Edgar Filing: ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD

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Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer o

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Document

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 September 30, 2016



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.

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 214,582,024 shares of common stock outstanding as of October 20, 2016.

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ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.

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	Page

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements	1

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	25

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	44

Item 4. Controls and Procedures	44

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings	45

Item 1A. Risk Factors	45

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	45

Item 6. Exhibits	46

SIGNATURES	47

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(unaudited; in thousands, except per share data)



	Quarter Ended September 30,
	2016			2015
Passenger ticket revenues	$	1,899,956		$	1,873,942
Onboard and other revenues	663,785			649,158
Total revenues	2,563,741			2,523,100
Cruise operating expenses:
Commissions, transportation and other	400,933			413,156
Onboard and other	159,887			175,214
Payroll and related	214,081			217,627
Food	125,732			122,124
Fuel	178,772			199,848
Other operating	260,718			259,057
Total cruise operating expenses	1,340,123			1,387,026
Marketing, selling and administrative expenses	257,430			256,060
Depreciation and amortization expenses	229,328			210,742
Impairment of Pullmantur related assets	—			411,267
Restructuring charges	1,897			—
Operating Income	734,963			258,005
Other income (expense):
Interest income	6,472			1,735
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized	(82,610		)	(66,819		)
Other income (including in 2015 a net deferred tax benefit of $12.0 million related to the Pullmantur impairment)	34,432			35,866
	(41,706		)	(29,218		)
Net Income	$	693,257		$	228,787
Earnings per Share:
Basic	$	3.23		$	1.04
Diluted	$	3.21		$	1.03
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic	214,819			219,963
Diluted	215,667			221,137
Comprehensive Income
Net Income	$	693,257		$	228,787
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	4,043			(4,191		)
Change in defined benefit plans	(5,051		)	3,318
Gain (loss) on cash flow derivative hedges	95,536			(222,492		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	94,528			(223,365		)
Comprehensive Income	$	787,785		$	5,422

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

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ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(unaudited; in thousands, except per share data)



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016			2015
Passenger ticket revenues	$	4,794,653		$	4,688,189
Onboard and other revenues	1,792,145			1,708,832
Total revenues	6,586,798			6,397,021
Cruise operating expenses:
Commissions, transportation and other	1,060,391			1,093,409
Onboard and other	399,739			438,558
Payroll and related	671,955			647,788
Food	371,759			361,317
Fuel	531,283			607,689
Other operating	857,161			777,291
Total cruise operating expenses	3,892,288			3,926,052
Marketing, selling and administrative expenses	845,808			817,040
Depreciation and amortization expenses	661,712			617,678
Impairment of Pullmantur related assets	—			411,267
Restructuring charges	6,627			—
Operating Income	1,180,363			624,984
Other income (expense):
Interest income	14,875			8,244
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized	(226,803		)	(213,598		)
Other income (including a $21.7 million loss related to the 2016 elimination of the Pullmantur reporting lag and including in 2015 a net deferred tax benefit of $12.0 million related to the Pullmantur impairment)	53,867			39,354
	(158,061		)	(166,000		)
Net Income	$	1,022,302		$	458,984
Earnings per Share:
Basic	$	4.74		$	2.09
Diluted	$	4.72		$	2.08
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic	215,663			219,835
Diluted	216,575			220,979
Comprehensive Income
Net Income	$	1,022,302		$	458,984
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	8,423			(23,994		)
Change in defined benefit plans	(12,148		)	5,567
Gain (loss) on cash flow derivative hedges	254,624			(280,968		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	250,899			(299,395		)
Comprehensive Income	$	1,273,201		$	159,589

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

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ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share data)



	As of
	September 30,			December 31,
	2016			2015
	(unaudited)
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	178,428		$	121,565
Trade and other receivables, net	273,422			238,972
Inventories	118,849			121,332
Prepaid expenses and other assets	231,442			220,579
Derivative financial instruments	928			134,574
Total current assets	803,069			837,022
Property and equipment, net	20,230,803			18,777,778
Goodwill	288,461			286,764
Other assets	1,127,929			880,479
	$	22,450,262		$	20,782,043
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt	$	1,298,002		$	899,542
Accounts payable	259,027			302,072
Accrued interest	95,112			38,325
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	678,874			658,601
Derivative financial instruments	201,877			651,866
Customer deposits	1,967,678			1,742,286
Total current liabilities	4,500,570			4,292,692
Long-term debt	8,419,850			7,627,701
Other long-term liabilities	739,693			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; 234,589,237 and 233,905,166 shares issued, September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively)	2,346			2,339
Paid-in capital	3,316,385			3,297,619
Retained earnings	7,702,260			6,944,862
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,077,534		)	(1,328,433		)
Treasury stock (20,019,237 and 15,911,971 common shares at cost, September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively)	(1,153,308		)	(853,348		)
Total shareholders’ equity	8,790,149			8,063,039
	$	22,450,262		$	20,782,043

