RCL - 9.30.2014 - 10Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
 
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014

OR
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from            to           
 
Commission File Number: 1-11884
ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Republic of Liberia
 
98-0081645
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
1050 Caribbean Way, Miami, Florida 33132
(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)
 
(305) 539-6000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes ý  No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes ý  No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer x
 
Accelerated filer o
 
Non-accelerated filer o
 
Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o  No ý
 
There were 222,673,323 shares of common stock outstanding as of October 16, 2014.
 


Table of Contents

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Financial Statements


ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(unaudited; in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
Passenger ticket revenues
$
1,786,746

 
$
1,672,051

Onboard and other revenues
602,016

 
639,698

Total revenues
2,388,762

 
2,311,749

Cruise operating expenses:
 

 
 

Commissions, transportation and other
396,916

 
378,291

Onboard and other
182,658

 
178,269

Payroll and related
214,260

 
213,860

Food
120,908

 
119,104

Fuel
230,818

 
215,686

Other operating
281,322

 
311,591

Total cruise operating expenses
1,426,882

 
1,416,801

Marketing, selling and administrative expenses
239,662

 
249,954

Depreciation and amortization expenses
192,448

 
188,541

Restructuring charges
308

 
12,244

Operating Income
529,462

 
444,209

Other income (expense):
 

 
 

Interest income
2,117

 
3,299

Interest expense, net of interest capitalized
(60,100
)
 
(79,654
)
Extinguishment of unsecured senior notes

 
(4,206
)
Other income
18,769

 
2,053

 
(39,214
)
 
(78,508
)
Net Income
$
490,248

 
$
365,701

Earnings per Share:
 

 
 

Basic
$
2.20

 
$
1.66

Diluted
$
2.19

 
$
1.65

Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding:
 

 
 

Basic
222,523

 
219,744

Diluted
223,859

 
221,004

Comprehensive Income
 

 
 

Net Income
$
490,248

 
$
365,701

Other comprehensive (loss) income:
 

 
 

Foreign currency translation adjustments
(18,482
)
 
6,164

Change in defined benefit plans
(1,451
)
 
5,423

(Loss) gain on cash flow derivative hedges
(249,626
)
 
61,573

Total other comprehensive (loss) income
(269,559
)
 
73,160

Comprehensive Income
$
220,689

 
$
438,861

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


1


ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(unaudited; in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
Passenger ticket revenues
$
4,590,048

 
$
4,432,542

Onboard and other revenues
1,665,981

 
1,673,194

Total revenues
6,256,029

 
6,105,736

Cruise operating expenses:
 

 
 

Commissions, transportation and other
1,068,961

 
1,017,734

Onboard and other
456,296

 
440,466

Payroll and related
634,232

 
632,758

Food
358,172

 
351,117

Fuel
718,081

 
689,809

Other operating
825,794

 
890,726

Total cruise operating expenses
4,061,536

 
4,022,610

Marketing, selling and administrative expenses
790,957

 
781,936

Depreciation and amortization expenses
579,063

 
564,089

Restructuring charges
1,958

 
13,922

Operating Income
822,515

 
723,179

Other income (expense):
 

 
 

Interest income
8,023

 
10,451

Interest expense, net of interest capitalized
(193,931
)
 
(256,713
)
Extinguishment of unsecured senior notes

 
(4,206
)
Other income (expense)
17,771

 
(6,037
)
 
(168,137
)
 
(256,505
)
Net Income
$
654,378

 
$
466,674

Earnings per Share:
 

 
 

Basic
$
2.95

 
$
2.13

Diluted
$
2.93

 
$
2.11

Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding:
 

 
 

Basic
222,007

 
219,450

Diluted
223,351

 
220,744

Comprehensive Income
 

 
 

Net Income
$
654,378

 
$
466,674

Other comprehensive (loss) income:
 

 
 

Foreign currency translation adjustments
(17,845
)
 
369

Change in defined benefit plans
(5,536
)
 
10,716

(Loss) gain on cash flow derivative hedges
(323,179
)
 
56,515

Total other comprehensive (loss) income
(346,560
)
 
