Document
Table of Contents    

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
 
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016

OR
o
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)
 
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 ý  No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes ý  No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer x
 
Accelerated filer o
 
Non-accelerated filer o
 
Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o  No ý
 
There were 215,264,909 shares of common stock outstanding as of July 26, 2016.
 


Table of Contents    

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



Table of Contents    

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 June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
Passenger ticket revenues
$
1,516,530

 
$
1,507,468

Onboard and other revenues
588,732

 
550,854

Total revenues
2,105,262

 
2,058,322

Cruise operating expenses:
 

 
 

Commissions, transportation and other
334,568

 
355,835

Onboard and other
136,198

 
147,105

Payroll and related
230,433

 
218,570

Food
124,517

 
119,407

Fuel
176,649

 
202,565

Other operating
308,222

 
272,927

Total cruise operating expenses
1,310,587

 
1,316,409

Marketing, selling and administrative expenses
286,357

 
274,148

Depreciation and amortization expenses
221,620

 
206,468

Restructuring charges
4,425

 

Operating Income
282,273

 
261,297

Other income (expense):
 

 
 

Interest income
5,683

 
2,772

Interest expense, net of interest capitalized
(78,747
)
 
(76,620
)
Other income (expense)
20,696

 
(2,482
)
 
(52,368
)
 
(76,330
)
Net Income
$
229,905

 
$
184,967

Earnings per Share:
 

 
 

Basic
$
1.07

 
$
0.84

Diluted
$
1.06

 
$
0.84

Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding:
 

 
 

Basic
215,265

 
219,913

Diluted
216,131

 
220,902

Comprehensive Income
 

 
 

Net Income
$
229,905

 
$
184,967

Other comprehensive (loss) income:
 

 
 

Foreign currency translation adjustments
(2,268
)
 
11,741

Change in defined benefit plans
(3,585
)
 
3,742

Gain on cash flow derivative hedges
156,351

 
202,473

Total other comprehensive income
150,498

 
217,956

Comprehensive Income
$
380,403

 
$
402,923

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


1

Table of Contents    

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(unaudited; in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
Passenger ticket revenues
$
2,894,697

 
$
2,814,247

Onboard and other revenues
1,128,360

 
1,059,674

Total revenues
4,023,057

 
3,873,921

Cruise operating expenses:
 

 
 

Commissions, transportation and other
659,458

 
680,253

Onboard and other
239,852

 
263,344

Payroll and related
457,874

 
430,161

Food
246,027

 
239,193

Fuel
352,511

 
407,841

Other operating
596,443

 
518,234

Total cruise operating expenses
2,552,165

 
2,539,026

Marketing, selling and administrative expenses
588,378

 
560,980

Depreciation and amortization expenses
432,384

 
406,936

Restructuring charges
4,730

 

Operating Income
445,400

 
366,979

Other income (expense):
 

 
 

Interest income
8,403

 
6,509

Interest expense, net of interest capitalized
(144,193
)
 
(146,779
)
Other income (including a $21.7 million loss related to the 2016 elimination of the Pullmantur reporting lag)
19,435

 
3,488

 
(116,355
)
 
(136,782
)
Net Income
$
329,045

 
$
230,197

Earnings per Share:
 

 
 

Basic
$
1.52

 
$
1.05

Diluted
$
1.52

 
$
1.04

Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding:
 

 
 

Basic
216,089

 
219,770

Diluted
217,040

 
220,886

Comprehensive Income
 

 
 

Net Income
$
329,045

 
$
230,197

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 

 
 

Foreign currency translation adjustments
4,380

 
(19,803
)
Change in defined benefit plans
(7,097
)
 
2,249

Gain (loss) on cash flow derivative hedges
159,088

 
(58,476
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
156,371

 
(76,030
)
Comprehensive Income
$
485,416

 
$
154,167

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


2

Table of Contents    

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share data)
 
 
As of
 
June 30,
 
December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
(unaudited)
 
 
Assets
 

 
 

Current assets
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
$
175,164

 
$
121,565

Trade and other receivables, net
215,804

 
238,972

Inventories
112,380

 
121,332

Prepaid expenses and other assets
265,063

 
220,579

Derivative financial instruments
3,592

 
134,574

Assets held for sale
85,935

 

Total current assets
857,938

 
837,022

Property and equipment, net
20,185,878

 
18,777,778

Goodwill
288,399

 
286,764

Other assets
1,139,278

 
880,479

 
$
22,471,493

 
$
20,782,043

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
 

 
 

Current liabilities
 
 
 
Current portion of long-term debt
$
895,411

 
$
899,542

Accounts payable
319,606

 
302,072

Accrued interest
47,415

 
38,325

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
551,293

 
658,601

Derivative financial instruments
237,743

 
651,866

Customer deposits
2,222,196

 
1,742,286

Liabilities held for sale
99,967

 

Total current liabilities
4,373,631

 
4,292,692

Long-term debt
9,153,499

 
7,627,701

Other long-term liabilities
798,698

 
798,611

Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)


 


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; 234,566,541 and 233,905,166 shares issued, June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively)
2,346

 
2,339

Paid-in capital
3,306,685

 
3,297,619

Retained earnings
7,112,096

 
6,944,862

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(1,172,062
)
 
(1,328,433
)
Treasury stock (19,312,522 and 15,911,971 common shares at cost, June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively)
(1,103,400
)
 
(853,348
)
Total shareholders’ equity
8,145,665

 
8,063,039

 
$
22,471,493

 
$
20,782,043

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


3

Table of Contents    

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited, in thousands)
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
Operating Activities
 

 
 

Net income
$
329,045

 
$
230,197

Adjustments:
 

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
432,384

 
406,936

Net deferred income tax expense
348

 
2,534

Loss on derivative instruments not designated as hedges
3,979

 
16,902

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 

 
 

Decrease in trade and other receivables, net
33,929

 
54,272

Decrease (increase) in inventories
1,394

 
(17,523
)
Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets
(47,056
)
 
(58,722
)
Increase in accounts payable
41,173

 
14,668

Increase in accrued interest
9,090

 
4,998

Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities
21,839

 
(39,474
)
Increase in customer deposits
467,539

 
405,752

Dividends received from unconsolidated affiliates
23,878

 
3,981

Other, net
(46,630
)
 
15,824

Net cash provided by operating activities
1,270,912

 
1,040,345

Investing Activities
 

 
 

Purchases of property and equipment
(2,047,195
)
 
(1,151,616
)
Cash paid on settlement of derivative financial instruments
(161,307
)
 
(118,521
)
Investments in and loans to unconsolidated affiliates

 
(54,250
)
Cash received on loans to unconsolidated affiliates
14,923

 
120,297

Other, net
(18,871
)
 
(12,482
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(2,212,450
)
 
(1,216,572
)
Financing Activities
 

 
 

Debt proceeds
5,300,561

 
2,376,001

Debt issuance costs
(70,406
)
 
(41,171
)
Repayments of debt
(3,738,905
)
 
(1,992,232
)
Purchases of treasury stock
(250,051
)
 

Dividends paid
(243,557
)
 
(197,718
)
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options
1,512

 
5,067

Other, net
1,309

 
1,156

Net cash provided by financing activities
1,000,463

 
151,103

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
9,195

 
(4,757
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
68,120

 
(29,881
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
121,565

 
189,241

Less: Cash and cash equivalents attributed to assets held for sale
(14,521
)
 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
175,164

 
$
159,360

Supplemental Disclosure
 

 
 

Cash paid during the period for:
 

 
 

Interest, net of amount capitalized
$
116,531

 
$
120,089

Non-cash Investing Activities
 

 
 

Notes receivable issued upon sale of property and equipment
$
213,042

 
$

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

4

Table of Contents    

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,” 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,” “Pullmantur,” “Azamara Club Cruises,” “CDF Croisières de France” and “TUI Cruises” refer to our cruise brands. However, because TUI Cruises is an unconsolidated investment, our operating results and other disclosures herein do not include TUI Cruises 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 report should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, including the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included therein.
 
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.  As of June 30, 2016, we owned Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, Azamara Club Cruises, CDF Croisières de France and a 50% joint venture interest in TUI Cruises.

Sale of Controlling Interest in Pullmantur

In July 2016, we sold 51% of our interest in Pullmantur and CDF Croisières de France. We retained a 49% interest in these businesses as well as full ownership of the vessels currently operated by the brands, which will be bareboat chartered to Pullmantur and CDF Croisières de France. We will also provide certain ship management services to these businesses. As a result of the sale of a majority interest in these businesses, we expect to recognize an immaterial gain and we will no longer consolidate these businesses in our consolidated financial statements. In addition, we also continue to retain full ownership of the aircraft, which were not impacted by this sales transaction. Our investment in these businesses will be accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

The sale did not represent a strategic shift that will have a major effect on our operations and financial results, as we continue to provide similar itineraries to and source passengers from the markets served by the Pullmantur and Croisières de France businesses. Therefore, the sale of these businesses did not meet the criteria for discontinued operations reporting. Due to the change in the nature of the cash flows to be generated by the Pullmantur vessels, we also reviewed the vessels for impairment. We determined that the undiscounted future cash flows of the vessels exceeded their carrying value; therefore, no impairment was required. Pullmantur and CDF Croisières de France met the accounting criteria to be classified as held for sale during the second quarter of 2016 and accordingly all assets and liabilities of these businesses have been reclassified to Assets held for sale and Liabilities held for sale as of June 30, 2016 on our consolidated balance sheets.

5

Table of Contents    


The major classes of assets and liabilities of Pullmantur and CDF Croisières de France included in our consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2016 were as follows (in thousands):
Assets
 
  Cash and cash equivalents
$
14,521

  Trade and other receivables, net
43,466

  Inventories
6,943

  Prepaid expenses and other assets
14,912

  Property and equipment, net
4,436

  Other assets
1,657

     Total assets held for sale
$
85,935

Liabilities
 
  Accounts payable
$
27,691

  Accrued expenses and other liabilities
42,873

  Customer deposits
26,323

  Other liabilities
3,080

     Total liabilities held for sale
$
99,967


Basis for Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements
 
The unaudited consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Estimates are required for the preparation of financial statements in accordance with these principles. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Refer to Note 2. 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, 2015 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. 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. 

Prior to January 1, 2016, we consolidated the operating results of Pullmantur and CDF Croisières de France on a two-month reporting lag to allow for more timely preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Effective January 1, 2016, we eliminated the two-month reporting lag to reflect Pullmantur's and CDF Croisières de France's financial position, results of operations and cash flows concurrently and consistently with the fiscal calendar of the Company ("elimination of the Pullmantur reporting lag"). The elimination of the Pullmantur reporting lag represents a change in accounting principle which we believe to be preferable because it provides more current information to the users of our financial statements. A change in accounting principle requires retrospective application, if material. The impact of the elimination of the reporting lag was immaterial to prior periods and is expected to be immaterial for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. As a result, we have accounted for this change in accounting principle in our consolidated results for the first six months of 2016. Accordingly, the results of Pullmantur and CDF Croisières de France for November and December 2015, in addition to the six months ended June 30, 2016, are included in our statement of comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2016. The effect of this change was a decrease to net income of $21.7 million and this amount is reported within Other income in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2016.



6

Table of Contents    

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, amended GAAP guidance was issued to clarify the principles used to recognize revenue for all entities. The guidance is based on the principle that revenue should be recognized to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard also requires more detailed disclosures and provides additional guidance for transactions that were not comprehensively addressed in the prior accounting guidance. Subsequent to the release of this guidance, amended GAAP guidance was issued to provide clarification and additional guidance related to revenue recognition. The revenue recognition guidance discussed above must be applied using one of two retrospective application methods and will be effective for our annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods therein. Early adoption is permitted for our annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods therein. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, of the adoption of the revenue recognition guidance to our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, GAAP guidance was issued requiring management to evaluate, at each annual and interim reporting period, whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date the financial statements are issued and provide related disclosures. This guidance will be effective for our annual reporting period ending after December 15, 2016 and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an impact to our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, amended GAAP guidance was issued to simplify the measurement of inventory for all entities. The amendments apply to all inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out or average cost. The guidance requires an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The guidance must be applied prospectively and will be effective for our interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.
In November 2015, amended GAAP guidance was issued to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes. The amendments require that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position and eliminates the classification between current and noncurrent amounts. The guidance will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those fiscal years. An entity can elect to adopt the amendments either prospectively or retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.
In January 2016, amended GAAP guidance was issued to address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments.  The amendments primarily impact the accounting for certain equity investments, the accounting for financial liabilities subject to the fair value option and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. The guidance will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements of fiscal years and interim periods that have not yet been issued or that have not yet been made available for issuance as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption.  The adoption of this newly issued guidance is not expected to have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, amended GAAP guidance was issued to increase the transparency and comparability of lease accounting among organizations. For leases with a term greater than 12 months, the amendments require the lease rights and obligations arising from the leasing arrangements, including operating leases, to be recognized as assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. The amendments also expand the required disclosures surrounding leasing arrangements. The guidance must be applied using a retrospective application method and will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this newly issued guidance to our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, amended GAAP guidance was issued addressing the effect of derivative contract novations on existing hedge accounting relationships. The amendments clarify that a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument that has been designated as a hedging instrument does not, in and of itself, require dedesignation of that hedging relationship provided that all other hedge accounting criteria continue to be met. The guidance must be applied using a prospective or modified retrospective application method and will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The adoption of this newly issued guidance is not expected to have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.