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

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ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited; in thousands)



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016			2015
Operating Activities
Net income	$	1,022,302		$	458,984
Adjustments:
Depreciation and amortization	661,712			617,678
Impairment of Pullmantur related assets	—			411,267
Net deferred income tax expense (benefit)	1,601			(13,466		)
Loss on derivative instruments not designated as hedges	6,353			49,607
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease in trade and other receivables, net	9,823			24,130
Increase in inventories	(6,379		)	(8,377		)
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other assets	2,484			(30,649		)
Decrease in accounts payable	(17,313		)	(22,915		)
Increase in accrued interest	56,787			34,207
Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities	23,216			11,558
Increase in customer deposits	197,277			65,511
Dividends received from unconsolidated affiliates	71,370			5,327
Other, net	(28,281		)	5,074
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,000,952			1,607,936
Investing Activities
Purchases of property and equipment	(2,313,831		)	(1,360,637		)
Cash paid on settlement of derivative financial instruments	(172,878		)	(158,890		)
Investments in and loans to unconsolidated affiliates	(8,611		)	(54,250		)
Cash received on loans to unconsolidated affiliates	22,470			122,710
Other, net ⁽¹⁾	(44,709		)	(18,642		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,517,559		)	(1,469,709		)
Financing Activities
Debt proceeds	6,038,560			2,962,501
Debt issuance costs	(83,793		)	(57,146		)
Repayments of debt	(4,818,262		)	(2,887,237		)
Purchases of treasury stock	(299,959		)	—
Dividends paid	(243,557		)	(197,718		)
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options	1,782			6,902
Other, net	2,179			1,778
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	596,950			(170,920		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(23,480		)	(9,129		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	56,863			(41,822		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	121,565			189,241
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	178,428		$	147,419
Supplemental Disclosure
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest, net of amount capitalized	$	140,335		$	151,661
Non-cash Investing Activities
Notes receivable issued upon sale of property and equipment	$	213,042		$	—

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

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

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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,” “Azamara Club Cruises,” “TUI Cruises,” “Pullmantur,” and “CDF Croisières de France” 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. Additionally, prior to August 2016, both Pullmantur and CDF Croisières de France ("CDF") were wholly owned by us. However, in July 2016, we sold 51% of our interest in Pullmantur and CDF, therefore, for the period subsequent to the sale, our operating results and other disclosures herein do not include Pullmantur and CDF 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 September 30, 2016, we own and operate three global cruise brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises. We also own a 50% joint venture interest in the German brand TUI Cruises, a 49% interest in the Spanish brand Pullmantur and have minority interests in other smaller regional brands.

Prior to August 2016, Royal Caribbean Holdings de Espana ("RCHE"), the parent company of the Pullmantur and CDF brands, was wholly owned by us. Effective July 31, 2016, we sold 51% of our interest in RCHE. We retain a 49% interest in RCHE as well as full ownership of the vessels currently operated by the brands, which are bareboat chartered to RCHE. We account for the bareboat charters of the vessels to RCHE as operating leases. We also provide certain ship management services to RCHE. As a result of the sale of a majority interest in RCHE, we recognized an immaterial gain. In addition, we also continue to retain full ownership of the aircraft, which were not impacted by this sale transaction. Effective August 2016, we no longer consolidate RCHE in our consolidated financial statements and our investment in the company is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Refer to Note 5. Other Assets for further information on our retained interest in RCHE.

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 CDF businesses. Therefore, the sale of RCHE 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 vessels operated by RCHE, 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.

