,597,017		359,144
Add:
Payroll and related	293,629		304,369		887,999		981,128
Food	211,709		194,966		613,795		450,376
Fuel	272,408		316,214		849,839		779,873
Other operating	465,814		446,630		1,341,821		1,205,452
Depreciation and amortization expenses	365,473		355,085		1,086,923		1,046,094
Adjusted Gross Margin	$	3,267,153	$	2,288,805	$	8,377,394	$	4,822,067

APCD	12,011,593		11,564,662		34,953,919		29,553,564
Gross Margin Yields	$	138.04	$	58.07	$	102.91	$	12.15
Net Yields	$	272.00	$	197.91	$	239.67	$	163.16

Gross Cruise Costs, Net Cruise Costs and Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel were calculated as follows (in thousands, except APCD and costs per APCD):


	Quarter Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2023		2022		2023		2022
Total cruise operating expenses	$	2,136,860	$	1,966,449	$	5,884,641	$	4,831,310
Marketing, selling and administrative expenses	393,016		373,116		1,288,719		1,138,571
Gross Cruise Costs	2,529,876		2,339,565		7,173,360		5,969,881
Less:
Commissions, transportation and other	632,075		484,054		1,551,012		964,256
Onboard and other	261,225		220,216		640,175		450,225
Net Cruise Costs Including Other Costs	1,636,576		1,635,295		4,982,173		4,555,400
Less:
Gain on sale of controlling interest (1)	—		—		(3,130)		—
Impairment and credit recoveries (2)	—		10,186		(6,990)		(584)
Restructuring charges and other initiative expenses (3)	—		4,573		5,288		6,448
Net Cruise Costs	1,636,576		1,620,536		4,987,005		4,549,536
Less:
Fuel	272,408		316,214		849,839		779,873
Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel	$	1,364,168	$	1,304,322	$	4,137,166	$	3,769,663

APCD	12,011,593		11,564,662		34,953,919		29,553,564
Gross Cruise Costs per APCD	$	210.62	$	202.30	$	205.22	$	202.00
Net Cruise Costs per APCD	$	136.25	$	140.13	$	142.67	$	153.94
Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel per APCD	$	113.57	$	112.79	$	118.36	$	127.55

(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 losses 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).

(3) These amounts are included in Marketing, selling and administrative expenses within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).

Quarter Ended September 30, 2023 Compared to Quarter Ended September 30, 2022

In this section, references to 2023 refer to the quarter ended September 30, 2023 and references to 2022 refer to the quarter ended September 30, 2022.

Revenues

Total revenues for 2023 increased $1.2 billion to $4.2 billion from $3.0 billion in 2022.

Passenger ticket revenues comprised 70.7% of our 2023 total revenues. Passenger ticket revenues for 2023 increased by $0.9 billion, or 45.5% to $2.9 billion from $2.0 billion in 2022. The increase was primarily due to higher ticket prices which increased ticket revenues by $0.8 billion compared to the same period in 2022. Additionally, the increase is complemented by an increase in occupancy of 13.9% in 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.

The remaining 29.3% of 2023 total revenues was comprised of Onboard and other revenues, which increased $246.9 million, or 25.4% to $1.2 billion in 2023 from $1.0 billion in 2022. The increase was primarily due to an increase in prices and occupancy noted above in 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.

Onboard and other revenues included concession revenues of $126.2 million in 2023 and $104.4 million in 2022.

Cruise Operating Expenses

Total Cruise operating expenses for 2023 increased $170.4 million to $2.1 billion from $2.0 billion in 2022. The increase was primarily due to:

•a $148.0 million increase in Commissions, transportation and other expenses; and

•a $41.0 million increase in Onboard and other expenses;

The increase in operating expenses noted above reflects our operations in 2023 at higher occupancy compared to the same period in 2022.

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Other comprehensive income was $35.0 million in 2023 compared to other comprehensive loss of $(241.2) million for the same period in 2022. The increase of $276.3 million, or 114.5% was primarily due to a Gain on cash flow derivative hedges in 2023 of $19.6 million compared to a Loss on cash flow derivative hedges in 2022 of $(259.9) million, mostly as a result of a significant increase in fair value of our fuel swaps in 2023 compared to 2022.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022

In this section, references to 2023 refer to the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and references to 2022 refer to the nine months ended September 30, 2022

Revenues

Total revenues for 2023 increased $4.3 billion to $10.6 billion from $6.2 billion in 2022.