67,600

Comprehensive Income
$
307,818

 
$
534,274

 
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,
 
2014
 
2013
 
(unaudited)
 
 
Assets
 

 
 

Current assets
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
$
183,181

 
$
204,687

Trade and other receivables, net
252,918

 
259,746

Inventories
136,162

 
151,244

Prepaid expenses and other assets
273,112

 
252,852

Derivative financial instruments
14,853

 
87,845

Total current assets
860,226

 
956,374

Property and equipment, net
17,211,775

 
17,517,752

Goodwill
426,538

 
439,231

Other assets
1,101,371

 
1,159,590

 
$
19,599,910

 
$
20,072,947

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
 

 
 

Current liabilities
 
 
 
Current portion of long-term debt
$
772,245

 
$
1,563,378

Accounts payable
340,702

 
372,226

Accrued interest
66,332

 
103,025

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
719,349

 
563,702

Customer deposits
1,839,112

 
1,664,679

Total current liabilities
3,737,740

 
4,267,010

Long-term debt
6,213,829

 
6,511,426

Other long-term liabilities
627,313

 
486,246

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; 232,967,271 and 230,782,315 shares issued, September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively)
2,329

 
2,308

Paid-in capital
3,241,723

 
3,159,038

Retained earnings
6,531,569

 
6,054,952

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
(340,889
)
 
5,671

Treasury stock (10,308,683 common shares at cost, September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013)
(413,704
)
 
(413,704
)
Total shareholders’ equity
9,021,028

 
8,808,265

 
$
19,599,910

 
$
20,072,947

 
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,
 
2014
 
2013
Operating Activities
 

 
 

Net income
$
654,378

 
$
466,674

Adjustments:
 

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
579,063

 
564,089

Loss on derivative instruments not designated as hedges
24,234

 
8,634

Loss on extinguishment of unsecured senior notes

 
4,206

Loss on sale of ship
17,401

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 

 
 

Decrease in trade and other receivables, net
69,833

 
14,278

Decrease (increase) in inventories
13,900

 
(13,541
)
Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets
(3,596
)
 
(28,363
)
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable
(33,668
)
 
43,415

(Decrease) increase in accrued interest
(36,693
)
 
14,219

Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities
48,600

 
29,496

Increase in customer deposits
104,211

 
131,237

Other, net
21,901

 
(4,240
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
1,459,564

 
1,230,104

Investing Activities
 

 
 

Purchases of property and equipment
(559,018
)
 
(534,046
)
Cash paid on settlement of derivative financial instruments
(14,808
)
 
(8,451
)
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates
(69,748
)
 
(60,426
)
Cash received on loan to unconsolidated affiliate
76,167

 
23,372

Proceeds from sale of ship
220,000

 

Other, net
2,592

 
1,147

Net cash used in investing activities
(344,815
)
 
(578,404
)
Financing Activities
 

 
 

Debt proceeds
1,917,550

 
1,519,464

Debt issuance costs
(49,641
)
 
(51,720
)
Repayments of debt
(2,958,427
)
 
(2,065,965
)
Dividends paid
(131,857
)
 
(54,159
)
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options
65,885

 
13,626

Cash received on settlement of derivative financial instruments
22,835

 

Other, net
1,422

 
1,140

Net cash used in financing activities
(1,132,233
)
 
(637,614
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
(4,022
)
 
626

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(21,506
)
 
14,712

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
204,687

 
194,855

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
183,181

 
$
209,567

Supplemental Disclosure
 

 
 

Cash paid during the period for:
 

 
 

Interest, net of amount capitalized
$
208,311

 
$
232,769

Non cash Investing Activities
 

 
 

Purchase of property and equipment through asset trade-in
$

 
$
46,375

 
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,” “Pullmantur,” “Azamara Club Cruises,” “CDF Croisières de France,” and “TUI Cruises” refer to our cruise brands. However, because TUI Cruises is an unconsolidated investment, our operating results and other disclosures herein do not include TUI Cruises unless otherwise specified.  In accordance with cruise vacation industry practice, the term “berths” is determined based on double occupancy per cabin even though many cabins can accommodate three or more passengers. This report should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, 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.  We own Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, Azamara Club Cruises, CDF Croisières de France and a 50% joint venture interest in TUI Cruises.
 