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 RCHE 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

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to reflect RCHE'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 represented a change in accounting principle which we believed to be preferable because it provided 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 nine months of 2016. Accordingly, the results of RCHE for November and December 2015 are included in our statement of comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The effect of this change was a decrease to net income of $21.7 million, which has been reported within Other income in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

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 also requires more detailed disclosures and provides additional guidance for transactions that were not comprehensively addressed in the prior accounting guidance. This guidance must be applied using one of two retrospective application methods and will be effective for our annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods therein. 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 and intend to elect the modified retrospective method to all contracts on the date of initial application, January 1, 2018. This will involve applying the guidance retrospectively only to the most current period presented in the financial statements and recognizing the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance as an adjustment to the January 1, 2018 opening balance of retained earnings at the date of initial application.

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

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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.

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.

In August 2016, amended GAAP guidance was issued to clarify how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The amendments are aimed at reducing the existing diversity in practice. The guidance should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented and will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim 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.

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 $158.7 million and $156.8 million for the third quarters of 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $443.1 million and $425.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Reclassifications

On January 1, 2016, we adopted Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 835, Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, using the retrospective approach. Due to the adoption of ASC 835, $139.8 million of debt issuance costs have been reclassified in the

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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 nine months ended September 30, 2015, $5.3 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.

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 September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016		2015		2016		2015
Net income for basic and diluted earnings per share	$	693,257	$	228,787	$	1,022,302	$	458,984
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	214,819		219,963		215,663		219,835
Dilutive effect of stock options, performance share awards and restricted stock awards	848		1,174		912		1,144
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	215,667		221,137		216,575		220,979
Basic earnings per share	$	3.23	$	1.04	$	4.74	$	2.09
Diluted earnings per share	$	3.21	$	1.03	$	4.72	$	2.08

There were no antidilutive shares for the quarters and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015.

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Note 4. Property and Equipment

In April 2016, we completed the previously announced sale of Splendour of the Seas to TUI Cruises. 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 gain recognized did not have a material effect to our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, we entered into an agreement to sell a ship to Thomson Cruises. 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 annual 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 September 30, 2016, the net book value of our investment in TUI Cruises was approximately $513.6 million, consisting of $304.3 million in equity and a loan of $209.3 million. The loan, which was made in connection with the sale of Splendour of the Seas in April 2016, accrues interest at a rate of 6.25% per annum and is payable over a 10-year term. This loan is 50% guaranteed by TUI AG, our joint venture partner, and is secured by a first priority mortgage on the ship. Refer to Note 4. Property and Equipment for further information. As of December 31, 2015, the net book value of our investment in TUI Cruises was approximately $293.8 million, consisting of equity. The majority of these amounts were included within Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets.

In addition, we and TUI AG have each guaranteed the repayment of 50% of a bank loan. As of September 30, 2016, the outstanding principal amount of the loan was €121.6 million, or approximately $136.6 million based on the exchange rate at September 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 September 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. 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 RCHE, in which we have a 49% noncontrolling interest, is a VIE for which we are not the primary beneficiary, as we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance. Accordingly, subsequent to the sale of our 51% interest in RCHE to Springwater Capital LLC ("Springwater"), we do not consolidate this entity and we account for this investment under the equity method of accounting. As of September 30, 2016, the net book value of our investment in RCHE was approximately $25.0 million, consisting of reimbursement commitments from several RCHE subsidiaries to RCL for fuel hedge costs related to Pullmantur and CDF through the closing date and as a condition of the sale. The amount is payable through 2019 and is 51% guaranteed by Springwater. This amount was included within Trade and Other Receivables and Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets and represents our maximum exposure to loss related to our investment in RCHE.

In conjunction with the sale, we provided a non-revolving working capital facility to an RCHE subsidiary in the amount of up to €15.0 million or approximately $16.9 million based on the exchange rate at September 30, 2016. Proceeds of the facility,

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which may be drawn through July 2018, will bear interest at the rate of 6.5% per annum and are payable through 2022. Springwater has guaranteed repayment of 51% of the oustanding amounts under the facility. As of September 30, 2016, no amounts had been drawn on this facility. See Note 1. General for further discussion on the sales transaction.