Passenger ticket revenues comprised 68.9% of our 2023 total revenues. Passenger ticket revenues for 2023 increased by $3.2 billion to $7.3 billion from $4.1 billion in 2022. The increase was primarily due to a 30.2% increase in occupancy reflecting our full operations in 2023, compared to a partial return to operations during the first half of 2022 and full operations in the third quarter of 2022, higher ticket prices which increased ticket revenues by $2.4 billion, and higher capacity of 18.3% compared to the same period in 2022.

The remaining 31.1% of 2023 total revenues was comprised of Onboard and other revenues, which increased $1.1 billion to $3.3 billion in 2023 from $2.1 billion in 2022. The increase was primarily due to an increase in occupancy and higher capacity, as noted above, in 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.

The increase in revenues reflect our full operations in 2023, compared to a partial return to operations during the first half of 2022 and full operations in the third quarter of 2022. Occupancy in 2023 was 105.7% compared to 81.2% in 2022.

Onboard and other revenues included concession revenues of $347.7 million in 2023 and $233.4 million in 2022.

Cruise Operating Expenses

Total Cruise operating expenses for 2023 increased $1.1 billion to $5.9 billion from $4.8 billion in 2022. The increase was primarily due to:

•a $586.8 million increase in Commissions, transportation and other expenses;

•a $190.0 million increase in Onboard and other expenses;

•a $163.4 million increase in Food expense;

•a $136.4 million increase in Other operating expense; and

•a $70.0 million increase in Fuel expense.

The increase in operating expenses noted above reflects full operations in 2023; including additional capacity and higher occupancy compared to the same period in 2022, offset by a decrease of $93.1 million in payroll and related due to additional costs incurred during our return to service in 2022, which did not recur in 2023.

Marketing, Selling and Administrative Expenses

Marketing, selling and administrative expenses for 2023 increased $150.1 million, or 13.2%, to $1.3 billion from $1.1 billion in 2022, driven by an increase in headcount and higher stock price year over year related to our performance share awards.

Other Income (Expense)

Interest expense, net of interest capitalized for 2023 increased $123.0 million, or 13.2%, to $1.1 billion from $0.9 billion in 2022. The increase was primarily due to loss on extinguishment of debt of $81.4 million including partial repayments of the 11.50% senior secured notes due 2025 in 2023, compared to $16.4 million in 2022, higher rates on refinancing transactions that were completed in 2022, as well as the impact of higher rates on floating-rate debt compared to the same period in 2022.

Equity investment income for 2023 increased $119.4 million, or 401.1%, to $149.1 million from $29.8 million in 2022. The increase in income was primarily due to increase of income from TUI Cruises, one of our equity investments, in 2023 compared to 2022.

Other Comprehensive Loss

Other comprehensive loss for 2023 decreased $79.8 million, or 97.8%, to $(1.8) million from $(81.6) million in 2022. The decrease was primarily due to decrease in Loss on cash flow derivative hedges of $141.4 million, to $(7.1) million from $(148.5) million in 2022, which was mostly as a result of a significant increase in fair value of our fuel swaps in 2023 compared to 2022.

Future Application of Accounting Standards

Refer to Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources and Uses of Cash

Net cash provided by operating activities was $3.4 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to cash used of $94.7 million for the same period in 2022. The increase of $3.5 billion was primarily attributable to higher occupancy and bookings in 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.

Net cash used in investing activities decreased $1.5 billion to cash used of $1.3 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to cash used of $2.9 billion for the same period in 2022. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in capital expenditures of $1.2 billion during 2023, compared to the same period in 2022, due to the delivery of Wonder of the Seas, Celebrity Beyond, and Silver Endeavour in 2022 compared to the delivery of Silver Nova during the same period in 2023, and a decrease in cash paid on the settlement of derivative financial instruments of $323.1 million during 2023, compared to the same period in 2022.