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. See 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, 2013 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. See Note 6. Goodwill and Other Assets for further information regarding our variable interest entities. For affiliates we do not control but over which we have significant influence on financial and operating policies, usually evidenced by a direct ownership interest from 20% to 50%, the investment is accounted for using the equity method. We consolidate the operating results of Pullmantur and CDF Croisières de France on a two-month lag to allow for more timely preparation of our consolidated financial statements. On March 31, 2014, Pullmantur sold the majority of its interest in its non-core businesses. These non-core businesses included Pullmantur’s land-based tour operations, travel agency and 49% interest in its air business. Consistent with our Pullmantur two-month lag reporting period, we reported the impact of the sale during the second quarter of 2014. See Note 11. Restructuring Charges for further discussion on the Pullmantur sales transaction. No material events or other transactions affecting Pullmantur or CDF Croisières de France have occurred during the two-month lag period of August and September 2014 that would require further disclosure or adjustment to our consolidated financial statements as of and for the quarter ended September 30, 2014.

We believe the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all normal recurring accruals necessary for a fair presentation. Our revenues are seasonal and results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year.
 
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Revenues and Expenses

Historically, we recognized revenues and cruise operating costs for our shorter voyages (voyages of ten days or less) upon voyage completion while we recognized revenues and cruise operating costs for voyages in excess of ten days on a pro-rata basis. We followed this completed voyage recognition approach on our shorter voyages because the difference between prorating revenue from such voyages and recognizing such revenue at the completion of the voyage was immaterial to our consolidated financial

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statements. As of September 30, 2014, we have changed our methodology and recognized passenger ticket revenues, revenues from onboard and other goods and services and all associated cruise operating costs for all of our uncompleted voyages on a pro-rata basis. We believe that recognizing revenues and cruise operating costs on a pro-rata basis for all voyages is preferable as revenues and expenses are recorded in the period in which the revenue generating activities are performed.

The effect of this change was an increase to net income of $16.3 million for each of the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and was immaterial to these periods. In addition, the change has not been retrospectively applied to prior periods, as the impact of prorating all voyages was immaterial to the respective periods presented.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In January 2014, amended guidance was issued regarding the accounting for service concession arrangements. The new guidance defines a service concession as an arrangement between a public-sector entity grantor and an operating entity under which the operating entity operates and maintains the grantor’s infrastructure for a specified period of time and in return receives payments from the grantor and or third party user for use of the infrastructure. The guidance prohibits the operating entity from accounting for a service concession arrangement as a lease and from recording the infrastructure used in the arrangement within property plant and equipment. This guidance must be applied using a modified retrospective approach and will be effective for our interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this newly issued guidance is not expected to have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2014, amended guidance was issued changing the requirements for reporting discontinued operations and enhancing the disclosures in this area. The new guidance requires a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. The guidance will be effective prospectively for our interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The guidance will impact the reporting and disclosures of future disposals, if any.

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

In August 2014, 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 newly issued guidance is not expected to have an 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 $232.7 million and $135.8 million for the third quarters of 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $494.5 million and $368.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Note 3. Earnings Per Share
 
A reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
 

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Quarter Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Net income for basic and diluted earnings per share
$
490,248

 
$
365,701

 
$
654,378

 
$
466,674

Weighted-average common shares outstanding
222,523

 
219,744

 
222,007

 
219,450

Dilutive effect of stock options, performance share awards and restricted stock awards
1,336

 
1,260

 
1,344

 
1,294

Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding
223,859

 
221,004

 
223,351

 
220,744

Basic earnings per share
$
2.20

 
$
1.66

 
$
2.95

 
$
2.13

Diluted earnings per share
$
2.19

 
$
1.65

 
$
2.93

 
$
2.11

 
Diluted earnings per share does not reflect options to purchase an aggregate of 2.2 million shares for each of the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, because the effect of including them would have been antidilutive. There were no antidilutive shares for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
 