We have determined that Grand Bahama Shipyard Ltd. (“Grand Bahama”), a ship repair and maintenance facility in which we have a 40% noncontrolling interest, is a VIE. This facility serves cruise and cargo ships, oil and gas tankers and offshore units. We utilize this facility, among other ship repair facilities, for our regularly scheduled drydocks and certain emergency repairs as may be required. During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016, we made payments of $2.6 million and $36.0 million, respectively, to Grand Bahama for ship repair and maintenance services. We have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of this facility as we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the facility’s economic performance. Accordingly, we do not consolidate this entity and we account for this investment under the equity method of accounting. As of September 30, 2016, the net book value of our investment in Grand Bahama was approximately $45.7 million, consisting of $21.9 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 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 ended September 30, 2016, no principal payments were made. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 we received principal payments of approximately $14.8 million. We monitor credit risk associated with the loan through our participation on Grand Bahama’s board of directors along with our review of Grand Bahama’s financial statements and projected cash flows. Based on this review, we believe the risk of loss associated with the outstanding loan is not probable as of September 30, 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. In September 2016, we and Ctrip.com International Ltd each provided an additional debt facility to Skysea Holding in the amount of up to $3.8 million. Interest under these facilities, which mature in December 2016, accrues at a rate of 3.0% per annum. As of September 30, 2016, the net book value of our investment in Skysea Holding and its subsidiaries was approximately $95.5 million, consisting of $11.2 million in equity and loans of $84.3 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.

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



	Quarter Ended September 30, 2016		Quarter Ended September 30, 2015		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
Share of equity income from investments ⁽¹⁾	$	46,539	$	38,359	$	94,832	$	62,183
Dividends received	$	47,491	$	1,347	$	71,370	$	5,327

⁽¹⁾Our share of equity income from investments are reported within Other income in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) and Other, net within Operating Activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows.

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We also provide ship management services to TUI Cruises GmbH, RCHE and Skysea Holding. Additionally, we bareboat charter to Pullmantur the vessels currently operated by its brands, which were retained by us. We recorded the following as it relates to these services in our operating results within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) (in thousands):



	Quarter Ended September 30, 2016	Quarter Ended September 30, 2015	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
Revenues	$9,300	$3,940	$17,888	$15,557
Expenses	$2,410	$2,606	$8,930	$12,149

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 September 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 September 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 1.82% as of September 30, 2016. The proceeds from this loan were used to repay amounts outstanding under our unsecured revolving credit facilities.

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 $787.2 million based on the exchange rate at September 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 September 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 $779.0 million based on the exchange rate at September 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

Ship Purchase Obligations

As of September 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 $282.0 million as of such date. Approximately 56.1% of the aggregate cost was exposed to fluctuations in the Euro exchange rate at September 30, 2016. Refer to Note 10. Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments for further information.

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In June 2016, we entered into credit agreements for the unsecured financing of our first 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 fourth quarter of 2018 and the first half of 2020, respectively. Under these financing arrangements, we have the right, but not the obligation, to satisfy the obligations to be incurred upon delivery and acceptance of each vessel under the shipbuilding contract by assuming, at delivery and acceptance, the debt indirectly incurred by the shipbuilder during the construction of each ship. The maximum loan amount under each facility is not to exceed the US dollar equivalent of €622.6 million and €652.6 million, or approximately $699.4 million and $733.1 million, respectively, based on the exchange rate at September 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 September 2016, we signed conditional agreements with STX France to build a fifth Oasis-class ship expected to be delivered in the second quarter of 2021, and a third and fourth "Project Edge" ship expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of each of 2021 and 2022. These agreements are contingent upon completion of conditions precedent, including financing.

In October 2016, we signed a memorandum of understanding with Meyer Turku to build two ships of a new generation of ships for Royal Caribbean International, known as "Project Icon", which are expected to enter service in the second quarters of 2022 and 2024, respectively. While the design is still being finalized, each ship will likely accommodate approximately 5,000 guests. These orders are contingent upon completion of conditions precedent, including documentation and financing.

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

In July 2016, we executed an agreement with Miami Dade County (“MDC”), which was simultaneously assigned to Sumitomo Banking Corporation (“SMBC”), to lease land from MDC and construct a new cruise terminal at PortMiami in Miami, Florida. The terminal is expected to be approximately 170,000 square-feet and will serve as a homeport. During the construction period, SMBC will fund the costs of the terminal’s construction and land lease. Upon completion of the terminal's construction, we will operate and lease the terminal from SMBC for a five-year term. We determined that the lease arrangement between SMBC and us should be accounted for as an operating lease upon completion of the terminal.

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.

Note 8. Shareholders’ Equity

In September 2016, we declared a cash dividend on our common stock of $0.48 per share which was paid in October of 2016. 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 third quarter of 2015, we declared a cash dividend on our common stock of $0.375 per share which was paid in October 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.