Net cash used in financing activities was $3.3 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to cash provided by financing activities of $1.8 billion for the same period in 2022. The change of $5.2 billion was primarily

attributable to a decrease of $5.4 billion in debt proceeds in 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, and an increase in repayments of debt of $170 million in 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. The change is partially offset by proceeds received of $209.3 million for the sale of noncontrolling interest of PortMiami during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

Future Capital Commitments

Capital Expenditures

Ship

Shipyard

Expected delivery

Approximate
Berths

Royal Caribbean International —

Oasis-class:

Utopia of the Seas

Chantiers de l'Atlantique

2nd Quarter 2024

5,700

Icon-class:

Icon of the Seas

Meyer Turku Oy

4th Quarter 2023

5,600

Star of the Seas

Meyer Turku Oy

2nd Quarter 2025

5,600

Unnamed

Meyer Turku Oy

2nd Quarter 2026

5,600

Celebrity Cruises —

Edge-class:

Celebrity Ascent

Chantiers de l'Atlantique

4th Quarter 2023

3,250

Unnamed

Chantiers de l'Atlantique

4th Quarter 2025

3,250

Silversea Cruises —

Evolution Class:

Silver Ray

Meyer Werft

2nd Quarter 2024

730

TUI Cruises (50% joint venture) —

Mein Schiff 7

Meyer Turku Oy

2nd Quarter 2024

2,900

Mein Schiff Relax

Fincantieri

4th Quarter 2024

4,100

Unnamed

Fincantieri

2nd Quarter 2026

4,100

Total Berths

40,830

During the quarter ended June 30, 2023, we received commitments for the unsecured financing of the fifth Edge-class ship, estimated for delivery in 2025.

Our future capital commitments consist primarily of new ship orders. As of September 30, 2023, the aggregate expected cost of our ships on order presented in the table above, excluding any ships on order by our Partner Brands, was $10.9 billion, of which we had deposited $1.1 billion. Approximately 40.1% of the aggregate cost was exposed to fluctuations in the Euro exchange rate at September 30, 2023. Refer to Note 8. Commitments and Contingencies and Note 11. Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments to our consolidated financial statement.

As of September 30, 2023, we anticipate overall full year capital expenditures, based on our existing ships on order, will be approximately $4.1 billion for 2023. This amount does not include any ships on order by our Partner Brands.

Material Cash Requirements

As of September 30, 2023, our material cash requirements were as follows (in thousands):


	Remainder of
	2023		2024		2025		2026		2027		Thereafter		Total
Operating Activities:
Interest on debt(1)	$	245,402	$	1,137,309	$	1,029,177	$	858,112	$	721,443	$	1,305,138	$	5,296,581
Other(2)	15,650		69,030		95,010		120,684		133,745		927,446		1,361,565
Investing Activities:
Ship purchase obligations(3)	2,008,276		1,904,847		2,093,766		1,223,947		—		—		7,230,836
Total	$	2,269,328	$	3,111,186	$	3,217,953	$	2,202,743	$	855,188	$	2,232,584	$	13,888,982

(1) Long-term debt obligations mature at various dates through fiscal year 2037 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 September 30, 2023. Debt denominated in other currencies is calculated based on the applicable exchange rate at September 30, 2023.

(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 are based on contractual installment and delivery dates for our ships on order. Included in these figures are $6.0 billion in final contractual installments, which have committed financing with sovereign guarantees covering 80% of the cost of the ships on order for our Global Brands. Amounts do not include potential obligations which remain subject to cancellation at our sole discretion or any agreements entered for ships on order that remain contingent upon completion of conditions precedent.

Refer to Note 6. Debt for maturities related to debt.

Refer to Note 7. Leases for maturities related to lease liabilities.

Refer to Funding Needs and Sources for discussion on the planned funding of the above material cash requirements.

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

Refer to Note 5. Investments and Other Assets for ownership restrictions related to TUI Cruises.

Refer to Note 3. Revenues for credit card processor agreements for export credit agency guarantees.

Refer to Note 8. Commitments and Contingencies for other agreements.

As of September 30, 2023, other than the items referenced 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.

Funding Needs and Sources

Historically, we have relied on a combination of cash flows provided by operations, draw-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 our obligations.

The Company continually identifies and evaluates actions to maintain adequate liquidity. These include, and are not limited to: reductions in capital expenditures, operating expenses and administrative costs and additional financings. Additionally, we will continue, as appropriate, to pursue various opportunities to raise capital to fund obligations associated with future debt maturities and/or to extend the maturity dates associated with our existing indebtedness or facilities. If needed, actions to raise capital may include issuances of debt, convertible debt or equity in private or public transactions or entering into new or extended credit facilities.

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 September 30, 2023, we had $8.2 billion of committed financing for our ships on order.