7

Table of Contents    


In March 2016, amended GAAP guidance was issued addressing contingent put and call options in debt instruments. The amendments clarify the requirements for assessing whether contingent call and put options that can accelerate the payment of principal on debt instruments are clearly and closely related to their debt hosts, or whether the embedded call and put options should be bifurcated from the related debt instrument and accounted for separately as a derivative. The guidance must be applied using a modified retrospective approach and will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The adoption of this newly issued guidance is not expected to have an impact to our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, amended GAAP guidance was issued to simplify the transition to the equity method of accounting. The amendments eliminate the requirement that when an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence, an investor must adjust the investment, results of operations and retained earnings retroactively on a step-by step basis as if the equity method had been in effect during all previous periods that the investment had been held. The guidance must be applied prospectively and will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this newly issued guidance is not expected to have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements, but could have an impact on our accounting for equity method investments in the future.

In March 2016, amended GAAP guidance was issued to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The guidance will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The adoption of this newly issued guidance is not expected to have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, amended GAAP guidance was issued to address expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments. The amendment requires financial assets and net investment leases that are currently measured at amortized cost basis be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The guidance must be applied using the modified-retrospective approach and will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted beginning after December 15, 2018. The adoption of this newly issued guidance is not expected to have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.

Other
 
Revenues and expenses include port costs that vary with guest head counts. The amounts of such port costs included in Passenger ticket revenues on a gross basis were $140.0 million and $141.7 million for the second quarters of 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $284.4 million and $268.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Reclassifications

On January 1, 2016, we adopted ASC 835, Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs ("ASC 835"), using the retrospective approach. Due to the adoption of ASC 835, $139.8 million of debt issuance costs have been reclassified in the consolidated balance sheet, as of December 31, 2015, from Other assets to either Current portion of long-term debt or Long-term debt in order to conform to the current year presentation.

For the six months ended June 30, 2015, $4.0 million has been reclassified in the consolidated statements of cash flows from Other, net to Dividends received from unconsolidated affiliates within Net cash provided by operating activities in order to conform to the current year presentation.



8

Table of Contents    

Note 3. Earnings Per Share
 
A reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
 
 
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Net income for basic and diluted earnings per share
$
229,905

 
$
184,967

 
$
329,045

 
$
230,197

Weighted-average common shares outstanding
215,265

 
219,913

 
216,089

 
219,770

Dilutive effect of stock options, performance share awards and restricted stock awards
866

 
989

 
951

 
1,116

Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding
216,131

 
220,902

 
217,040

 
220,886

Basic earnings per share
$
1.07

 
$
0.84

 
$
1.52

 
$
1.05

Diluted earnings per share
$
1.06

 
$
0.84

 
$
1.52

 
$
1.04

 
There were no antidilutive shares for the quarters and six month periods ended June 30, 2016 and June 30, 2015, respectively.
 

9

Table of Contents    

Note 4. Property and Equipment

In April 2016, we completed the previously announced sale of Splendour of the Seas to TUI Cruises for €188 million, or $213 million. Concurrent with the acquisition, TUI Cruises leased the ship to Thomson Cruises, an affiliate of TUI AG, our joint venture partner, who will operate the ship. The sale resulted in an immaterial gain.

In June 2016, we entered into an agreement to sell a ship to Thomson Cruises for $230.0 million in cash. The sale is scheduled to be completed in March 2017 in order to retain the future revenues to be generated for sailings through that date. We expect to recognize a gain on the sale, which we do not expect will have a material effect to our consolidated financial statements.

Note 5. Other Assets

A Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) is an entity in which the equity investors have not provided enough equity to finance the entity’s activities or the equity investors: (1) cannot directly or indirectly make decisions about the entity’s activities through their voting rights or similar rights; (2) do not have the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity; (3) do not have the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity; or (4) have voting rights that are not proportionate to their economic interests and the entity’s activities involve or are conducted on behalf of an investor with a disproportionately small voting interest.

We have determined that TUI Cruises GmbH, our 50%-owned joint venture, which operates the brand TUI Cruises, is a VIE. As of June 30, 2016, the net book value of our investment in TUI Cruises was approximately $514.9 million, consisting of $305.9 million in equity and a loan of $209.0 million. The loan is in connection with the sale of Splendour of the Seas, in the amount of the sales price, which was completed in April 2016 and is to be repaid to us over 10 years. The term loan is 50% guaranteed by TUI AG and is secured by a first priority mortgage on the ship. Interest accrues at the rate of 6.25% per annum. Refer to Note 4. Property and Equipment for further information. As of December 31, 2015, our equity investment in TUI Cruises was approximately $293.8 million. The majority of these amounts were included within Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets.

 In addition, we and TUI AG, our joint venture partner, have each guaranteed the repayment of 50% of a bank loan. As of June 30, 2016, the outstanding principal amount of the loan was €126.9 million, or approximately $141.0 million based on the exchange rate at June 30, 2016. While this loan matures in May 2022, the lenders have agreed to release each shareholder's guarantee in 2018. The loan amortizes quarterly and is secured by first mortgages on the Mein Schiff 1 and Mein Schiff 2 vessels. Based on current facts and circumstances, we do not believe potential obligations under our guarantee of this bank loan are probable.

Our investment amount, outstanding term loan and the potential obligations under the bank loan guarantee are substantially our maximum exposure to loss in connection with our investment in TUI Cruises. We have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of TUI Cruises. We believe that the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact TUI Cruises’ economic performance are shared between ourselves and TUI AG. All the significant operating and financial decisions of TUI Cruises require the consent of both parties, which we believe creates shared power over TUI Cruises. Accordingly, we do not consolidate this entity and account for this investment under the equity method of accounting.

As of June 30, 2016, TUI Cruises has three newbuild ships on order scheduled to be delivered in each of 2017, 2018 and 2019. TUI Cruises has in place agreements for the secured financing of each of the ships on order for up to 80% of the contract price. Finnvera, the official export credit agency of Finland, has agreed to guarantee to the lenders payment of 95% of each financing. The remaining portion of the contract price of the ships is expected to be funded through an existing €150.0 million bank facility and TUI Cruises’ cash flows from operations. The various ship construction and financing agreements include certain restrictions on each of our and TUI AG’s ability to reduce our current ownership interest in TUI Cruises below 37.55% through 2021.

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. The facility serves cruise and cargo ships, oil and gas tankers and offshore units.  We utilize this facility, among other ship repair facilities, for our regularly scheduled drydocks and certain emergency repairs as may be required. During the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2016, we made payments of $12.3 million and $33.4 million, respectively, to Grand Bahama for ship repair and maintenance services. We have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of this facility as we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the facility’s economic performance. Accordingly, we do not consolidate this entity and we account for this investment under the equity method of accounting. As of June 30, 2016, the net book value of our investment in Grand Bahama was approximately $47.9 million, consisting of $24.1 million in equity and a loan of $23.8 million. As of December 31, 2015, the net book value of our investment in Grand Bahama was approximately $51.2 million, consisting of $12.6 million in equity and a loan of $38.6 million. These amounts represent our maximum exposure to loss related to our investment in Grand Bahama. Our debt agreement with Grand Bahama was amended during the quarter ended March 31, 2016 to extend the maturity by 10 years and increase the applicable interest rate to the lower

10

Table of Contents    

of (i) LIBOR plus 3.50% and (ii) 5.5%. Interest payable on the loan is due on a semi-annual basis. We continue to classify the loan, as modified, as non-accrual status. The loan balance is included within Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. During the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2016, we received principal payments of approximately $7.7 million and $14.8 million, respectively. We monitor credit risk associated with the loan through our participation on Grand Bahama’s board of directors along with our review of Grand Bahama’s financial statements and projected cash flows. Based on this review, we believe the risk of loss associated with the outstanding loan is not probable as of June 30, 2016.

We have determined that Skysea Holding International Ltd. ("Skysea Holding"), in which we have a 35% noncontrolling interest, is a VIE for which we are not the primary beneficiary, as we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance. Accordingly, we do not consolidate this entity and we account for this investment under the equity method of accounting. In December 2014, we and Ctrip.com International Ltd, which also owns 35% of Skysea Holding, each provided a debt facility to a wholly owned subsidiary of Skysea Holding in the amount of $80.0 million. Interest under these facilities, which mature in January 2030, initially accrues at a rate of 3.0% per annum with an increase of at least 0.5% every two years through maturity. The facilities, which are pari passu to each other, are each 100% guaranteed by Skysea Holding and are secured by first priority mortgages on the ship, Golden Era. As of June 30, 2016, the net book value of our investment in Skysea Holding and its subsidiaries was approximately $94.8 million, consisting of $13.6 million in equity and a loan of $81.2 million. As of December 31, 2015, the net book value of our investment in Skysea Holding and its subsidiaries was approximately $99.8 million, consisting of $17.3 million in equity and a loan of $82.4 million. The majority of these amounts were included within Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets and represent our maximum exposure to loss related to our investment in Skysea Holding.

Our share of income from investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting, including the entities discussed above, was $27.3 million and $14.7 million for the quarters ended June 30, 2016 and June 30, 2015, respectively, and $48.3 million and $23.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and June 30, 2015, respectively, and was recorded within Other income (expense). We received $23.1 million and $2.8 million of dividends from our equity method investees for the quarters ended June 30, 2016 and June 30, 2015, respectively, and $23.9 million and $4.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and June 30, 2015, respectively. We also provide ship management and procurement services to TUI Cruises GmbH and Skysea Holding and recorded $4.2 million and $5.9 million in revenues and $3.0 million and $6.4 million in expenses for these services during the quarters ended June 30, 2016 and June 30, 2015, respectively, and $8.6 million and $11.6 million in revenues and $6.5 million and $9.5 million in expenses for these services during the six months ended June 30, 2016 and June 30, 2015, respectively. These amounts were recorded within Onboard and other revenues and Other operating expenses, respectively.

Note 6. Long-Term Debt

In February 2016, we amended our unsecured term loans for Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas to reduce the margins on those facilities and incorporate certain covenant improvements included in our more recent credit facilities. The interest rate on both the $420.0 million floating rate tranche of the Oasis of the Seas term loan and the $1.1 billion Allure of the Seas term loan was reduced from LIBOR plus 1.85% to LIBOR plus 1.65%. These amendments did not result in the extinguishment of debt.

In February 2016, we agreed with the lenders on our €365.0 million unsecured term loan due 2017 to convert €247.5 million, or $273.2 million, of the outstanding principal balance from Euro to US dollars. Interest on the new US dollar tranche accrues at a floating rate based on LIBOR plus the applicable margin. The balance of the facility of €117.5 million will remain outstanding in Euro and will continue to accrue interest at a floating rate based on EURIBOR, subject to a 0% floor, plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin varies with our debt rating and was 1.75% as of June 30, 2016. The amendment did not result in the extinguishment of debt.

In April 2016, we took delivery of Ovation of the Seas. To finance the purchase, we borrowed $841.8 million under a previously committed unsecured term loan which is 95% guaranteed by Euler Hermes Deutschland AG ("Hermes"), the official export credit agency of Germany. The loan amortizes semi-annually over 12 years and bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.00%, totaling 1.91% as of June 30, 2016. During 2015, we entered into forward-starting interest rate swap agreements which effectively converted $830.0 million of the loan from the floating rate available to us per the credit agreement to a fixed rate, including the applicable margin, of 3.16% effective from April 2016 through the maturity of the loan. See Note 10. Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments for further information regarding these agreements.

In April 2016, we entered into and drew in full on a credit agreement which provides an unsecured term loan in the amount of $200 million. The loan is due and payable at maturity in April 2017. Interest on the loan accrues at a floating rate based on LIBOR plus a margin of 1.30%, totaling 1.75% as of June 30, 2016. The proceeds from this loan were used to repay amounts outstanding under our unsecured revolving credit facilities.