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In October 2015, our board of directors authorized a common stock repurchase program for up to $500 million that was completed in August 2016. During the first, second and third quarters of 2016, we purchased 2.8 million, 0.6 million and 0.7 million shares, respectively, for a total of $200.0 million, $50.0 million and $50.0 million, respectively, in open market transactions. These transactions were recorded within Treasury stock in our consolidated balance sheet. Our repurchases under this program, including the $200.0 million of stock repurchased during the fourth quarter of 2015, totaled $500.0 million.

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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):



	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016												Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Nine Months Ended September 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	(9,150		)	(13,521		)	8,423			(14,248		)	(483,946		)	4,213			(23,994		)	(503,727		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	263,774			1,373			—			265,147			202,978			1,354			—			204,332
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	254,624			(12,148		)	8,423			250,899			(280,968		)	5,567			(23,994		)	(299,395		)
Ending balance	$	(977,449	)	$	(38,595	)	$	(61,490	)	$	(1,077,534	)	$	(1,106,994	)	$	(25,640	)	$	(63,755	)	$	(1,196,389	)

The following table presents reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the quarters and nine months ended September 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 September 30, 2016			Quarter Ended September 30, 2015			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015			Affected Line Item in Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(Loss) gain on cash flow derivative hedges:
Interest rate swaps	$	(11,953	)	$	(10,276	)	$	(32,019	)	$	(27,024	)	Interest expense, net of interest capitalized
Foreign currency forward contracts	(2,710		)	(752		)	(5,408		)	(2,153		)	Depreciation and amortization expenses
Foreign currency forward contracts	(3,465		)	(239		)	(10,206		)	(715		)	Other income
Foreign currency forward contracts	—			—			(207		)	—			Other operating
Foreign currency collar options	(601		)	(568		)	(1,806		)	(1,003		)	Depreciation and amortization expenses
Fuel swaps	2,760			—			9,356			—			Other income
Fuel swaps	(64,654		)	(65,975		)	(223,484		)	(172,083		)	Fuel
	(80,623		)	(77,810		)	(263,774		)	(202,978		)
Amortization of defined benefit plans:
Actuarial loss	(285		)	(354		)	(1,373		)	(1,061		)	Payroll and related
Prior service costs	—			—			—			(293		)	Payroll and related
	(285		)	(354		)	(1,373		)	(1,354		)
Total reclassifications for the period	$	(80,908	)	$	(78,164	)	$	(265,147	)	$	(204,332	)

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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 September 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⁾	$	178,428	$	178,428	$	178,428	$	—	$	—	$	121,565	$	121,565	$	121,565	$	—	$	—
Total Assets	$	178,428	$	178,428	$	178,428	$	—	$	—	$	121,565	$	121,565	$	121,565	$	—	$	—
Liabilities:
Long-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt)⁽⁵⁾	$	9,675,483	$	10,225,707	$	1,232,284	$	8,993,423	$	—	$	8,478,473	$	8,895,009	$	1,536,629	$	7,358,380	$	—
Total Liabilities	$	9,675,483	$	10,225,707	$	1,232,284	$	8,993,423	$	—	$	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 September 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 September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

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Assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value have been categorized based upon the fair value hierarchy. The following table presents information about the Company’s financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):



	Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 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⁾	$	36,697	$	—	$	36,697	$	—	$	134,574	$	—	$	134,574	$	—
Investments⁽⁵⁾	$	3,669	3,669		—		—		$	3,965	3,965		—		—
Total Assets	$	40,366	$	3,669	$	36,697	$	—	$	138,539	$	3,965	$	134,574	$	—
Liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments⁽⁶⁾	$	507,202	$	—	$	507,202	$	—	$	1,044,292	$	—	$	1,044,292	$	—
Total Liabilities	$	507,202	$	—	$	507,202	$	—	$	1,044,292	$	—	$	1,044,292	$	—

(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 September 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 September 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 September 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.

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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 September 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	$	36,697	$	(34,517	)	$	—	$	2,180	$	134,574	$	(129,815	)	$	—	$	4,759
Total	$	36,697	$	(34,517	)	$	—	$	2,180	$	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 September 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	$	(507,202	)	$	34,517	$	—	$	(472,685	)	$	(1,044,292	)	$	129,815	$	—	$	(914,477	)
Total	$	(507,202	)	$	34,517	$	—	$	(472,685	)	$	(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 September 30, 2016, we had counterparty credit risk exposure under our derivative instruments of approximately $2.3 million, which was limited to the cost of replacing the contracts in the event of non-performance by the counterparties to the contracts, the majority of which are currently our lending banks. As of December 31, 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.