As of September 30, 2023, our obligations due through September 30, 2024 primarily consisted of $2.0 billion related to debt maturities, $1.2 billion related to interest on debt and $3.9 billion related to progress payments on our ship orders and, based on the expected delivery date, the final installment payable due upon the delivery of Icon of the Seas, Celebrity Ascent, Utopia of the Seas, and Silver Ray.

As of September 30, 2023, we had liquidity of $3.3 billion, including cash and cash equivalents of $0.6 billion, and $2.7 billion of undrawn revolving credit facility capacity. We have agreed with certain of our lenders not to pay dividends or engage in stock repurchases unless we repay the remaining principal payments that were deferred under our export credit facilities in 2020 and 2021. Refer to Note 6. Debt and Note 9. Shareholders' Equity to our consolidated financial statements for further information.

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. Refer to Note 1. General, to our consolidated financial statements under Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements for further information.

Debt Covenants

Our export credit facilities and our non-export credit facilities, and certain of our credit card processing agreements contain covenants that require us, among other things, to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio, limit our net debt-to-capital ratio, and maintain a minimum liquidity, and under certain facilities, to maintain a minimum level of shareholders' equity. Our minimum stockholders' equity and maximum net debt-to-capital calculations exclude the impact of Accumulated other comprehensive loss on Total shareholders’ equity. In 2021 and 2022, the financial covenant levels were modified for 2023 and 2024. As of September 30, 2023, we were in compliance with our financial covenants and we estimate that we will be in compliance for at least the 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 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 dividend since the first quarter of 2020.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

For a discussion of our market risks, refer to Part II, Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. There have been no material changes to our exposure to market risks since the date of our 2022 Annual Report.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our President 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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based upon such evaluation, our President 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 President 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 rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").

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 September 30, 2023 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.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. 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 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 plaintiff seeks all available statutory remedies, including the value of the expropriated property, plus interest, treble damages, attorneys’ fees and costs.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The risk factors set forth below and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 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 affect our operations. The ordering of the risk factors set forth below is not intended to reflect a risk's potential likelihood or magnitude. See Part I, Item 2. 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 economic or other conditions could reduce the demand for cruises and passenger spending, adversely impacting our operating results, cash flows and financial condition including impairing the value of our goodwill, ships, trademarks and other assets and potentially affecting other critical accounting estimates where the impact may be material to our operating results.

Demand 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 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 negatively impacted by challenging conditions in any of the markets in which we operate, and/or related reactions by our competitors in such markets.

Our operating costs could increase due to market forces and economic or geopolitical factors beyond our control.

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

In particular, increases in fuel 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.

Price increases for commercial airline services for our guests or major changes or reduction in commercial airline services 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 and/or regulations governing commercial airline services could adversely affect our guests’ ability to obtain air travel, as well as our ability to transfer 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 such as COVID-19 could cause a drop 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 increased concerns 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 continue uninterrupted. 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 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 on ships, at port facilities, land destinations and/or affecting the cruise vacation industry in general, and the associated negative media coverage and publicity, have affected and could continue to affect our reputation and impact our sales and results of operations.

Cruise ships, private destinations, port facilities and shore excursions operated and/or offered by us and third parties may be susceptible to the risk of accidents, illnesses, mechanical failures, environmental incidents and other incidents which could bring into question safety, health, security and vacation satisfaction 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, including those related to the COVID-19 pandemic, have impacted and could continue to 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 such as COVID-19, over-tourism in key ports and destinations and the potentially adverse environmental impacts of cruising. The

considerable expansion in the use of social and digital media has compounded the potential scope and reach of any negative publicity. In addition, incidents involving cruise ships may result in additional costs to our business, increasing government or other regulatory oversight and, in certain cases, potential litigation.

Significant 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 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 forced 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. Increases in the frequency, severity or duration of these types of events could exacerbate their impact and disrupt our operations or make certain destinations less desirable or unavailable impacting our revenues and 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 newbuild or fleet modernization supply chain will adversely impact our business as there are limited substitutes.

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. For instance, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the shipyards, their subcontractors, and our suppliers have resulted in delays in our previously scheduled ship deliveries. Variations from our plan could have a significant negative impact on our business operations and financial condition.

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 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 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, delays, 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 September 30, 2023, a total of 56 new ships with approximately 129,408 berths were on order for delivery through 2028 in the cruise industry, including 10 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 itinerary/region and the resulting capacity in that region exceeds the demand, it may negatively affect our pricing and 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.