Note 4. Property and Equipment

In September 2014, we sold Celebrity Century to an unrelated third party for $220.0 million in cash. As part of the sale arrangement, we agreed to charter the Celebrity Century from the buyer until April 2015 to fulfill existing passenger commitments. The sale resulted in a loss of $17.4 million that was recognized within Other operating expenses in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Note 5. Long-Term Debt
 
In January 2014, we borrowed $380.0 million under a previously committed unsecured term loan facility. The loan is due and payable at maturity in August 2018. Interest on the loan accrues at a floating rate based on LIBOR plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin varies with our debt rating and was 2.12% as of September 30, 2014. The proceeds of this loan were used to repay our €745.0 million 5.625% unsecured senior notes due January 2014.

In January 2014, we amended and restated our €365.0 million unsecured term loan due July 2017. Interest on the amended facility accrues at a floating rate based on EURIBOR plus a margin which varies with our credit rating. The amendment reduced the margin, which at our current credit rating resulted in a decrease from 3.00% to 2.30%. The amendment did not result in the extinguishment of debt.

In March 2014, we amended our unsecured term loans for Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas primarily to reduce the margins on those facilities and eliminate the lenders option to exit those facilities in 2015 and 2017, respectively. The interest rate on the $420.0 million floating rate tranche of the Oasis of the Seas term loan was reduced from LIBOR plus 2.10% to LIBOR plus 1.85%. The interest rate on the entire $1.1 billion Allure of the Seas term loan was reduced from LIBOR plus 2.10% to LIBOR plus 1.85%. These amendments did not result in the extinguishment of debt.

Note 6. Goodwill and Other Assets

As of September 30, 2014, the carrying amounts of goodwill and trademarks and trade names attributable to our Pullmantur reporting unit were $139.5 million and $196.3 million, respectively. Pullmantur is a brand targeted primarily at the Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American markets, with an increasing focus on Latin America. The persistent economic instability in these markets has created significant uncertainties in forecasting operating results and future cash flows used in our impairment analyses. We continue to monitor economic events in these markets for their potential impact on Pullmantur’s business and valuation. However, based on our most recent projections, we do not believe an interim impairment evaluation of Pullmantur’s goodwill or trademarks and trade names is warranted as of September 30, 2014.

If there are relatively modest changes to the projected future cash flows used in the impairment analyses, especially in Net Yields, or if anticipated transfers of vessels from our other cruise brands to the Pullmantur fleet do not take place, it is reasonably possible that an impairment charge of Pullmantur's reporting unit’s goodwill and trademarks and trade names may be required. Of these factors, the planned transfers of vessels to the Pullmantur fleet is most significant to the projected future cash flows. If the transfers do not occur, we will likely fail step one of the impairment test. We will evaluate these intangible assets for potential impairment during our annual impairment test scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2014.
 
Variable Interest Entities

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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 Grand Bahama Shipyard Ltd. (“Grand Bahama”), a ship repair and maintenance facility in which we have a 40% noncontrolling interest, is a VIE. The facility serves cruise and cargo ships, oil and gas tankers, and offshore units.  We utilize this facility, among other ship repair facilities, for our regularly scheduled drydocks and certain emergency repairs as may be required. 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, 2014, the net book value of our investment in Grand Bahama, was approximately $54.3 million, consisting of $8.2 million in equity and $46.1 million in loans. As of December 31, 2013, the net book value of our investment in Grand Bahama was approximately $56.1 million, consisting of $6.4 million in equity and $49.7 million in loans. These amounts represent our maximum exposure to loss as we are not contractually required to provide any financial or other support to the facility. The majority of our loans to Grand Bahama are in non-accrual status and the majority of this amount is included within Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. During the first nine months of 2014, we received approximately $3.6 million in principal and interest payments related to loans that are in accrual status from Grand Bahama and recorded income associated with our investment in Grand Bahama. We monitor credit risk associated with these loans 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 these loans was not probable as of September 30, 2014.
 