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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 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 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 September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, approximately 41.4% 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.

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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 September 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 September 30, 2016 (In thousands)		Maturity	Debt Fixed Rate	Swap Floating Rate: LIBOR plus	All-in Swap Floating Rate as of September 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%	4.45%
	$	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 September 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 September 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⁾	778,966		May 2028	EURIBOR plus	1.15%	2.26%
	$	3,380,278

⁽¹⁾Interest rate swap agreements hedging the Euro-denominated term loan for Harmony of the Seas include EURIBOR zero-floors matching the hedged debt EURIBOR zero-floor. Amount presented is based on the exchange rate as of September 30, 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 September 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 September 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 $282.0 million as of such date. At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, approximately 56.1% 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 third quarter of 2016, we maintained an average of approximately $801.9 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, of approximately $2.5 million and $32.7 million during the quarters ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015, respectively, and approximately $11.8 million and $49.6 million, during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015, respectively, that were recognized in earnings within Other income in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).

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The notional amount of outstanding foreign exchange contracts including our forward contracts as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was $1.4 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 €290.0 million, or approximately $325.8 million, as of September 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 September 30, 2016, we have hedged the variability in future cash flows for certain forecasted fuel transactions occurring through 2020. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had the following outstanding fuel swap agreements:



	Fuel Swap Agreements
	As of September 30, 2016	As of December 31, 2015
	(metric tons)
2016	231,000	930,000
2017	799,000	854,000
2018	616,000	583,000
2019	521,000	231,000
2020	307,000	—



	Fuel Swap Agreements
	As of September 30, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(% hedged)
Projected fuel purchases:
2016	68	%	65	%
2017	60	%	59	%
2018	45	%	40	%
2019	36	%	15	%
2020	20	%	—

At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, $196.2 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.

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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 September 30, 2016		As of December 31, 2015		Balance Sheet Location	As of September 30, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Fair Value
(In thousands)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20⁽¹⁾
Interest rate swaps	Other assets	$	15,371	$	—	Other long-term liabilities	$	139,322	$	67,371
Foreign currency forward contracts	Derivative financial instruments	—		93,996		Derivative financial instruments	136		320,873
Foreign currency forward contracts	Other assets	6,926		—		Other long-term liabilities	7,392		—
Fuel swaps	Derivative financial instruments	—		—		Derivative financial instruments	183,470		307,475
Fuel swaps	Other assets	13,038		—		Other long-term liabilities	149,110		325,055
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments under 815-20		35,335		93,996			479,430		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	928		8,239		Derivative financial instruments	18,271		23,518
Fuel swaps	Other Assets	434		—		Other long-term liabilities	9,501		—
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under 815-20		1,362		40,578			27,772		23,518
Total derivatives		$	36,697	$	134,574		$	507,202	$	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 September 30, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
(In thousands)
Foreign currency debt	Current portion of long-term debt	$	65,595	$	—
Foreign currency debt	Long-term debt	260,191		—
		$	325,786	$	—

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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 September 30, 2016			Quarter Ended September 30, 2015		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015		Quarter Ended September 30, 2016		Quarter Ended September 30, 2015			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
(In thousands)
Interest rate swaps	Interest expense, net of interest capitalized	$	1,737		$	2,793	$	6,075	$	8,640	$	—	$	3,968		$	7,203		$	11,775
Interest rate swaps	Other income	(7,662		)	22,341		28,592		21,780		7,423		(20,252		)	(24,878		)	(18,245		)
		$	(5,925	)	$	25,134	$	34,667	$	30,420	$	7,423	$	(16,284	)	$	(17,675	)	$	(6,470	)

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 September 30, 2016			Quarter Ended September 30, 2015			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015				Quarter Ended September 30, 2016			Quarter Ended September 30, 2015			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
(In thousands)
Interest rate swaps	$	6,598		$	(68,956	)	$	(126,505	)	$	(75,104	)	Interest expense, net of interest capitalized	$	(11,953	)	$	(10,276	)	$	(32,019	)	$	(27,024	)
Foreign currency forward contracts	11,405			(619		)	22,715			(131,211		)	Depreciation and amortization expenses	(2,710		)	(752		)	(5,408		)	(2,153		)
Foreign currency forward contracts	—			—			—			—			Other income	(3,465		)	(239		)	(10,206		)	(715		)
Foreign currency forward contracts	—			—			—			—			Other operating	—			—			(207		)	—
Foreign currency collar options	—			34			—			(64,559		)	Depreciation and amortization expenses	(601		)	(568		)	(1,806		)	(1,003		)
Fuel swaps	—			—			—			—			Other income	2,760			—			9,356			—
Fuel swaps	(3,090		)	(230,761		)	94,640			(213,072		)	Fuel	(64,654		)	(65,975		)	(223,484		)	(172,083		)
	$	14,913		$	(300,302	)	$	(9,150	)	$	(483,946	)		$	(80,623	)	$	(77,810	)	$	(263,774	)	$	(202,978	)