11

Table of Contents    

In May 2016, we took delivery of Harmony of the Seas. To finance the purchase, we borrowed an unsecured Euro-denominated term loan in the amount of €700.7 million, or $778.8 million based on the exchange rate at June 30, 2016, and an unsecured US dollar-denominated term loan in the amount of $226.1 million under previously committed credit agreements. Both of the facilities are 100% guaranteed by Compagnie Francaise d’Assurance pour le Commerce Extérieur (“COFACE”), the official export credit agency of France. The Euro-denominated term loan amortizes semi-annually over 12 years and bears interest at EURIBOR, subject to a 0% floor, plus the applicable margin of 1.15%, totaling 1.15% as of June 30, 2016. The US dollar-denominated term loan amortizes semi-annually over 12 years and bears interest at a fixed rate of 2.53%. During 2015, we entered into forward-starting interest rate swap agreements which effectively converted €693.4 million, or $770.7 million based on the exchange rate at June 30, 2016, of the Euro-denominated term loan from the floating rate per the credit agreement to a fixed rate, including the applicable margin, of 2.26% effective from May 2016 through the maturity of the loan. See Note 10. Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments for further information regarding these agreements.

Note 7. Commitments and Contingencies

In June 2016, we entered into credit agreements for the unsecured financing of our two "Project Edge" ships for up to 80% of each ship’s contract price through facilities to be guaranteed 100% by COFACE. The ships are expected to enter service in the second half of 2018 and the first half of 2020, respectively. Under these financing arrangements, we have the right, but not the obligation, to satisfy the obligations to be incurred upon delivery and acceptance of each vessel under the shipbuilding contract by assuming, at delivery and acceptance, the debt indirectly incurred by the shipbuilder during the construction of each ship. The maximum loan amount under each facility is not to exceed the US dollar equivalent of €622.6 million and €652.6 million, or approximately $692.0 million and $725.4 million, respectively, based on the exchange rate at June 30, 2016, for the first "Project Edge" ship delivery and the second "Project Edge" ship delivery, respectively. The loans will amortize semi-annually and will mature 12 years following delivery of each ship. Interest on the loans will accrue at a fixed rate of 3.23%.

In May 2016, we signed a memorandum of understanding with STX France to build a fifth Oasis-class ship expected to be delivered in the first half of 2021, and two additional "Project Edge" ships expected to be delivered in the second half of each of 2021 and 2022. These orders are contingent upon completion of customary conditions, including documentation and financing.

As of June 30, 2016, the aggregate cost of our ships on firm order, not including the TUI Cruises' ships on order and those subject to conditions to effectiveness, was approximately $5.3 billion, of which we had deposited $151.5 million as of such date. Approximately 65.1% of the aggregate cost was exposed to fluctuations in the Euro exchange rate at June 30, 2016. Refer to Note 10. Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments for further information.
 
In July 2016, we executed an agreement with Miami Dade County (“MDC”), which was subsequently assigned to Sumitomo Banking Corporation (“SMBC”), to lease land from MDC and construct a new cruise terminal at PortMiami in Miami, Florida. The terminal is expected to be approximately 170,000 square-feet and will serve as a homeport to the Royal Caribbean International brand. During the construction period, expected to be approximately 42 months, SMBC will fund the costs of the terminal’s construction and land lease. Upon completion of the terminal's construction, we will operate and lease the terminal from SMBC for a five-year term. We determined that the lease arrangement between SMBC and us should be accounted for as an operating lease upon completion of the terminal.
Litigation

In April 2015, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation issued Notices of Violation to Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises seeking monetary penalties for alleged violations of the Alaska Marine Visible Emission Standards that occurred over the past five years on certain of our vessels. We believe we have meritorious defenses to the allegations and we are cooperating with the state of Alaska. We do not believe that the ultimate outcome of these claims will have a material adverse impact on our financial condition or results of operations and cash flows.

We are routinely involved in other claims typical within the cruise vacation industry. The majority of these claims are covered by insurance. We believe the outcome of such claims, net of expected insurance recoveries, will not have a material adverse impact on our financial condition or results of operations and cash flows.

Other
 
If any person acquires ownership of more than 50% of our common stock or, subject to certain exceptions, during any 24-month period, a majority of the Board is no longer comprised of individuals who were members of the Board on the first day of such period, 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

12

Table of Contents    

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 8. Shareholders’ Equity

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

During the first and second quarters of 2015, we declared and paid a cash dividend on our common stock of $0.30 per share. During the first quarter of 2015, we also paid a cash dividend on our common stock of $0.30 per share which was declared during the fourth quarter of 2014.

In October 2015, our board of directors authorized a common stock repurchase program for up to $500 million. The timing and number of shares purchased depend on a variety of factors including price and market conditions. During the first and second quarters of 2016, we purchased 2.8 million and 0.6 million shares, respectively, for a total of $200.0 million and $50.0 million, respectively, in open market transactions. These transactions were recorded within Treasury stock in our consolidated balance sheet. Following these repurchases, as well as the $200.0 million of stock repurchased during the fourth quarter of 2015, we have $50 million that remains available for future stock repurchase transactions under our Board approved program. Future stock repurchase transactions could include open market purchases or accelerated share repurchases. We expect to complete the program by the end of 2016.

13

Table of Contents    

Note 9. Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
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
$
(1,232,073
)
 
$
(26,447
)
 
$
(69,913
)
 
$
(1,328,433
)
 
$
(826,026
)
 
$
(31,207
)
 
$
(39,761
)
 
$
(896,994
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
(24,062
)
 
(8,184
)
 
4,380

 
(27,866
)
 
(183,646
)
 
1,249

 
(19,803
)
 
(202,200
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
183,150

 
1,087

 

 
184,237

 
125,170

 
1,000

 

 
126,170

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
159,088

 
(7,097
)
 
4,380

 
156,371

 
(58,476
)
 
2,249

 
(19,803
)
 
(76,030
)
Ending balance
$
(1,072,985
)
 
$
(33,544
)
 
$
(65,533
)
 
$
(1,172,062
)
 
$
(884,502
)
 
$
(28,958
)
 
$
(59,564
)
 
$
(973,024
)

The following table presents reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the quarters and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):
 
 
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income
 
 
Details About Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components
 
Quarter Ended June 30, 2016
 
Quarter Ended June 30, 2015
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
Affected Line Item in  Statements of
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Loss on cash flow derivative hedges:
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
$
(10,938
)
 
$
(9,962
)
 
$
(20,066
)
 
$
(16,748
)
 
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized
Foreign currency forward contracts
 
(1,980
)
 
(685
)
 
(2,698
)
 
(1,402
)
 
Depreciation and amortization expenses
Foreign currency forward contracts
 
(12,830
)
 
(239
)
 
(6,742
)
 
(477
)
 
Other income (expense)
Foreign currency forward contracts
 
(207
)
 

 
(207
)
 

 
Other operating
Foreign currency collar options
 
(601
)
 
(435
)
 
(1,204
)
 
(435
)
 
Depreciation and amortization expenses
Fuel swaps
 
13,933

 

 
6,597

 

 
Other income (expense)
Fuel swaps
 
(68,129
)
 
(52,416
)
 
(158,830
)
 
(106,108
)
 
Fuel
 
 
(80,752
)
 
(63,737
)
 
(183,150
)
 
(125,170
)
 
 
Amortization of defined benefit plans:
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actuarial loss
 
(285
)
 
(354
)
 
(1,087
)
 
(707
)
 
Payroll and related
Prior service costs
 

 
(84
)
 

 
(293
)
 
Payroll and related
 
 
(285
)
 
(438
)
 
(1,087
)
 
(1,000
)
 
 
Total reclassifications for the period
 
$
(81,037
)
 
$
(64,175
)
 
$
(184,237
)
 
$
(126,170
)
 
 

14

Table of Contents    

Note 10. 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 June 30, 2016 Using
 
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015 Using
Description
 
Total Carrying Amount
 
Total Fair Value
 
Level 1(1)
 
Level 2(2)
 
Level 3(3)
 
Total Carrying Amount
 
Total Fair Value
 
Level 1(1)
 
Level 2(2)
 
Level 3(3)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents(4)
 
$
175,164

 
$
175,164

 
$
175,164

 
$

 
$

 
$
121,565

 
$
121,565

 
$
121,565

 
$

 
$

Cash attributed to assets held for sale(4)
 
$
14,521

 
14,521

 
14,521

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Assets
 
$
189,685

 
$
189,685

 
$
189,685

 
$

 
$

 
$
121,565

 
$
121,565

 
$
121,565

 
$

 
$

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt)(5)
 
$
10,004,487

 
$
10,526,958

 
$
1,202,286

 
$
9,324,672

 
$

 
$
8,478,473

 
$
8,895,009

 
$
1,536,629

 
$
7,358,380

 
$

Total Liabilities
 
$
10,004,487

 
$
10,526,958

 
$
1,202,286

 
$
9,324,672

 
$

 
$
8,478,473

 
$
8,895,009

 
$
1,536,629

 
$
7,358,380

 
$


(1) Inputs based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Valuation of these items does not entail a significant amount of judgment.
(2) Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the liability, either directly or indirectly. For unsecured revolving credit facilities and unsecured term loans, fair value is determined utilizing the income valuation approach. This valuation model takes into account the contract terms of our debt such as the debt maturity and the interest rate on the debt. The valuation model also takes into account the creditworthiness of the Company.
(3) Inputs that are unobservable. The Company did not use any Level 3 inputs as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
(4) Consists of cash and marketable securities with original maturities of less than 90 days.
(5) Consists of unsecured revolving credit facilities, senior notes, senior debentures and term loans. Does not include our capital lease obligations.
 
Other Financial Instruments
 
The carrying amounts of accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued interest and accrued expenses approximate fair value at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
 

15

Table of Contents    

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 June 30, 2016 Using
 
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015 Using
Description
 
Total
 
Level 1(1)
 
Level 2(2)
 
Level 3(3)
 
Total
 
Level 1(1)
 
Level 2(2)
 
Level 3(3)
Assets:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Derivative financial instruments(4)
 
$
41,633

 
$

 
$
41,633

 
$

 
$
134,574

 
$

 
$
134,574

 
$

Investments(5)
 
$
3,697

 
3,697

 

 

 
$
3,965

 
3,965

 

 

Total Assets
 
$
45,330

 
$
3,697

 
$
41,633

 
$

 
$
138,539

 
$
3,965

 
$
134,574

 
$

Liabilities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Derivative financial instruments(6)
 
$
614,150

 
$

 
$
614,150

 
$

 
$
1,044,292

 
$

 
$
1,044,292

 
$

Total Liabilities
 
$
614,150

 
$

 
$
614,150

 
$

 
$
1,044,292

 
$

 
$
1,044,292

 
$


(1) Inputs based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Valuation of these items does not entail a significant amount of judgment.
(2) Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. For foreign currency forward contracts, interest rate swaps, cross currency swaps and fuel swaps, fair value is derived using valuation models that utilize the income valuation approach. These valuation models take into account the contract terms, such as maturity, as well as other inputs, such as foreign exchange rates and curves, fuel types, fuel curves and interest rate yield curves. Fair value for foreign currency collar options is determined by using standard option pricing models with inputs based on the options’ contract terms, such as exercise price and maturity, and readily available public market data, such as foreign exchange curves, foreign exchange volatility levels and discount rates. All derivative instrument fair values take into account the creditworthiness of the counterparty and the Company.
(3) Inputs that are unobservable. The Company did not use any Level 3 inputs as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
(4) Consists of foreign currency forward contracts, interest rate swaps and fuel swaps. Please refer to the “Fair Value of Derivative Instruments” table for breakdown by instrument type.
(5) Consists of exchange-traded equity securities and mutual funds reported within Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets.
(6) Consists of foreign currency forward contracts, interest rate swaps and fuel swaps. Please refer to the “Fair Value of Derivative Instruments” table for breakdown by instrument type.
 
The reported fair values are based on a variety of factors and assumptions. Accordingly, the fair values may not represent actual values of the financial instruments that could have been realized as of June 30, 2016 or December 31, 2015, or that will be realized in the future, and do not include expenses that could be incurred in an actual sale or settlement.

We have master International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) agreements in place with our derivative instrument counterparties. These ISDA agreements 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.

As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, no cash collateral was received or pledged under our ISDA agreements. See Credit Related Contingent Features for further discussion on contingent collateral requirements for our derivative instruments.