On March 31, 2014, as part of Pullmantur's sale of its non-core businesses, Pullmantur sold the majority of its 49% interest in Pullmantur Air S.A. ("Pullmantur Air"), a small aircraft business that operates four aircraft in support of Pullmantur's operations. Post-sale, we retained a 19% interest in Pullmantur Air as well as 100% ownership of the aircraft, which are now being dry leased to Pullmantur Air. We will continue to utilize the services provided by Pullmantur Air. Consistent with our Pullmantur two-month lag reporting period, we reported the impact of the sale in the second quarter of 2014. As of the date of the sale, we determined that Pullmantur Air was no longer a VIE and have accounted for our 19% investment in Pullmantur Air under the cost method of accounting.

Prior to the sale, we determined that Pullmantur Air was a VIE for which we were the primary beneficiary and we consolidated the assets and liabilities of Pullmantur Air in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2013. We did not separately disclose the assets and liabilities of Pullmantur Air as they were immaterial to our December 31, 2013 consolidated financial statements. See Note 11. Restructuring Charges for further discussion on the sales transaction.

Additionally, in connection with the sale of Pullmantur's non-core businesses, Pullmantur sold the majority of its land-based tour operations and travel agency, retaining a 19% noncontrolling interest in both Nautalia Viajes, S.L. ("Nautalia"), a small travel agency network, and Global Tour Operación, S.L. ("Global Tour"), a small tour operations business. We will continue to utilize the services provided by these businesses, in addition to services from other travel agency and tour operations businesses. Consistent with our two-month lag Pullmantur reporting period, we reported the impact of this sale in our consolidated financial statements in the second quarter of 2014. As of the date of the sale, we determined that Nautalia and Global Tour were VIEs for which we were not the primary beneficiaries as we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of these entities. In accordance with authoritative guidance for nonconsolidated VIEs, we have accounted for our 19% investment in these companies under the equity method of accounting.

We also extended a term loan facility to Nautalia due June 30, 2016 and maintained commercial and bank guarantees on behalf of Nautalia, Pullmantur Air and Global Tour for a maximum period of twelve months from the date of sale. As of September 30, 2014, our maximum exposure to loss related to these transactions was $10.4 million. Except for the aforementioned, we are not contractually required to provide any financial or other support to these businesses.

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, 2014 and December 31, 2013, our investment in TUI Cruises, including equity and loans, was approximately $350.8 million and $354.3 million, respectively. The majority of this amount was included within Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. In addition, we and TUI AG, our joint venture partner, have each guaranteed the repayment of 50% of a €180.0 million bank loan provided to TUI Cruises due in 2016. Our investment amount and the potential obligations under this guarantee are substantially our maximum exposure to loss. 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

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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, 2014, TUI Cruises’ bank loan that is guaranteed by the shareholders had a remaining balance of €121.5 million, or approximately $153.5 million based on the exchange rate at September 30, 2014. This bank loan amortizes quarterly and is secured by first mortgages on both Mein Schiff 1 and Mein Schiff 2. Based on current facts and circumstances, we do not believe potential obligations under our guarantee of this bank loan are probable.
 
In connection with our sale of Celebrity Mercury to TUI Cruises in 2011, we provided a debt facility to TUI Cruises in the amount of up to €90.0 million and maturing in June 2018. During 2014, we made several amendments to the facility, including increasing the maximum amount of the facility to €125.0 million and providing TUI Cruises with the ability to draw upon the available capacity through December 31, 2015 to fund installment payments for its newbuild ships. Any amounts drawn under the facility to fund newbuild installments mature in March 2016. Interest under the loan accrues at the rate of 5.0% per annum. This facility is 50% guaranteed by TUI AG and is secured by second and third mortgages on Mein Schiff 1 and Mein Schiff 2. The outstanding principal amount of the facility as of September 30, 2014 was €45.7 million, or $57.7 million based on the exchange rate at September 30, 2014.
 