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, financial limitations on port development, exclusivity arrangements that ports may have with our competitors, geopolitical developments, local governmental regulations, environmental regulations, and governmental response to disease outbreaks. Higher fuel costs also may adversely impact the destinations on certain of our itineraries 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 use 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 operations and financial results.

We may lose business to competitors throughout the vacation 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, internet-based alternative lodging sites and package holidays and tours.

We face significant competition from other cruise lines on the basis of cruise pricing, travel advisor preference and also in terms of the nature of ships, services and destinations that we offer to guests. 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.

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

We 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, 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. For example, our ownership and operation of older tonnage, in particular during the business disruption caused by COVID-19, has resulted in impaired asset values due to expected returns less than the carrying value of the assets.

Our attempts to expand our business into new markets and new ventures may not be successful.

We opportunistically seek to grow our business through, among other things, expansion into new destinations 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.

Risks associated with our development and operation of key land-based destination projects may adversely impact our business or results of operations.

We have 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, including challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects locally where we have these projects and relationships.

Our reliance on travel advisors to sell and market our cruises exposes us to certain risks which could adversely impact our business.

We rely on travel advisors to generate bookings for our ships. Accordingly, we must maintain competitive commission rates and incentive 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, which could adversely impact our operating results. Our reliance on third-party sellers is particularly pronounced in certain markets. In addition, the travel advisor community is sensitive to economic conditions that impact discretionary income of consumers. Significant disruptions, such as those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, or contractions in the industry could reduce the number of travel advisors available for us to market and sell our cruises, which could have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, the strength of our recovery from suspended operations could be delayed if we are not aligned and partnered with key travel advisors.

Business activities that involve our co-investments with third parties may subject us to additional risks.

Partnerships, joint ventures and other business structures involving our co-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 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. In addition to financial risks, our co-investment activities have also presented managerial and operational risks and expose us to reputational or legal concerns. These or other issues related to our co-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 expected 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, including those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Any 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.

The potential unavailability of insurance coverage, 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 obtain 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 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 four Protection and Indemnity (“P&I”) clubs, which are part of a worldwide group of 12 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 12 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 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.

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), 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. 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, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, negatively affects our operating cash flows. As result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting suspension of our operations, we have experienced credit rating downgrades, which have reduced our ability to incur secured indebtedness by reducing the amount of indebtedness that we are permitted to secure, and may negatively impact our access to, and cost of, debt financing. Additionally, our ability to raise additional financing, whether or not secured, could be limited if our credit rating is further downgraded, and/or if we fail to comply with applicable covenants governing our outstanding indebtedness, and/or if overall financial market conditions worsen.

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, our recovery and 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 September 30, 2023, we had total debt of $20.0 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, such as the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 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, which could adversely affect our business.

We may incur substantial additional debt in the future. Except for the restrictions under the indentures governing our Secured Notes, our Priority Guaranteed Notes, and certain of our other debt instruments, including our unsecured bank and export credit facilities, we are not restricted under the terms of our debt instruments from incurring additional debt. Although the indentures governing the Secured Notes, the Priority Guaranteed Notes, and certain of our other debt instruments, including our unsecured bank and 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 September 30, 2023, we have commitments for approximately $8.2 billion of debt to finance the purchase of 7 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 6. Debt to our consolidated financial statements under Item 1. Financial Statements 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 6. Debt to our consolidated financial statements under Item 1. Financial Statements 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 fees, 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. Furthermore, new equity or convertible debt issuances will also result in dilution for our existing shareholders.

We have an aggregate principal amount of $1.4 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 August 15, 2023, and May 15, 2025, our convertible notes issued in October 2020, and August 2022, respectively, 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. Additionally, if we raise additional funds through equity or convertible debt issuances, our shareholders could experience dilution of their ownership interest, and these equity or convertible debt securities could have rights, preferences, and privileges that are superior to that of holders of our common stock.

We did not declare quarterly dividends on our common stock in the quarter ended September 30, 2023 and do not expect to pay dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future.

We have not declared a dividend since the first quarter of 2020. We expect that any income received from operations will be devoted to our future operations and recovery. We do not expect to pay cash dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. In addition, in the event we thereafter declare a dividend, we will need to repay our amounts deferred under the export credit facilities. Payment of dividends would, in any case, depend upon our profitability at the time, cash available for those dividends, and other factors as our board of directors may consider relevant.