16

Table of Contents    

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

 
 
Gross Amounts not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet that are Subject to Master Netting Agreements
 
 
As of June 30, 2016
 
As of December 31, 2015
 
 
Gross Amount of Derivative Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
Gross Amount of Eligible Offsetting
Recognized
Derivative Liabilities
 
Cash Collateral
Received
 
Net Amount of
Derivative Assets
 
Gross Amount of Derivative Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
Gross Amount of Eligible Offsetting
Recognized
Derivative Assets
 
Cash Collateral
Received
 
Net Amount of
Derivative Assets
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives subject to master netting agreements
 
$
41,633

 
$
(41,633
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
134,574

 
$
(129,815
)
 
$

 
$
4,759

Total
 
$
41,633

 
$
(41,633
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
134,574

 
$
(129,815
)
 
$

 
$
4,759


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

 
 
Gross Amounts not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet that are Subject to Master Netting Agreements
 
 
As of June 30, 2016
 
As of December 31, 2015
 
 
Gross Amount of Derivative Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
Gross Amount of Eligible Offsetting
Recognized
Derivative Assets
 
Cash Collateral
Pledged
 
Net Amount of
Derivative Liabilities
 
Gross Amount of Derivative Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
Gross Amount of Eligible Offsetting
Recognized
Derivative Liabilities
 
Cash Collateral
Pledged
 
Net Amount of
Derivative Liabilities
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives subject to master netting agreements
 
$
(614,150
)
 
$
41,633

 
$

 
$
(572,517
)
 
$
(1,044,292
)
 
$
129,815

 
$

 
$
(914,477
)
Total
 
$
(614,150
)
 
$
41,633

 
$

 
$
(572,517
)
 
$
(1,044,292
)
 
$
129,815

 
$

 
$
(914,477
)

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 June 30, 2016, we did not have any exposure under our derivative instruments. As of December 31, 2015, we had counterparty credit risk exposure under our derivative instruments of approximately $4.8 million, which was limited to the cost of replacing the contracts in the event of non-performance by the counterparties to the contracts, the majority of which are currently our lending banks. 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 manage 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

17

Table of Contents    

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, we do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes. We monitor our derivative positions using techniques including market valuations and sensitivity analyses.
 
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.
 
On an ongoing basis, we assess whether derivatives used in hedging transactions are “highly effective” in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flow of hedged items. We use the long-haul method to assess hedge effectiveness using regression analysis for each hedge relationship under our interest rate, foreign currency and fuel hedging programs. We apply the same methodology on a consistent basis for assessing hedge effectiveness to all hedges within each hedging program (i.e. interest rate, foreign currency and fuel). We perform regression analyses over an observation period of up to three years, utilizing market data relevant to the hedge horizon of each hedge relationship. High effectiveness is achieved when a statistically valid relationship reflects a high degree of offset and correlation between the changes in the fair values of the derivative instrument and the hedged item. The determination of ineffectiveness is based on the amount of dollar offset between the change in fair value of the derivative instrument and the change in fair value of the hedged item at the end of the reporting period. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or hedge accounting is discontinued, any change in fair value of the derivative since the last date at which it was determined to be effective is recognized in earnings. In addition, the ineffective portion of our highly effective hedges is immediately recognized in earnings and reported in Other income (expense) in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
 
Cash flows from derivative instruments that are designated as fair value or cash flow hedges are classified in the same category as the cash flows from the underlying hedged items. In the event that hedge accounting is discontinued, cash flows subsequent to the date of discontinuance are classified within investing activities. Cash flows from derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments are classified as investing activities.
 
We consider the classification of the underlying hedged item’s cash flows in determining the classification for the designated derivative instrument’s cash flows. We classify derivative instrument cash flows from hedges of benchmark interest rate or hedges of fuel expense as operating activities due to the nature of the hedged item. Likewise, we classify derivative instrument cash flows from hedges of foreign currency risk on our newbuild ship payments as investing activities and derivative instrument cash flows from hedges of foreign currency risk on debt payments as financing activities.
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates to our long-term debt obligations including future interest payments. At June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, approximately 40.0% and 31.2%, respectively, of our long-term debt was effectively fixed. We use interest rate swap agreements to modify our exposure to interest rate movements and to manage our interest expense.


18

Table of Contents    

Market risk associated with our long-term fixed rate debt is the potential increase in fair value resulting from a decrease in interest rates. We use interest rate swap agreements that effectively convert a portion of our fixed-rate debt to a floating-rate basis to manage this risk. At June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we maintained interest rate swap agreements on the following fixed-rate debt instruments:

Debt Instrument
Swap Notional as of June 30, 2016 (in thousands)
Maturity
Debt Fixed Rate
Swap Floating Rate: LIBOR plus
All-in Swap Floating Rate as of June 30, 2016
Oasis of the Seas term loan
$
192,500

October 2021
5.41%
3.87%
4.78%
Unsecured senior notes
650,000

November 2022
5.25%
3.63%
4.26%
 
$
842,500

 
 
 
 

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

Market risk associated with our long-term floating rate debt is the potential increase in interest expense from an increase in interest rates. We use interest rate swap agreements that effectively convert a portion of our floating-rate debt to a fixed-rate basis to manage this risk. At June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we maintained interest rate swap agreements on the following floating-rate debt instruments:

Debt Instrument
Swap Notional as of June 30, 2016 (in thousands)
Maturity
Debt Floating Rate
All-in Swap Fixed Rate
Celebrity Reflection term loan
$
463,604

October 2024
LIBOR plus
0.40%
2.85%
Quantum of the Seas term loan
643,125

October 2026
LIBOR plus
1.30%
3.74%
Anthem of the Seas term loan
664,583

April 2027
LIBOR plus
1.30%
3.86%
Ovation of the Seas term loan 
830,000

April 2028
LIBOR plus
1.00%
3.16%
Harmony of the Seas term loan (1)
770,714

May 2028
EURIBOR plus
1.15%
2.26%
 
$
3,372,026

 
 
 
 

(1) Interest rate swap agreements hedging the Euro-denominated term loan for Harmony of the Seas include swap EURIBOR zero-floors matching the hedged debt EURIBOR zero-floor. Amount presented is based on the exchange rate as of June 30, 2016.

These interest rate swap agreements are accounted for as cash flow hedges.
 
The notional amount of interest rate swap agreements related to outstanding debt and on our current unfunded financing arrangements as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was $4.2 billion and $4.3 billion, respectively.
 
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

Derivative Instruments
 
Our primary exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk relates to our ship construction contracts denominated in Euros, our foreign currency denominated debt and our international business operations. We enter into foreign currency forward contracts, collar options and cross currency swap agreements to manage portions of the exposure to movements in foreign currency exchange rates. As of June 30, 2016, the aggregate cost of our ships on firm order, not including the TUI Cruises' ships on order and those subject to conditions to effectiveness, was approximately $5.3 billion, of which we had deposited $151.5 million as of such date. At June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, approximately 65.1% and 58.2%, respectively, of the aggregate cost of the ships under construction was exposed to fluctuations in the Euro exchange rate. The majority of our foreign currency forward contracts, collar options and cross currency swap agreements are accounted for as cash flow, fair value or net investment hedges depending on the designation of the related hedge.

On a regular basis, we enter into foreign currency forward contracts and, from time to time, we utilize cross-currency swap agreements to minimize the volatility resulting from the remeasurement of net monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a currency other than our functional currency or the functional currencies of our foreign subsidiaries. During the second quarter of 2016, we maintained an average of approximately $532.6 million of these foreign currency forward contracts. These instruments are not designated as hedging instruments. Changes in the fair value of the foreign currency forward contracts resulted in a (loss) gain, of approximately $(24.7) million and $11.2 million during the quarters ended June 30, 2016 and June 30, 2015, respectively, and approximately $(9.3) million and $(16.9) million, during the six months ended June 30, 2016

19

Table of Contents    

and June 30, 2015, respectively, that were recognized in earnings within Other income (expense) in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).

The notional amount of outstanding foreign exchange contracts including our forward contracts as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was $1.0 billion and $2.4 billion, respectively.

Non-Derivative Instruments

We also address the exposure of our investments in foreign operations by denominating a portion of our debt in our subsidiaries’ and investments’ functional currencies and designating it as a hedge of these subsidiaries and investments. We had designated debt as a hedge of our net investments in TUI Cruises of approximately €260.8 million, or approximately $289.9 million, as of June 30, 2016.

 
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 accounted for as cash flow hedges. At June 30, 2016, we have hedged the variability in future cash flows for certain forecasted fuel transactions occurring through 2020. As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had the following outstanding fuel swap agreements:
 
 
Fuel Swap Agreements
 
As of June 30, 2016
 
As of December 31, 2015
 
(metric tons)
2016
456,000

 
930,000

2017
854,000

 
854,000

2018
583,000

 
583,000

2019
458,000

 
231,000

2020
232,000

 

 
 
Fuel Swap Agreements
 
As of June 30, 2016
 
As of December 31, 2015
 
(% hedged)
Projected fuel purchases:
 

 
 

2016
64
%
 
65
%
2017
60
%
 
59
%
2018
40
%
 
40
%
2019
30
%
 
15
%
2020
15
%
 

 
At June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, $219.4 million and $321.0 million, respectively, of estimated unrealized net loss associated with our cash flow hedges pertaining to fuel swap agreements were expected to be reclassified to earnings from Accumulated other comprehensive loss within the next twelve months. Reclassification is expected to occur as the result of fuel consumption associated with our hedged forecasted fuel purchases.


20

Table of Contents    

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

 
 
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
 
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
As of June 30, 2016
 
As of December 31, 2015
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
As of June 30, 2016
 
As of December 31, 2015
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value
 
 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
Other assets
 
$
23,032

 
$

 
Other long-term liabilities
 
$
164,060

 
$
67,371

Foreign currency forward contracts
 
Derivative financial instruments
 

 
93,996

 
Derivative financial instruments
 
9,548

 
320,873

Foreign currency forward contracts
 
Other assets
 

 

 
Other long-term liabilities
 
17,488

 

Fuel swaps
 
Derivative financial instruments
 

 

 
Derivative financial instruments
 
211,973

 
307,475

Fuel swaps
 
Other assets
 
15,009

 

 
Other long-term liabilities
 
194,859

 
325,055

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments under 815-20
 
 
 
38,041

 
93,996

 
 
 
597,928

 
1,020,774

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency forward contracts
 
Derivative financial instruments
 
$

 
$
32,339

 
Derivative financial instruments
 
$

 
$

Fuel swaps
 
Derivative financial instruments
 
3,592

 
8,239

 
Derivative financial instruments
 
16,222

 
23,518

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under 815-20
 
 
 
3,592

 
40,578

 
 
 
16,222

 
23,518

Total derivatives
 
 
 
$
41,633

 
$
134,574

 
 
 
$
614,150

 
$
1,044,292


(1) Accounting Standard Codification 815-20 “Derivatives and Hedging.”

The carrying value and line item caption of non-derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments recorded within our consolidated
balance sheets were as follows:
 
 
 
 
Carrying Value
Non-derivative instrument designated as
hedging instrument under ASC 815-20
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
As of June 30, 2016
 
As of December 31, 2015
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency debt
 
Current portion of long-term debt
 
$
32,450

 
$

Foreign currency debt
 
Long-term debt
 
257,407

 

 
 
 
 
$
289,857

 
$



21

Table of Contents    

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:
 
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 June 30, 2016
 
Quarter Ended June 30, 2015
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
Quarter Ended June 30, 2016
 
Quarter Ended June 30, 2015
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized
 
$
1,976

 
$
2,872

 
$
4,338

 
$
5,848

 
$
3,278

 
$
3,925

 
$
7,203

 
$
7,807

Interest rate swaps
 
Other income (expense)
 
9,986

 
(15,713
)
 
36,254

 
(561
)
 
(8,601
)
 
14,348

 
(32,301
)
 
2,007

 
 
 
 
$
11,962

 
$
(12,841
)
 
$
40,592

 
$
5,287

 
$
(5,323
)
 
$
18,273

 
$
(25,098
)
 
$
9,814


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

Derivatives
under ASC 815-20  Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss) on Derivative 
(Effective Portion)
 
Location of
Gain (Loss)
Reclassified
from
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
Loss into Income
(Effective
Portion)
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income  (Effective Portion)
Quarter Ended June 30, 2016
 
Quarter Ended June 30, 2015
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
 
Quarter Ended June 30, 2016
 
Quarter Ended June 30, 2015
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
(In thousands)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate swaps
 
$
(35,732
)
 
$
29,666

 
$
(133,103
)
 
$
(6,149
)
 
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized
 
$
(10,938
)
 
$
(9,962
)
 
$
(20,066
)
 
$
(16,748
)
Foreign currency forward contracts
 
(34,738
)
 
42,229

 
11,310

 
(130,593
)
 
Depreciation and amortization expenses
 
(1,980
)
 
(685
)
 
(2,698
)
 
(1,402
)
Foreign currency forward contracts
 

 

 

 

 
Other income (expense)
 
(12,830
)
 
(239
)
 
(6,742
)
 
(477
)
Foreign currency forward contracts
 

 

 

 

 
Other operating
 
(207
)
 

 
(207
)
 

Foreign currency collar options
 

 
240

 

 
(64,593
)
 
Depreciation and amortization expenses
 
(601
)
 
(435
)
 
(1,204
)
 
(435
)
Fuel swaps
 

 

 

 

 
Other income (expense)
 
13,933

 

 
6,597

 

Fuel swaps
 
146,068

 
66,603

 
97,731

 
17,689

 
Fuel
 
(68,129
)
 
(52,416
)
 
(158,830
)
 
(106,108
)
 
 
$
75,598

 
$
138,738

 
$
(24,062
)
 
$
(183,646
)
 
 
 
$
(80,752
)
 
$
(63,737
)
 
$
(183,150
)
 
$
(125,170
)


22

Table of Contents    

 Derivatives under 
ASC 815-20 
Cash Flow Hedging
Relationships
 
Location of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
Quarter Ended June 30, 2016
 
Quarter Ended June 30, 2015
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate swaps
 
Other income (expense)
 
(342
)
 
183

 
(1,242
)
 
221

Foreign currency forward contracts
 
Other income (expense)
 
(57
)
 

 
(57
)
 

Fuel swaps
 
Other income (expense)
 
(3,925
)
 
(600
)
 
(3,941
)
 
(418
)
 
 
 
 
$
(4,324
)
 
$
(417
)
 
$
(5,240
)
 
$
(197
)

The effect of non-derivative instruments qualifying and designated as net investment hedging instruments on the consolidated financial statements was as follows:
 
 
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Effective Portion)
Non-derivative instruments under ASC 815-20 Net
Investment Hedging Relationships
 
Quarter Ended June 30, 2016
 
Quarter Ended June 30, 2015
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
(In thousands)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign Currency Debt
 
$
4,695

 
$
(2,746
)
 
$
4,695

 
$
9,391

 
 
$
4,695

 
$
(2,746
)
 
$
4,695

 
$
9,391


There was no amount recognized in income (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing) for the quarters and six months ended June 30, 2016 and June 30, 2015, respectively.