TUI Cruises currently has three newbuild ships on order with STX Finland: Mein Schiff 4, scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2015, Mein Schiff 5, scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2016 and Mein Schiff 6, scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2017. TUI Cruises has in place commitments for the financing of up to 80% of the contract price of each ship on order. The remaining portion of the contract price of the ships will be funded through TUI Cruises’ cash flows from operations and/or shareholder loans (via the debt facility described above or otherwise) and/or equity contributions from us and TUI AG. The various ship construction and credit agreements include certain restrictions on each of our and TUI AG’s ability to reduce our current ownership interest in TUI Cruises below 37.5% through 2019.

Note 7. Commitments and Contingencies
 
As of September 30, 2014, the aggregate cost of our five ships on order (excluding TUI Cruises' ships on order) was approximately $6.0 billion, of which we had deposited $571.4 million as of such date. Approximately 29.3% of the aggregate cost was exposed to fluctuations in the Euro exchange rate at September 30, 2014. (See Note 10. Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments).

In April 2014, we entered into a credit agreement for the US dollar financing of a portion of the third Oasis-class ship. The credit agreement makes available to us an unsecured term loan in an amount up to the US dollar equivalent of €178.4 million. The loan amortizes semi-annually and will mature 12 years following delivery of the ship. At our election, prior to the ship delivery, interest on the loan will accrue either (1) at a fixed rate of 2.53% (inclusive of the applicable margin) or (2) at a floating rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.20%. In connection with this credit agreement, we amended the €892.2 million credit agreement, originally entered into in 2013 to finance the ship, reducing the maximum facility amount to approximately €713.8 million. Both the existing Euro-denominated facility and the new US dollar-denominated facility are 100% guaranteed by Compagnie Française d’Assurance pour le Commerce Extérieur (“COFACE”), the export credit agency of France.

In August 2014, our conditional agreement with STX France to build the fourth Oasis-class ship for Royal Caribbean International became effective. We received commitments for the unsecured financing of the ship for up to 80% of the ship’s contract price through a facility to be guaranteed 100% by COFACE. The ship will have a capacity of approximately 5,450 berths and is expected to enter service in the second quarter of 2018.

Litigation
 
As previously reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, a class action complaint was filed in June 2011 against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida on behalf of a purported class of stateroom attendants employed onboard Royal Caribbean International cruise vessels. The complaint alleged that the stateroom attendants were required to pay other crew members to help with their duties and that certain stateroom attendants were required to work back of house assignments without the ability to earn gratuities, in each case in violation of the U.S. Seaman’s Wage Act. In May 2012, the district court granted our motion to dismiss the complaint on the basis that the applicable collective bargaining agreement requires any such claims to be arbitrated. The United States Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, affirmed the district court’s dismissal and denied the plaintiffs’ petition for re-hearing and re-hearing en banc. In October 2014, the United States Supreme Court denied the plaintiffs’ request to review the order compelling arbitration. Shortly thereafter, in excess of 450 crew members submitted demands for arbitration. The demands make substantially the same allegations as in the federal court complaint and are similarly seeking damages, wage penalties and interest in an indeterminate amount. Unlike the

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federal court complaint, the demands for arbitration are being brought individually by each of the crew members and not on behalf of a purported class of stateroom attendants. At this time, we are unable to estimate the possible impact of this matter on us. However, we believe the underlying claims made against us are without merit, and we intend to vigorously defend ourselves against them.

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 2002, we entered into an operating lease denominated in British pound sterling for the Brilliance of the Seas. The lease payments vary based on sterling LIBOR and are included in Other operating income (expenses) in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Brilliance of the Seas lease expense amounts were approximately £3.1 million and £3.1 million, or approximately $5.1 million and $4.8 million, for the quarters ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, respectively, and were approximately £9.3 million and £9.2 million, or approximately $15.4 million and $14.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, respectively. The lease has a contractual life of 25 years; however, both the lessor and we have certain rights to cancel the lease at year 18 (i.e. 2020) upon advance notice given approximately one year prior to cancellation. In the event of early termination at year 18, we have the option to cause the sale of the vessel at its fair value and to use the proceeds towards the applicable termination payment. Alternatively, we could opt at such time to make a termination payment of approximately £62.6 million, or approximately $101.5 million based on the exchange rate at September 30, 2014, and relinquish our right to cause the sale of the vessel. Although we do not believe that exercise of this early termination provision is probable, we evaluate, from time to time, our alternatives under the lease, including the potential purchase of the vessel.