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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 September 30, 2016			Quarter Ended September 30, 2015			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
(In thousands)
Interest rate swaps	Other income	90			(617		)	(1,152		)	(395		)
Foreign currency forward contracts	Other income	—			—			(57		)	—
Fuel swaps	Other income	(8		)	(2,353		)	(3,949		)	(2,771		)
		$	82		$	(2,970	)	$	(5,158	)	$	(3,166	)

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 September 30, 2016			Quarter Ended September 30, 2015			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
(In thousands)
Foreign Currency Debt	$	(3,382	)	$	(436	)	$	1,313	$	8,955
	$	(3,382	)	$	(436	)	$	1,313	$	8,955

There was no amount recognized in income (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing) for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and September 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 September 30, 2016			Quarter Ended September 30, 2015			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
(In thousands)
Foreign currency forward contracts	Other income	$	(2,464	)	$	(32,705	)	$	(11,712	)	$	(49,607	)
Fuel swaps	Other income	(1,172		)	(76		)	(1,224		)	(191		)
		$	(3,636	)	$	(32,781	)	$	(12,936	)	$	(49,798	)

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 executing a derivative instrument, 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 the counterparty may periodically demand that we post collateral in an amount equal to the difference between (i) the net market value of all derivative transactions with such counterparty that have reached their fifth year anniversary, to the extent negative, and (ii) the applicable minimum call amount.

The amount of collateral required to be posted following such event will change as, and to the extent, our net liability position increases or decreases by more than the applicable minimum call amount. If our credit rating for our senior unsecured debt is subsequently equal to or above BBB- by Standard & Poor’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 positive outlook by Moody’s. We currently have seven interest rate derivative hedges that have a term of at least five years. As of September 30, 2016, none of these instruments had reached their fifth anniversary and, accordingly, we were not required to post any collateral as of such date.

During the next twelve months, four of our interest rate derivative hedges will reach their fifth anniversary, with the first such anniversary to occur on November 2016. If each of these four interest rate hedges had already reached its fifth anniversary as of September 30, 2016, our maximum collateral exposure would have been $96.8 million. Similarly, our maximum collateral exposure as of December 31, 2015, would have been $14.6

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million if all hedges scheduled to reach their fifth anniversary date within one year had instead reached their fifth anniversary as of December 31, 2015.

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 included reducing our exposure to Latin America, refocusing on the brand’s core market of Spain and, consequently, reducing the size of Pullmantur’s fleet.

The right-sizing strategy 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 and CDF's office in France. The closure of the Brazil office and the personnel reorganization resulted in the recognition of a liability for one-time termination benefits during the nine months ended September 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 $0.3 million and $2.5 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 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 September 30, 2016		Cumulative Charges Incurred
Termination benefits	$	—	$	2,416	$	2,416	$	—	$	2,416
Contract termination costs		—		68		68		—		68
Total	$	—	$	2,484	$	2,484	$	—	$	2,484

In connection with this strategy, we incurred approximately $3.6 million of other costs during the nine months ended September 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 RCHE, the parent company of the Pullmantur and CDF brands. In connection with the sale, we incurred approximately $3.3 million of other costs during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016 that were reported within Cruise operating expenses and Marketing, selling and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Refer to Note 1. General for further information regarding this sale transaction.

Other Restructuring Initiatives

During the second and third quarters 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 $1.5 million and $4.1 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. 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.

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



	Beginning Balance January 1, 2016		Accruals		Payments		Ending Balance September 30, 2016		Cumulative Charges Incurred
Termination benefits	$	—	$	4,128	$	1,584	$	2,544	$	4,128
Contract termination costs		—		15		15		—		15
Total	$	—	$	4,143	$	1,599	$	2,544	$	4,143

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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 fourth 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same periods in 2015;


•