The effect of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the consolidated financial statements was as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) 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 June 30, 2016
 
Quarter Ended June 30, 2015
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign currency forward contracts
 
Other income (expense)
 
$
(23,703
)
 
$
11,181

 
$
(9,248
)
 
$
(16,902
)
Fuel swaps
 
Other income (expense)
 
(73
)
 
16

 
(51
)
 
(113
)
 
 
 
 
$
(23,776
)
 
$
11,197

 
$
(9,299
)
 
$
(17,015
)
 
Credit Related Contingent Features
 
Our current interest rate derivative instruments may require us to post collateral if our Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s credit ratings remain below specified levels. Specifically, if on the fifth anniversary of entering into a derivative transaction or on any succeeding fifth-year anniversary our credit ratings for our senior unsecured debt were to be rated below BBB- by Standard & Poor’s and Baa3 by Moody’s, then each counterparty to such derivative transaction with whom we are in a net liability position that exceeds the applicable minimum call amount may demand that we post collateral in an amount equal to the net liability position, which is measured only on the trades that have reached the five year trade anniversary. The amount of collateral required to be posted following such event will change each time 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 at the next fifth-year anniversary. Currently, our senior unsecured debt credit rating is BB+ with a stable outlook by Standard & Poor’s and Ba1 with a stable outlook by Moody’s. We currently have seven interest rate derivative hedges that have a term of at least five years.  The aggregate fair values of all derivative instruments with such credit-related contingent features in net liability positions as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were $164.1 million and $67.4 million, respectively, which do not include the impact of any such derivatives in net asset positions. The earliest that any of the seven interest rate derivative hedges will reach their fifth anniversary is November 2016. Therefore, as of June 30, 2016, we were not required to post collateral for any of our derivative transactions.


23

Table of Contents    

Note 11. Restructuring Charges

Pullmantur Right-sizing Strategy

Pullmantur's strategy over the last several years had focused both on its core cruise market in Spain and on expansion throughout Latin America, especially Brazil. However, due to significant and increased challenges facing Pullmantur's Latin American operations, in 2015, we decided to significantly change our strategy from growing the brand through vessel transfers to a right-sizing strategy. This right-sizing strategy includes reducing our exposure to Latin America, refocusing on the brand’s core market of Spain and, consequently, reducing the size of Pullmantur’s fleet.

During the first and second quarters of 2016, we moved forward with activities related to this right-sizing strategy. The activities included the closing of Pullmantur's regional head office in Brazil, the redeployment of Pullmantur’s Empress to the Royal Caribbean International brand and personnel reorganization in Pullmantur's headquarters. The closure of the Brazil office and the personnel reorganization resulted in the recognition of a liability for one-time termination benefits during the six months ended June 30, 2016. We also incurred contract termination costs related to the closure of the Brazil office.

As a result of these actions, we incurred restructuring exit costs of $1.8 million and $2.1 million for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively, which are reported within Restructuring charges in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).

The following table summarizes our restructuring exit costs related to the above strategy (in thousands):

 
 
Beginning
Balance
January 1, 2016
 
Accruals
 
Payments
 
Ending Balance June 30, 2016
 
Cumulative
Charges
Incurred
Termination benefits
 
$

 
$
2,067

 
$
621

 
$
1,446

 
$
2,067

Contract termination costs
 
 

 
 
68

 
 
19

 
 
49

 
 
68

Total
 
$

 
$
2,135

 
$
640

 
$
1,495

 
$
2,135


In connection with this strategy, we incurred approximately $0.7 million and $3.6 million of other costs during the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively, that primarily consisted of costs associated with the redeployment of Pullmantur's Empress to the Royal Caribbean International brand that were reported within Cruise operating expenses, Depreciation and amortization expenses and Marketing, selling and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).

In July 2016, we sold 51% of our interest in Pullmantur and CDF Croisières de France. Refer to Note 1. General for further information regarding this sales transaction.

Other Restructuring Initiatives

During the second quarter of 2016, we moved forward with certain other initiatives, including the closing of an international office in Brazil related to the Royal Caribbean International brand and personnel reorganization in our corporate offices. These initiatives resulted in restructuring costs of $2.6 million for both the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2016. The restructuring costs are mainly due to the recognition of a liability for one-time termination benefits. Through the remainder of 2016, we may incur additional immaterial costs as it relates to the restructuring at our corporate and international offices.

The following table summarizes our restructuring exit costs related to the above initiatives (in thousands):

 
 
Beginning
Balance
January 1, 2016
 
Accruals
 
Payments
 
Ending Balance June 30, 2016
 
Cumulative
Charges
Incurred
Termination benefits
 
$

 
$
2,580

 
$
56

 
$
2,524

 
$
2,580

Contract termination costs
 
 

 
 
15

 
 

 
 
15

 
 
15

Total
 
$

 
$
2,595

 
$
56

 
$
2,539

 
$
2,595



24

Table of Contents    

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 document 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 guidance (including our expectations for the third quarter and full year of 2016 and our earnings and yield estimates for 2016 set forth under the heading "Outlook" below), 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," "could," "estimate," "expect," "goal," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "seek," "should," "will," "driving" 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 our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and, in particular, the risks discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A of that report.
 
All forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q speak only as of the date of this document.  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 has been 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 six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the same periods in 2015;

a discussion of our business outlook, including our expectations for selected financial items for the third quarter and full year of 2016; and

a discussion of our liquidity and capital resources, including our future capital and contractual commitments and potential funding sources.
 
Critical Accounting Policies

For a discussion of our critical accounting policies, 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, 2015.

Seasonality
 
Our revenues are seasonal based on demand for cruises. Demand is strongest for cruises during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer months and holidays. In order to mitigate the impact of the winter weather in the Northern Hemisphere and to capitalize on the summer season in the Southern Hemisphere, our brands have focused on deployment to the Caribbean, Asia and Australia during that period.
 
Financial Presentation
 
Description of Certain Line Items
 
Revenues
 
Our revenues are comprised of the following:


25

Table of Contents    

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, cancellation fees, sales of vacation protection insurance and pre- and post-cruise tours. Onboard and other revenues also includes 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 agent 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, which we believe 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 Earnings per Share represents Adjusted Net Income divided by weighted average shares outstanding or by diluted weighted average shares outstanding, as applicable. We believe that this non-GAAP measure is meaningful when assessing our performance on a comparative basis.
 
Adjusted Net Income represents net income 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 the net loss related to the elimination of the Pullmantur reporting lag, restructuring charges, and other initiative costs related to our Pullmantur right-sizing strategy.

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. 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.

26

Table of Contents    

 
Gross Cruise Costs represent the sum of total cruise operating expenses plus marketing, selling and administrative expenses.
 
Gross Yields represent total revenues per APCD.
 
Net Cruise Costs and Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel 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 historical Gross Cruise Costs to Net Cruise Costs and Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel is provided below under Results of Operations. We have not provided a quantitative reconciliation of projected Gross Cruise Costs to projected Net Cruise Costs and projected Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel due to the significant uncertainty in projecting the costs deducted to arrive at these measures. Accordingly, we do not believe that reconciling information for such projected figures would be meaningful. Net Cruise Costs excludes initiative costs related to our Pullmantur right-sizing strategy.

Net Revenues represent total revenues less commissions, transportation and other expenses and onboard and other expenses (each of which is described above under the Description of Certain Line Items heading).
 
Net Yields represent Net Revenues per APCD. We utilize Net Revenues and Net Yields to manage our business on a day-to-day basis as we believe that it is the most relevant measure of our pricing performance because it reflects the cruise revenues earned by us net of our most significant variable costs, which are commissions, transportation and other expenses and onboard and other expenses. A reconciliation of historical Gross Yields to Net Yields is provided below under Results of Operations. We have not provided a quantitative reconciliation of projected Gross Yields to projected Net Yields due to the significant uncertainty in projecting the costs deducted to arrive at this measure. Accordingly, we do not believe that reconciling information for such projected figures would be meaningful.
 
Occupancy, in accordance with cruise vacation industry practice, is calculated by dividing Passenger Cruise Days by APCD.  A percentage in excess of 100% indicates that three or more passengers occupied some cabins.
 
Passenger Cruise Days represent the number of passengers carried for the period multiplied by the number of days of their respective cruises.
 
We believe Net Yields, Net Cruise Costs and Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel are our most relevant non-GAAP financial measures. However, a significant portion of our revenue and expenses are denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar. Because our reporting currency is the United States dollar, the value of these revenues and expenses can be affected by changes in currency exchange rates. Although such changes in local currency prices is just one of many elements impacting our revenues and expenses, it can be an important element. For this reason, we also monitor Net Yields, Net Cruise Costs and Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel as if the current periods’ currency exchange rates had remained constant with the comparable prior periods’ rates, or on a “Constant Currency” basis.
 
It should be emphasized that Constant Currency is primarily used for comparing short-term changes and/or projections. Changes in guest sourcing and shifting the amount of purchases between currencies can change the impact of the purely currency-based fluctuations.
 
The use of certain significant non-GAAP measures, such as Net Yields, Net Cruise Costs and Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel, allows us to perform capacity and rate analysis to separate the impact of known capacity changes from other less predictable changes which affect our business. We believe these non-GAAP measures provide expanded insight to measure revenue and cost performance in addition to the standard United States GAAP based financial measures. There are no specific rules or regulations for determining non-GAAP and Constant Currency measures, and as such, there exists the possibility that they may not be comparable to other companies within the industry.

Results of Operations
 
Summary
 
Our net income and Adjusted Net Income for the second quarter of 2016 was $229.9 million and $235.2 million, or $1.06 and $1.09 per share on a diluted basis, respectively, as compared to both net income and Adjusted Net Income of $185.0 million, or $0.84 per share on a diluted basis, for the second quarter of 2015.

27

Table of Contents    

 
Our net income and Adjusted Net Income for the six months ended June 30, 2016 was $329.0 million and $359.1 million, or $1.52 and $1.65 per share on a diluted basis, respectively, as compared to both net income and Adjusted Net Income of $230.2 million, or $1.04 per share on a diluted basis, for the six months ended June 30, 2015.

Significant items for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2016 include:

The effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates related to our passenger ticket and onboard and other revenue transactions and cruise operating expenses denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar, resulted in a decrease to total revenues of $30.2 million and $95.4 million for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2015, and a decrease to cruise operating expenses of $5.1 million and $24.0 million for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2015;

Total revenues, excluding the unfavorable effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, increased $77.1 million and $244.6 million for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2016 as compared to the same periods in 2015. The increase was primarily due to an increase in capacity.

Total Cruise operating expenses, excluding the favorable effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, decreased $0.7 million and increased $37.1 million for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2015. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in fuel expense and the increase was primarily due to the increase in capacity.

Effective January 1, 2016, we eliminated Pullmantur's and CDF Croisières de France's two-month reporting lag to be consistent with the fiscal calendar of the Company. As a result of this change, the results of Pullmantur and CDF Croisières de France for November and December 2015, in addition to the six months ended June 30, 2016, are included in our statement of comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2016. The effect of this change was a decrease to net income of $21.7 million and this amount is reported within Other income in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2016. Refer to Note 1. Financial Statements to our consolidated financial statements for further information on the elimination of the Pullmantur reporting lag.