Under the Brilliance of the Seas operating lease, we have agreed to indemnify the lessor to the extent its after-tax return is negatively impacted by unfavorable changes in corporate tax rates, capital allowance deductions and certain unfavorable determinations which may be made by the United Kingdom tax authorities. These indemnifications could result in an increase in our lease payments. We are unable to estimate the maximum potential increase in our lease payments due to the various circumstances, timing or a combination of events that could trigger such indemnifications. The United Kingdom tax authorities are disputing the lessor’s accounting treatment of the lease and the lessor and tax authorities are in discussions on the matter. If the characterization of the lease by the lessor is ultimately determined to be incorrect, we could be required to indemnify the lessor under certain circumstances. The lessor has advised us that they believe their characterization of the lease is correct. Based on the foregoing and our review of available information, we do not believe an indemnification payment is probable. However, if the lessor loses its dispute and we are required to indemnify the lessor, we cannot at this time predict the impact that such an occurrence would have on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
Some of the contracts that we enter into include indemnification provisions that obligate us to make payments to the counterparty if certain events occur. These contingencies generally relate to changes in taxes, increased lender capital costs and other similar costs. The indemnification clauses are often standard contractual terms and are entered into in the normal course of business. There are no stated or notional amounts included in the indemnification clauses and we are not able to estimate the maximum potential amount of future payments, if any, under these indemnification clauses. We have not been required to make any payments under such indemnification clauses in the past and, under current circumstances, we do not believe an indemnification in any material amount is probable.
 
If (i) any person other than A. Wilhelmsen AS. and Cruise Associates and their respective affiliates (the “Applicable Group”) acquires ownership of more than 33% of our common stock and the Applicable Group owns less of our common stock than such person, or (ii) 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 the majority of our credit facilities, which we may be unable to replace on similar terms. Certain of our outstanding debt securities also contain change of control provisions that would be triggered by the acquisition of greater than 50% of our common stock by a person other than a member of the Applicable Group 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 2014, we declared a cash dividend on our common stock of $0.30 per share which was paid in the fourth quarter of 2014. During the first and second quarters of 2014, we declared and paid a cash dividend on our common stock of $0.25 per share. During the first quarter of 2014, we also paid a cash dividend on our common stock of $0.25 per share which was declared during the fourth quarter of 2013.

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During the third quarter of 2013, we declared a cash dividend on our common stock of $0.25 per share which was paid in the fourth quarter of 2013. We declared and paid a cash dividend on our common stock of $0.12 per share during the first and second quarters of 2013.

Note 9. Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
 
The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive loss for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive loss for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
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 income (loss) at beginning of the year
$
43,324

 
$
(23,994
)
 
$
(13,659
)
 
$
5,671

 
$
(84,505
)
 
$
(34,823
)
 
$
(15,188
)
 
$
(134,516
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
(330,103
)
 
(6,829
)
 
(19,842
)
 
(356,774
)
 
109,154

 
8,774

 
369

 
118,297

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
6,924

 
1,293

 
1,997

 
10,214

 
(52,639
)
 
1,942

 

 
(50,697
)
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income
(323,179
)
 
(5,536
)
 
(17,845
)
 
(346,560
)
 
56,515

 
10,716

 
369

 
67,600

Ending balance
$
(279,855
)
 
$
(29,530
)
 
$
(31,504
)
 
$
(340,889
)
 
$
(27,990
)
 
$
(24,107
)
 
$
(14,819
)
 
$
(66,916
)

The following table presents reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
 
 
Amount of (Loss) Gain Reclassified from
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income into
Income
 
 
Details About Accumulated Other
Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Components
Quarter Ended September 30, 2014
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2013
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Affected Line Item in Statements of
Comprehensive (Loss) Income
(Loss) gain on cash flow derivative hedges:
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Cross currency swaps
$