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 adopted restrictions against U.S. travelers, and we currently cannot predict when those restrictions will be eased. 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 our 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 emissions beginning in 2024. In 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, that have or could increase our direct cost to operate in certain markets, increase our cost of 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. If enacted, these regulations may individually or collectively have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations due to increased costs associated with compliance and modified itineraries in the affected regions.

There has also been growing environmental scrutiny of the environmental impact of the cruise vacation industry, and some environmental groups are advocating for more stringent regulation of ship emissions at berth and at sea. This negative publicity of the cruise industry and 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 and other maritime regulations and measures could affect operations and increase operating costs.

We 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. These issues are, and we believe will continue to be, an area of focus by the relevant authorities throughout the world. This could result in the enactment of more stringent regulation of cruise ships that could subject us to increasing compliance costs in the future and may increase our exposure, if any, to environmental-related litigation.

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.

Royal 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 U.S. In connection with the year end audit, each year, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, our U.S. tax counsel, delivers 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 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 they no longer qualify as equivalent exemption 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.

Numerous countries are considering implementation of the OECD’s 15% global minimum tax, which may materially impact us. In addition, as budgetary constraints may 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 of Liberia. While the Business Corporation Act of Liberia 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 of Liberia, uniform with the laws of the State of Delaware and other states with substantially similar legislative provisions (and adopts their case law to the extent it is non-conflicting), there have been few Liberian court cases interpreting the Business Corporation Act of Liberia, and we cannot predict whether Liberian courts would reach the same conclusions as United States courts. We understand that legislation has been proposed but not yet adopted by the Liberian legislature which amends the provisions regarding the adoption of non-Liberian law to, among other things, provide for the adoption of the statutory and case law of Delaware and not also states with substantially similar legislative provisions, and potentially provide the courts of Liberia discretion in application of non-statutory corporation law of Delaware in cases when the laws of Liberia are silent. 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 costs 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 increasingly depend on the growth and 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 September 30, 2023, we had approximately $3.1 billion of indebtedness that bears interest at variable rates, which is net of our interest rate swap agreements. This amount represented approximately 15.3% of our total indebtedness. As of September 30, 2023, a hypothetical 1% increase in prevailing interest rates would increase our forecasted 2023 interest expense by approximately $4.5 million. Additionally, the value of our earnings in foreign currencies is adversely impacted by a strong U.S. dollar.

Any further impairment of our goodwill, 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 more frequently when circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a reporting unit 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 September 30, 2023, approximately 87% 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 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, 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 regulations of the New York State Department of Financial Services and similar state agencies that impose additional cyber security requirements as a result of our provision of certain insurance products. 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 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 U.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 our 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 cannot predict the quantum or outcome of any such proceedings and the impact that they will have on our financial results, but any such impact may be material. While some of these claims are covered by insurance, we cannot be certain that all of them will be, which could have an adverse impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Share Repurchases

There were no repurchases of common stock during the quarter ended September 30, 2023. In the event we repurchase shares of our common stock, we will need to repay the amounts deferred under our export credit facilities as part of the principal amortization deferrals agreed with our lenders during 2020 and 2021.

Item 5. Other Information

Rule 10b5-1 Plan Elections

During the three months ended September 30, 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 6. Exhibits


10.1			Amendment No. 5 in connection with the Credit Agreement in respect of “ICON 3” – Hull 1402, dated as of August 11, 2023, between the Company, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH as facility agent and Hermes agent , and the banks and financial institutions listed therein as lenders.
10.2			Amendment No. 7 in connection with the Credit Agreement in respect of “ICON 1” – Hull 1400, dated as of September 5, 2023, between the Company, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH as facility agent and Hermes agent, BNP Paribas Fortis SA/NV as Finnvera agent, the banks and financial institutions listed therein as mandated lead arrangers an d l enders.
31.1			Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
31.2			Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
32.1			Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code**



**						Furnished herewith

Interactive Data File

101 The following financial statements of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. for the period ended September 30, 2023, formatted in iXBRL (Inline extensible Reporting Language) are filed herewith:

(i) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022;

(ii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022;

(iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022; and

(iv) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged in summary and detail.

104 Cover page interactive data file (the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

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)


						/s/ NAFTALI HOLTZ
						Naftali Holtz
						Chief Financial Officer
October 26, 2023						(Principal Financial Officer and duly authorized signatory)