Other Items

In April 2016, we took delivery of Ovation of the Seas. To finance the purchase, we borrowed $841.8 million under a previously committed 12-year unsecured term loan, which is 95% guaranteed by Hermes. Refer to Note 6. Long-Term Debt to our consolidated financial statements for further information.

In May 2016, we took delivery of Harmony of the Seas. To finance the purchase, we borrowed €700.7 million, or $778.8 million based on the exchange rate at June 30, 2016, and $226.1 million under previously committed unsecured term loans. Both of the facilities are 100% guaranteed by COFACE. Refer to Note 6. Long-Term Debt to our consolidated financial statements for further information.

In May 2016, TUI Cruises, our 50% joint venture, took delivery of Mein Schiff 5.

In June 2016, we entered into an agreement to sell a ship to Thomson Cruises for $230.0 million in cash. The sale is scheduled to be completed in March 2017 in order to retain the future revenues to be generated for sailings through that date. We expect to recognize a gain on the sale, which we do not expect will have a material effect to our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2016, we sold 51% of our interest in Pullmantur and CDF Croisières de France. We retained a 49% interest in these businesses as well as full ownership of the vessels and aircraft. As a result of the sale of a majority interest in these businesses, we expect to recognize an immaterial gain and we will no longer consolidate these businesses in our consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note 1. General to our consolidated financial statements for further information.


28

Table of Contents    

Operating results for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 are shown in the following table (in thousands, except per share data):

 
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
% of Total
Revenues
 
 
 
% of Total
Revenues
 
 
 
% of Total
Revenues
 
 
 
% of Total
Revenues
Passenger ticket revenues
$
1,516,530

 
72.0
 %
 
$
1,507,468

 
73.2
 %
 
$
2,894,697

 
72.0
 %
 
$
2,814,247

 
72.6
 %
Onboard and other revenues
588,732

 
28.0
 %
 
550,854

 
26.8
 %
 
1,128,360

 
28.0
 %
 
1,059,674

 
27.4
 %
Total revenues
2,105,262

 
100.0
 %
 
2,058,322

 
100.0
 %
 
4,023,057

 
100.0
 %
 
3,873,921

 
100.0
 %
Cruise operating expenses:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commissions, transportation and other
334,568

 
15.9
 %
 
355,835

 
17.3
 %
 
659,458

 
16.4
 %
 
680,253

 
17.6
 %
Onboard and other
136,198

 
6.5
 %
 
147,105

 
7.1
 %
 
239,852

 
6.0
 %
 
263,344

 
6.8
 %
Payroll and related
230,433

 
10.9
 %
 
218,570

 
10.6
 %
 
457,874

 
11.4
 %
 
430,161

 
11.1
 %
Food
124,517

 
5.9
 %
 
119,407

 
5.8
 %
 
246,027

 
6.1
 %
 
239,193

 
6.2
 %
Fuel
176,649

 
8.4
 %
 
202,565

 
9.8
 %
 
352,511

 
8.8
 %
 
407,841

 
10.5
 %
Other operating
308,222

 
14.6
 %
 
272,927

 
13.3
 %
 
596,443

 
14.8
 %
 
518,234

 
13.4
 %
Total cruise operating expenses
1,310,587

 
62.3
 %
 
1,316,409

 
64.0
 %
 
2,552,165

 
63.4
 %
 
2,539,026

 
65.5
 %
Marketing, selling and administrative expenses
286,357

 
13.6
 %
 
274,148

 
13.3
 %
 
588,378

 
14.6
 %
 
560,980

 
14.5
 %
Depreciation and amortization expenses
221,620

 
10.5
 %
 
206,468

 
10.0
 %
 
432,384

 
10.7
 %
 
406,936

 
10.5
 %
Restructuring charges
4,425

 
0.2
 %
 

 

 
4,730

 
0.1
 %
 

 

Operating Income
282,273

 
13.4
 %
 
261,297

 
12.7
 %
 
445,400

 
11.1
 %
 
366,979

 
9.5
 %
Other income (expense):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest income
5,683

 
0.3
 %
 
2,772

 
0.1
 %
 
8,403

 
0.2
 %
 
6,509

 
0.2
 %
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized
(78,747
)
 
(3.7
)%
 
(76,620
)
 
(3.7
)%
 
(144,193
)
 
(3.6
)%
 
(146,779
)
 
(3.8
)%
Other income (expense)
20,696

 
1.0
 %
 
(2,482
)
 
(0.1
)%
 
19,435

 
0.5
 %
 
3,488

 
0.1
 %
 
(52,368
)
 
(2.5
)%
 
(76,330
)
 
(3.7
)%
 
(116,355
)
 
(2.9
)%
 
(136,782
)
 
(3.5
)%
Net Income
$
229,905

 
10.9
 %
 
$
184,967

 
9.0
 %
 
$
329,045

 
8.2
 %
 
$
230,197

 
5.9
 %
Diluted Earnings per Share
$
1.06

 
 

 
$
0.84

 
 

 
$
1.52

 
 

 
$
1.04

 
 



29

Table of Contents    

Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Earnings per Share were calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
 
 
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Net Income
$
229,905

 
$
184,967

 
$
329,045

 
$
230,197

Adjusted Net income
235,164

 
184,967

 
359,120

 
230,197

Net Adjustments to Net Income- Increase
$
5,259

 
$

 
$
30,075

 
$

Adjustments to Net Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss related to the elimination of the Pullmantur reporting lag
$

 
$

 
$
21,656

 
$

Restructuring charges
4,425

 

 
4,730

 

Other initiative costs
834

 

 
3,689

 

Net Adjustments to Net Income- Increase
$
5,259

 
$

 
$
30,075

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

   Earnings per Share
$
1.07

 
$
0.84

 
$
1.52

 
$
1.05

   Adjusted Earnings per Share
$
1.09

 
$
0.84

 
$
1.66

 
$
1.05

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Earnings per Share
$
1.06

 
$
0.84

 
$
1.52

 
$
1.04

   Adjusted Earnings per Share
$
1.09

 
$
0.84

 
$
1.65

 
$
1.04

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
215,265

 
219,913

 
216,089

 
219,770

Diluted
216,131

 
220,902

 
217,040

 
220,886


Selected statistical information is shown in the following table:
 
 
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016(1)
 
2015
Passengers Carried
1,403,998

 
1,314,284

 
2,806,920

 
2,649,802

Passenger Cruise Days
9,980,140

 
9,465,349

 
19,639,130

 
18,679,992

APCD
9,544,636

 
9,040,437

 
18,737,199

 
17,819,382

Occupancy
104.6
%
 
104.7
%
 
104.8
%
 
104.8
%

(1) Does not include November and December 2015 amounts related to the elimination of the Pullmantur reporting lag.

30

Table of Contents    

Gross Yields and Net Yields were calculated as follows (in thousands, except APCD and Yields):
 
 
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2016
 
2016 On a Constant Currency Basis
 
2015
 
2016
 
2016 On a Constant Currency Basis
 
2015
Passenger ticket revenues
$
1,516,530

 
$
1,544,074

 
$
1,507,468

 
$
2,894,697

 
$
2,982,559

 
$
2,814,247

Onboard and other revenues
588,732

 
591,338

 
550,854

 
1,128,360

 
1,135,929

 
1,059,674

Total revenues
2,105,262

 
2,135,412

 
2,058,322

 
4,023,057

 
4,118,488

 
3,873,921

Less:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commissions, transportation and other
334,568

 
339,191

 
355,835

 
659,458

 
676,489

 
680,253

Onboard and other
136,198

 
136,271

 
147,105

 
239,852

 
241,249

 
263,344

Net Revenues
$
1,634,496

 
$
1,659,950

 
$
1,555,382

 
$
3,123,747

 
$
3,200,750

 
$
2,930,324

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
APCD
9,544,636

 
9,544,636

 
9,040,437

 
18,737,199

 
18,737,199

 
17,819,382

Gross Yields
$
220.57

 
$
223.73

 
$
227.68

 
$
214.71

 
$
219.80

 
$
217.40

Net Yields
$
171.25

 
$
173.91

 
$
172.05

 
$
166.71

 
$
170.82

 
$
164.45

 

31

Table of Contents    

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 June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2016
 
2016 On a Constant Currency Basis
 
2015
 
2016
 
2016 On a Constant Currency Basis
 
2015
Total cruise operating expenses
$
1,310,587

 
$
1,315,712

 
$
1,316,409

 
$
2,552,165

 
$
2,576,152

 
$
2,539,026

Marketing, selling and administrative expenses
286,357

 
289,673

 
274,148

 
588,378

 
596,740

 
560,980

Gross Cruise Costs
1,596,944

 
1,605,385

 
1,590,557

 
3,140,543

 
3,172,892

 
3,100,006

Less:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commissions, transportation and other
334,568

 
339,191

 
355,835

 
659,458

 
676,489

 
680,253

Onboard and other
136,198

 
136,271

 
147,105

 
239,852

 
241,249

 
263,344

Net Cruise Costs including other initiative costs
1,126,178

 
1,129,923

 
1,087,617

 
2,241,233

 
2,255,154

 
2,156,409

Less:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Other initiative costs included within cruise operating expenses and marketing, selling and administrative expenses
834

 
846

 

 
3,325

 
3,397

 

Net Cruise Costs
1,125,344

 
1,129,077

 
1,087,617

 
2,237,908

 
2,251,757

 
2,156,409

Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel(1)
176,649

 
177,079

 
202,565

 
352,087

 
353,094

 
407,841

Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel
$
948,695

 
$
951,998

 
$
885,052

 
$
1,885,821

 
$
1,898,663

 
$
1,748,568

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
APCD
9,544,636

 
9,544,636

 
9,040,437

 
18,737,199

 
18,737,199

 
17,819,382

Gross Cruise Costs per APCD
$
167.31

 
$
168.20

 
$
175.94

 
$
167.61

 
$
169.34

 
$
173.97

Net Cruise Cost per APCD
$
117.90

 
$
118.29

 
$
120.31

 
$
119.44

 
$
120.18

 
$
121.01

Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel per APCD
$
99.40

 
$
99.74

 
$
97.90

 
$
100.65

 
$
101.33

 
$
98.13


(1) For the six months ended June 30, 2016, amount does not include fuel expense of $0.4 million included within other initiative costs associated with the redeployment of Pullmantur’s Empress to the Royal Caribbean International brand.

32

Table of Contents    

2016 Outlook

On August 2, 2016, we announced the following third quarter and full year 2016 guidance based on fuel pricing, interest rates and currency exchange rates at that time:

Full Year 2016
 
 
As Reported
Constant Currency
Net Yields
Approx. 2.0%
4.0% to 4.5%
Net Cruise Costs per APCD
(1.5%) to (2.0%)
Approx. (1.5%)
Net Cruise Costs per APCD, Excluding Fuel
Flat to up 1.0%
Approx. 1.0%
Capacity Increase
3.3%
 
Depreciation and Amortization
$890 to $900 million
 
Interest Expense, net
$282 to $292 million
 
Fuel Consumption (metric tons)
1,369,000
 
Fuel Expenses
$725 million
 
Percent Hedged (fwd consumption)
64%
 
Impact of 10% change in fuel prices
$8.4 million
 
Adjusted Earnings per Share-Diluted
$6.00 to $6.10
 

Third Quarter 2016
 
 
As Reported
Constant Currency
Net Yields
Approx. flat
Approx. 2.0%
Net Cruise Costs per APCD
(3.0%) to (4.0%)
Approx. (3.0%)
Net Cruise Costs per APCD, Excluding Fuel
Approx. (2.0%)
Approx. (1.5%)
Capacity Increase
3.2%
 
Depreciation and Amortization
$227 to $232 million
 
Interest Expense, net
$75 to $80 million
 
Fuel Consumption (metric tons)
341,000
 
Fuel Expenses
$187 million
 
Percent Hedged (fwd consumption)
59%
 
Impact of 10% change in fuel prices
$3.8 million
 
Adjusted Earnings per Share-Diluted
Approx. $3.10
 

Adjusted Earnings per Share estimates for the Full Year and Third Quarter of 2016 are presented in lieu of US GAAP earnings per share estimates due to uncertainty in projecting the amounts adjusted to arrive at this measure, such as uncertainty in the amount and timing of restructuring charges and other initiative costs that we will absorb in the remainder of 2016, the amount of which is expected to be immaterial.  Refer to Note 11. Restructuring Charges in our consolidated financial statements under Item 1. Financial Statements for further information on our restructuring charges and other initiative costs and to the definition for Adjusted Earnings per Share herein. For the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2016, we incurred restructuring charges and other initiative costs of $5.3 million and $8.4 million, respectively.

Volatility in foreign currency exchange rates affects the US dollar value of our earnings. Based on our highest net exposure for each quarter and the full year 2016, the top five foreign currencies are ranked below. For example, the British Pound is the most impactful currency in the second and third quarters of 2016. The first and second quarters of 2016 rankings are based on actual results. Rankings for the remaining quarters and full year are based on estimated net exposures.


33

Table of Contents    

Ranking
 
Q1
 
Q2
 
Q3
 
Q4
 
FY 2016
1
 
AUD
 
GBP
 
GBP
 
AUD
 
GBP
2
 
CAD
 
AUD
 
CNH
 
GBP
 
AUD
3
 
GBP
 
CAD
 
EUR
 
CNH
 
CAD
4
 
CNH
 
CNH
 
CAD
 
CAD
 
CNH
5
 
BRL
 
MXN
 
AUD
 
EUR
 
EUR


34

Table of Contents    

The currency abbreviations above are defined as follows:
Currency Abbreviation
 
Currency
AUD
 
Australian Dollar
BRL
 
Brazilian Real
CAD
 
Canadian Dollar
CNH
 
Chinese Yuan
EUR
 
Euro
GBP
 
British Pound
MXN
 
Mexican Peso


Quarter Ended June 30, 2016 Compared to Quarter Ended June 30, 2015
 
In this section, references to 2016 refer to the quarter ended June 30, 2016 and references to 2015 refer to the quarter ended June 30, 2015.
 
Revenues
 
Total revenues for 2016 increased $46.9 million, or 2.3%, from 2015.
 
Passenger ticket revenues comprised 72.0% of our 2016 total revenues. Passenger ticket revenues for 2016 increased by $9.1 million, or 0.6%, from 2015. The increase was primarily due to a 5.6% increase in capacity, which increased passenger ticket revenues by $84.1 million.

The increase was partially offset by:

a decrease of $47.5 million in ticket prices driven by lower pricing on our Mediterranean sailings primarily due to geopolitical events in the region and lower pricing on our Asia sailings due to changes in deployment and the increase in capacity in the region; and

an approximate $27.5 million unfavorable effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates related to our passenger ticket revenue transactions denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar.

The remaining 28.0% of 2016 total revenues was comprised of onboard and other revenues, which increased $37.9 million, or 6.9%, to $588.7 million in 2016 from $550.9 million in 2015. The increase in onboard and other revenues was primarily due to:

a $29.7 million increase attributable to the 5.6% increase in capacity noted above; and

a $25.3 million increase in onboard revenue attributable to higher spending on a per passenger basis primarily due to our ship upgrade programs and other revenue enhancing initiatives, including various beverage and gaming initiatives, the promotion of specialty restaurants and the increased revenue associated with internet and other telecommunication services.

The increase was partially offset by:

a $14.6 million decrease in other revenues primarily due to our travel agency business that was sold in 2015, which is mostly offset by the related decrease in travel agency expenses discussed below; and

an approximate $2.6 million unfavorable effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates related to our onboard and other revenue transactions denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar.

Onboard and other revenues included concession revenues of $77.9 million in 2016 and $73.5 million in 2015.


35

Table of Contents    

Cruise Operating Expenses

Total cruise operating expenses for 2016 decreased $5.8 million, or 0.4%, from 2015. The decrease was primarily due to:

a $36.8 million decrease in fuel expense, excluding the impact of the increase in capacity. Our cost of fuel (net of the financial impact of fuel swap agreements) for 2016 decreased 14.6% per metric ton compared to 2015;

a $12.8 million decrease in commissions expense mainly attributable to the decrease in ticket prices discussed above;

a $10.6 million decrease in air expense primarily due to the decrease in air transportation sales and lower costs;

a $10.2 million decrease in other expenses primarily due to our travel agency business that was sold in 2015, which mostly offsets the related decrease in travel agency revenues discussed above; and

an approximate $5.1 million favorable effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates related to our cruise operating expenses denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar.

The decrease was partially offset by a $72.3 million increase attributable to the 5.6% increase in capacity noted above.

Marketing, Selling and Administrative Expenses

Marketing, selling and administrative expenses for 2016 increased $12.2 million, or 4.5%, to $286.4 million from $274.1 million for the same period in 2015. The increase was primarily due to an increase in payroll and benefits primarily due to an increase in headcount, merit increases and an increase in costs associated with our restructuring activities. Refer to Note. 11 Restructuring Charges to our consolidated financial statements for further information on our restructuring activities.

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses
 
Depreciation and amortization expenses for 2016 increased $15.2 million, or 7.3%, to $221.6 million from $206.5 million in 2015. The increase was primarily due to the addition of Ovation of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas into our fleet, and to a lesser extent, new shipboard additions associated with our ship upgrade projects.

Restructuring Charges

We incurred restructuring charges of $4.4 million during 2016. Refer to Note 11. Restructuring Charges to our consolidated financial statements for further information on our restructuring activities.

Other Income (Expense)
 
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized for 2016 increased $2.1 million, or 2.8%, to $78.7 million from $76.6 million in 2015. The increase was due to a higher average debt level attributable to the financing of Ovation of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas, partially offset by lower pricing on debt refinanced in 2015.

Other income in 2016 was $20.7 million compared to Other expense of $2.5 million in 2015. The change of $23.2 million was primarily due to income of $27.3 million from our equity method investments in 2016 compared to income of $14.7 million in 2015 and a $1.2 million foreign exchange loss from the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency, net of hedging, in 2016 compared to a loss of $9.1 million in 2015.

Net Yields
 
Net Yields remained consistent compared to 2015. Net Yields increased 1.1% in 2016 compared to 2015 on a Constant Currency basis.
 
Net Cruise Costs
 
Net Cruise Costs increased 3.5% in 2016 compared to 2015 primarily due to the increase in capacity noted above. Net Cruise Costs per APCD decreased 2.0% compared to 2015 primarily due to the decrease in operating expenses discussed above. Net Cruise Costs per APCD on a Constant Currency basis decreased 1.7% in 2016 compared to 2015.
 

36

Table of Contents    

Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel
 
Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel per APCD increased 1.5% in 2016 compared to 2015 and increased 1.9% in 2016 compared to 2015 on a Constant Currency basis.

Other Comprehensive Income

Other comprehensive income decreased by $67.5 million in 2016 compared to 2015. Gain on cash flow derivative hedges in 2016 was $156.4 million compared to $202.5 million in 2015. The decrease of $46.1 million was primarily due to a higher amount of losses deferred into OCI during 2016 for our foreign currency cash flow hedges as a result of the strengthening of the US dollar.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2015

In this section, references to 2016 refer to the six months ended June 30, 2016 and references to 2015 refer to the six months ended June 30, 2015.

Revenues
 
Total revenues for 2016 increased $149.1 million, or 3.8%, to $4.0 billion from $3.9 billion in 2015.
 
Passenger ticket revenues comprised 72.0% of our 2016 total revenues. Passenger ticket revenues for 2016 increased by $80.5 million, or 2.9%, from 2015. The increase was primarily due to:

a 5.2% increase in capacity, which increased passenger ticket revenues by $145.0 million; and

an increase of $23.4 million in ticket prices primarily driven by Harmony of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas and, to a lesser extent, Anthem of the Seas, as well as higher pricing on Alaska and Caribbean sailings. The increase in ticket prices was partially offset by lower pricing on Mediterranean sailings.

The increase was partially offset by an approximate $87.9 million unfavorable effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates related to our passenger ticket revenue transactions denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar.

The remaining 28.0% of 2016 total revenues was comprised of onboard and other revenues, which increased $68.7 million, or 6.5%, in 2016 from 2015. The increase in onboard and other revenues was primarily due to:

an $52.5 million increase attributable to the 5.2% increase in capacity noted above; and

a $50.7 million increase in onboard revenue attributable to higher spending on a per passenger basis primarily due to our ship upgrade programs and other revenue enhancing initiatives, including various beverage and gaming initiatives, the promotion of specialty restaurants and the increased revenue associated with internet and other telecommunication services.

The increase was partially offset by:

a $26.1 million decrease in other revenues primarily related to our travel agency business that was sold in 2015, which is mostly offset by the related decrease in travel agency expenses discussed below; and

an approximate $7.6 million unfavorable effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates related to our onboard and other revenue transactions denominated in currencies other than the US dollar.

Onboard and other revenues included concession revenues of $154.2 million in 2016 and $146.5 million in 2015.

Cruise Operating Expenses

Total cruise operating expenses increased $13.1 million, or 0.5%, to $2.6 billion in 2016 from $2.5 billion in 2015. The increase was primarily due to a $128.7 million increase attributable to the 5.2% increase in capacity noted above.

The increase was partially offset by:


37

Table of Contents    

a $75.3 million decrease in fuel expense, excluding the impact of the increase in capacity. Our cost of fuel (net of the financial impact of fuel swap agreements) for 2016 decreased 16.5% per metric ton compared to 2015;

an approximate $24.0 million favorable effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates related to our cruise operating expenses denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar; and

a $19.1 million decrease in other expenses primarily related to our travel agency business that was sold in 2015, which mostly offsets the related decrease in travel agency revenues discussed above.

Marketing, Selling and Administrative Expenses

Marketing, selling and administrative expenses increased $27.4 million, or 4.9%, to $588.4 million from $561.0 million in 2015. The increase was primarily due to an increase in advertising spending mainly relating to our initiatives in the North American market, an increase in payroll and benefits primarily due to an increase in headcount, merit increases and an increase in costs associated with our restructuring activities. Refer to Note.11 Restructuring Charges to our consolidated financial statements for further information on our restructuring activities.

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses
 
Depreciation and amortization expenses for 2016 increased $25.4 million, or 6.3%, to $432.4 million from $406.9 million in 2015. The increase was primarily due to the addition of Anthem of the Seas in the second quarter of 2015 and the addition of Ovation of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas in the second quarter of 2016 into our fleet and, to a lesser extent, new shipboard additions associated with our ship upgrade projects.
 
Restructuring Charges
 
We incurred restructuring charges of $4.7 million in 2016. Refer to Note 11. Restructuring Charges to our consolidated financial statements for further information on our restructuring activities.

Other Income (Expense)
 
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized, for 2016 decreased $2.6 million, or 1.8%, to $144.2 million from $146.8 million in 2015. The decrease was primarily due to lower pricing on debt refinanced in 2015, partially offset by a higher average debt level attributable to the financing of Ovation of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas.

Other income in 2016 was $19.4 million compared to $3.5 million in 2015. The increase in income of $15.9 million was primarily due to income of $48.3 million from our equity method investments in 2016 compared to income of $23.8 million in 2015 and a $3.0 million foreign exchange loss from the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency, net of hedging, in 2016 compared to a loss of $12.1 million in 2015. The increase in other income was partially offset by the net loss of $21.7 million related to the elimination of the Pullmantur reporting lag.
 
Net Yields
 
Net Yields increased 1.4% in 2016 compared to 2015 primarily due to the increase in passenger ticket and onboard and other revenues discussed above. Net Yields increased 3.9% in 2016 compared to 2015 on a Constant Currency basis.

Net Cruise Costs
 
Net Cruise Costs increased 3.8% in 2016 compared to 2015 primarily due to the increase in capacity. Net Cruise Costs per APCD decreased 1.3% in 2016 compared to 2015 primarily due to the decrease in fuel discussed above. Net Cruise Costs per APCD on a Constant Currency basis decreased 0.7% in 2016 compared to 2015.
 
Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel
 
Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel per APCD increased 2.6% in 2016 compared to 2015 and increased 3.3% in 2016 compared to 2015 on a Constant Currency basis.


38

Table of Contents    

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Other comprehensive income in 2016 was $156.4 million compared to Other comprehensive loss of $76.0 million in 2015 of which the largest driver was the recognition of a Gain on cash flow derivative hedges in 2016 of $159.1 million compared to a Loss on cash flow derivative hedges of $58.5 million in 2015. The change of $217.6 million was primarily due to a higher amount of losses deferred into OCI during 2015 for our foreign currency cash flow hedges as a result of the strengthening of the US dollar. In addition, a higher amount of losses were reclassified from OCI into Net Income during 2016 for our fuel swap cash flow hedges as a result of the decrease in fuel prices.

Future Application of Accounting Standards
 
Refer to Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements for further information on Recent Accounting Pronouncements.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Sources and Uses of Cash
 
Cash flow generated from operations provides us with a significant source of liquidity. Net cash provided by operating activities increased $0.2 billion to $1.3 billion for the first six months in 2016 compared to $1.0 billion for the same period in 2015. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to an increase in proceeds from customer deposits, the timing of payments to vendors and a decrease in fuel costs and interest paid during the first six months in 2016 compared to the same period in 2015.
Net cash used in investing activities increased $1.0 billion to $2.2 billion for the first six months in 2016 compared to $1.2 billion for the same period in 2015. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in capital expenditures of $895.6 million for the first six months in 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 primarily due to the delivery of Ovation of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas in 2016. In addition, during the first six months of 2016, we paid cash of $161.3 million on settlements on our foreign currency forward contracts compared to cash paid of $118.5 million during the same period in 2015. Furthermore, we received $14.9 million in cash from loans to our unconsolidated affiliates during the first six months of 2016 compared to cash received of $120.3 million during the same period in 2015. The increase in net cash used in investing activities was partially offset by investments in and loans to our unconsolidated affiliates of $54.3 million during the first six months of 2015 that did not recur in 2016.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $1.0 billion for the first six months in 2016 compared to $0.2 billion for the same period in 2015. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in debt proceeds of $2.9 billion during the first six months of 2016, partially offset by an increase in repayment of debt of $1.7 billion, stock repurchases of $250.1 million that did not occur during the same period in 2015 and an increase in dividends paid of $45.8 million during the first six months of 2016. The increase in debt proceeds was primarily due to the $841.8 million unsecured term loan borrowed in April 2016 to finance Ovation of the Seas and the €700.7 million and $226.1 million unsecured term loans borrowed in May 2016 to finance Harmony of the Seas and higher drawings on our revolving credit facilities during the first six months of 2016 compared to the $742.1 million unsecured term loan borrowed in April 2015 to finance Anthem of the Seas. The increase in repayment of debt was primarily due to higher payments on our revolving credit facilities and the payment at maturity of our $350.0 million 7.5% unsecured senior notes.

39

Table of Contents    

Future Capital Commitments

Capital Expenditures
 
As of June 30, 2016, our brands, including our 50% joint venture, TUI Cruises, had eight ships on firm order. The expected dates that these ships will enter service and their approximate berths are as follows:
 
Ship
 
Expected to Enter
Service
 
Approximate
Berths
Royal Caribbean International —
 
 
 
 

Quantum-class:
 
 
 
 

Unnamed
 
2nd Quarter 2019
 
4,150

Unnamed
 
4th Quarter 2020
 
4,150

Oasis-class:
 
 
 
 

Unnamed
 
2nd Quarter 2018
 
5,450

Celebrity Cruises — Project Edge
 
 
 
 
Unnamed
 
2nd Half 2018
 
2,900

Unnamed
 
1st Half 2020
 
2,900

TUI Cruises (50% joint venture)
 
 
 
 

Mein Schiff 6
 
2nd Quarter 2017
 
2,500

Unnamed
 
2nd Quarter 2018
 
2,850

Unnamed
 
2nd Quarter 2019
 
2,850

 
 
Total Berths
 
27,750


Additionally, in May 2016, we signed a memorandum of understanding with STX France to build a fifth Oasis-class ship expected to be delivered in the first half of 2021, and two additional "Project Edge" ships expected to be delivered in the second half of each of 2021 and 2022. The order is contingent upon completion of customary conditions, including documentation and financing.

Our future capital commitments consist primarily of new ship orders. As of June 30, 2016, the aggregate cost of our ships on firm order, not including the TUI Cruises' ships on order and those subject to conditions to effectiveness, was approximately $5.3 billion, of which we had deposited $151.5 million as of such date. Approximately 65.1% of the aggregate cost was exposed to fluctuations in the Euro exchange rate at June 30, 2016. Refer to Note 10. Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments to our consolidated financial statements under Item 1. Financial Statements for further information.

As of June 30, 2016, we anticipate overall full year capital expenditures, excluding the above mentioned ship orders subject to conditions to effectiveness and TUI Cruises' ships on order, will be approximately $2.4 billion for 2016, $0.5 billion for 2017, $2.5 billion for 2018, $1.4 billion for 2019 and $1.7 billion for 2020.
 

40

Table of Contents    

Contractual Obligations

As of June 30, 2016, our contractual obligations were as follows (in thousands):
 
Payments due by period
 
 
 
Less than
 
1-3
 
3-5
 
More than
 
Total
 
1 year
 
years
 
years
 
5 years
Operating Activities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Operating lease obligations(1)
$
234,537

 
$
23,446

 
$
35,007

 
$
24,619

 
$
151,465

Interest on long-term debt(2)
1,407,688

 
285,514

 
445,309

 
301,175

 
375,690

Other(3)
790,279

 
191,379

 
311,101

 
170,389

 
117,410

Investing Activities:
0

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Ship purchase obligations(4)
4,104,758

 
157,145

 
2,606,033

 
1,341,580

 

Financing Activities:
0

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Long-term debt obligations(5)
10,004,487

 
887,639

 
3,413,405

 
2,567,012

 
3,136,431

Capital lease obligations(6)
44,423

 
7,772

 
8,449

 
7,704

 
20,498

Other(7)
62,027

 
19,665

 
29,308

 
12,169

 
885

Total
$
16,648,199

 
$
1,572,560

 
$
6,848,612

 
$
4,424,648

 
$
3,802,379


(1)
We are obligated under noncancelable operating leases primarily for offices, warehouses and motor vehicles. Amounts represent contractual obligations with initial terms in excess of one year.
(2)  
Long-term debt obligations mature at various dates through fiscal year 2028 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 June 30, 2016. Debt denominated in other currencies is calculated based on the applicable exchange rate at June 30, 2016.
(3)
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.
(4)
Amounts do not include potential obligations which remain subject to cancellation at our sole discretion.
(5)
Amounts represent debt obligations with initial terms in excess of one year.
(6)
Amounts represent capital lease obligations with initial terms in excess of one year.
(7)
Amounts represent fees payable to sovereign guarantors in connection with certain of our export credit debt facilities and facility fees on our revolving credit facilities.
 
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

We and TUI AG have each guaranteed repayment of 50% of a bank loan provided to TUI Cruises which is due 2022. Notwithstanding this, the lenders have agreed to release each shareholder’s guarantee in 2018. As of June 30, 2016, €126.9 million, or approximately $141.0 million based on the exchange rate at June 30, 2016, remains outstanding. Based on current facts and circumstances, we do not believe potential obligations under this guarantee are probable.
 
TUI Cruises has entered into various ship construction and credit agreements that include certain restrictions on each of our and TUI AG’s ability to reduce our current ownership interest in TUI Cruises below 37.55% through 2021.

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

41

Table of Contents    

 
As of June 30, 2016, other than the items described above, we are not party to any other off-balance sheet arrangements, including guarantee contracts, retained or contingent interest, certain derivative instruments and variable interest entities, that either have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on our financial position.

Funding Needs and Sources
 
We have significant contractual obligations of which our debt service obligations and the capital expenditures associated with our ship purchases represent our largest funding needs. As of June 30, 2016, we had approximately $1.6 billion in contractual obligations due through June 30, 2017, of which approximately $887.6 million relates to debt maturities, $285.5 million relates to interest on long-term debt and $157.1 million relates to progress payments on our ship purchases. We have historically relied on a combination of cash flows provided by operations, drawdowns 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 these obligations.

As of June 30, 2016, we had on firm order two Quantum-class ships and one Oasis-class ship for our Royal Caribbean International brand and two "Project Edge" ships for our Celebrity brand, each of which has committed unsecured bank financing arrangements which include sovereign financing guarantees. Refer to Note 7. Commitments and Contingencies to our consolidated financial statements for further information.

We had a working capital deficit of $3.5 billion as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Included within our working capital deficit is $895.4 million and $899.5 million of current portion of long-term debt, including capital leases, as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Similar to others in our industry, we operate with a substantial working capital deficit. This deficit is mainly attributable to the fact that, under our business model, a vast majority of our passenger ticket receipts are collected in advance of the applicable sailing date. These advance passenger receipts remain a current liability until the sailing date. The cash generated from these advance receipts is used interchangeably with cash on hand from other sources, such as our revolving credit facilities and other cash from operations. The cash received as advanced receipts can be used to fund operating expenses for the applicable future sailing or otherwise, pay down our revolving credit facilities, invest in long term investments or any other use of cash. In addition, we have a relatively low-level of accounts receivable and rapid turnover results in a limited investment in inventories. We generate substantial cash flows from operations and our business model, along with our unsecured revolving credit facilities, has historically allowed us to maintain this working capital deficit and still meet our operating, investing and financing needs. We expect that we will continue to have working capital deficits in the future.

As of June 30, 2016, we had liquidity of $0.8 billion, consisting of approximately $175.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, $14.5 million in cash and cash equivalents related to assets held for sale and $607.0 million available under our unsecured credit facilities.

We anticipate that our cash flows from operations and our current financing arrangements, as described above, will be adequate to meet our capital expenditures and debt repayments over the next twelve-month period.

During the six months ended June 30, 2016, under a $500 million Board authorized common stock repurchase program, we purchased a total of $250.0 million of our common stock through open market transactions. Following these repurchases, as well as the $200.0 million of stock repurchased during the fourth quarter of 2015, we have $50.0 million that remains available for future stock repurchases under our Board approved program. Future stock repurchase transactions could include open market purchases or accelerated share repurchases. We expect to complete the program by the end of 2016. Repurchases under the program are expected to be funded from available cash or borrowings under our revolving credit facilities. Refer to Note 8. Shareholders' Equity to our consolidated financial statements under Item 1. Financial Statements for further information.

If any person acquires ownership of more than 50% of our common stock or, subject to certain exceptions, during any 24-month period, a majority of the Board is no longer comprised of individuals who were members of the Board 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.

Debt Covenants
 
Certain of our financing agreements contain covenants that require us, among other things, to maintain minimum net worth of at least $6.7 billion, a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.25x and limit our net debt-to-capital ratio to no more than 62.5%.  The fixed charge coverage ratio is calculated by dividing net cash from operations for the past four quarters by the sum of dividend

42

Table of Contents    

payments plus scheduled principal debt payments in excess of any new financings for the past four quarters. Our minimum net worth and maximum net debt-to-capital calculations exclude the impact of Accumulated other comprehensive loss on Total shareholders’ equity. We were well in excess of all debt covenant requirements as of June 30, 2016. The specific covenants and related definitions can be found in the applicable debt agreements, the majority of which have been previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

43

Table of Contents    

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, 2015. There have been no significant developments or material changes since the date of our Annual Report.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Our management, with the participation of our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon such evaluation, our Chairman 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 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and are effective to provide reasonable assurance that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms.
 
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 paragraph (d) of Exchange Act Rule 13a-15 during the quarter ended June 30, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls
 
Readers are cautioned 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.

44

Table of Contents    

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings
 
There were no material developments to the pending legal proceedings reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016.  Refer to Note 7. Commitments and Contingencies to our consolidated financial statements for a description of currently pending legal proceedings.

Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
The risk factors that affect our business and financial results are discussed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K and there has been no material change to these risk factors since previously disclosed. We wish to caution the reader that the risk factors discussed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and those described elsewhere in this report or other SEC filings, could cause future results to differ materially from those stated in any forward-looking statements.

45

Table of Contents    

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

Share Repurchases

The following table presents the total number of shares of our common stock that we repurchased during the quarter ended June 30, 2016:

Period
Total number of shares purchased
 
Average price paid per share
 
Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs(1)
 
Approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs
April 1, 2016 - April 30, 2016
614,819
 
$81.32
 
614,819
 
$50,000,000
May 1, 2016 - May 31, 2016
 
 
 
$50,000,000
June 1, 2016 - June 30, 2016
 
 
 
$50,000,000
Total
614,819
 
 
 
614,819
 
 

(1)In October 2015, our board of directors authorized a common stock repurchase program for up to $500 million. During the second quarter of 2016, we purchased 0.6 million shares for a total of $50.0 million in open market transactions that were recorded within Treasury stock in our consolidated balance sheet. Under this program, future stock repurchase transactions could include open market purchases or accelerated share repurchases. We expect to complete the program by the end of 2016. For further information on our stock repurchase transactions, please refer to Note 8. Shareholders' Equity to our consolidated financial statements.



46

Table of Contents    

Item 6. Exhibits
 
10.1

 
Novation Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2016, between Saintiami Finance Ltd., Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Citibank Europe Plc, UK Branch, Citicorp Trustee Company Limited, Citibank N.A., London Branch, HSBC France, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe Limited, Paris Branch and the banks and financial institutions as lender parties thereto (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 28, 2016).
 
 
 
10.2

 
Novation Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2016, between Azairemia Finance Ltd., Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Citibank Europe Plc, UK Branch, Citicorp Trustee Company Limited, Citibank N.A., London Branch, HSBC France, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe Limited, Paris Branch and the banks and financial institutions as lender parties thereto (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 28, 2016).
 
 
 
31.1

 
Certification of the Chairman and 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 Chairman and 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**

*
 
Filed herewith
**
 
Furnished herewith
 
Interactive Data File
 
101                          The following financial statements from Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, as filed with the SEC on August 2, 2016, formatted in XBRL, as follows:
 
(i)                     the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015;

(ii)
the Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015;
 
(iii)                the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015; and
 
(iv)                   the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged in summary and detail.


47

Table of Contents    

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/ JASON T. LIBERTY
 
 
Jason T. Liberty
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
August 2, 2016
 
(Principal Financial Officer and duly authorized signatory)


48