 
$
(890
)
 
$
(261
)
 
$
(2,641
)
 
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized
Foreign currency forward contracts
(450
)
 
(449
)
 
(1,348
)
 
(1,348
)
 
Depreciation and amortization expenses
Foreign currency forward contracts
(238
)
 
19,089

 
(4,052
)
 
18,612

 
Other income (expense)
Foreign currency forward contracts

 
(217
)
 
(57
)
 
(222
)
 
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized
Fuel swaps
(1,996
)
 
12,002

 
(1,206
)
 
38,238

 
Fuel
 
(2,684
)
 
29,535

 
(6,924
)
 
52,639

 
 
Amortization of defined benefit plans:
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actuarial loss
(222
)
 
(438
)
 
(666
)
 
(1,315
)
 
Payroll and related
Prior service costs
(209
)
 
(209
)
 
(627
)
 
(627
)
 
Payroll and related
 
(431
)
 
(647
)
 
(1,293
)
 
(1,942
)
 
 
Release of foreign cumulative translation due to sale of Pullmantur's non-core businesses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign cumulative translation

 

 
(1,997
)
 

 
Other operating
Total reclassifications for the period
$
(3,115
)
 
$
28,888

 
$
(10,214
)
 
$
50,697

 
 


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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 on a recurring basis, categorized based upon the fair value hierarchy, are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2014 Using
 
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013 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)
$
183,181

 
$
183,181

 
$
183,181

 
$

 
$

 
$
204,687

 
$
204,687

 
$
204,687

 
$

 
$

Total Assets
$
183,181

 
$
183,181

 
$
183,181

 
$

 
$

 
$
204,687

 
$
204,687

 
$
204,687

 
$

 
$

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt)(5)
$
6,931,171

 
$
7,241,824

 
$
1,844,607

 
$
5,397,217

 
$

 
$
8,020,061

 
$
8,431,220

 
$
2,888,255

 
$
5,542,965

 
$

Total Liabilities
$
6,931,171

 
$
7,241,824

 
$
1,844,607

 
$
5,397,217

 
$

 
$
8,020,061

 
$
8,431,220

 
$
2,888,255

 
$
5,542,965

 
$


(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, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
(4) Consists of cash and marketable securities with original maturities of less than 90 days.
(5) Consists of unsecured revolving credit facilities, unsecured senior notes, senior debentures and unsecured 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, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
 
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, 2014 Using
 
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013 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)
$
57,937

 
$

 
$
57,937

 
$

 
$
188,576

 
$

 
$
188,576

 
$

Investments(5)
$
5,678

 
5,678

 

 

 
$
6,044

 
6,044

 

 

Total Assets
$
63,615

 
$
5,678

 
$
57,937

 
$

 
$
194,620

 
$
6,044

 
$
188,576

 
$

Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Derivative financial instruments(6)
$
275,036

 
$

 
$
275,036

 
$

 
$
100,260

 
$

 
$
100,260

 
$

Total Liabilities
$
275,036

 
$

 
$
275,036

 
$

 
$
100,260

 
$

 
$
100,260

 
$


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(1) Inputs based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Valuation of these items does not entail a significant amount of judgment.
(2) Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. For foreign currency forward contracts, interest rate swaps, cross currency swaps and fuel swaps, fair value is derived using valuation models that utilize the income valuation approach. These valuation models take into account the contract terms, such as maturity, as well as other inputs, such as foreign exchange rates and curves, fuel types, fuel curves and interest rate yield curves. Fair value for foreign currency collar options is determined by using standard option pricing models with inputs based on the options’ contract terms, such as exercise price and maturity, and readily available public market data, such as foreign exchange curves, foreign exchange volatility levels and discount rates. All derivative instrument fair values take into account the creditworthiness of the counterparty and the Company.
(3) Inputs that are unobservable. The Company did not use any Level 3 inputs as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
(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.
(6) Consists of interest rate swaps, fuel swaps, foreign currency forward contracts and foreign currency collar options. 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, 2014 or December 31, 2013, 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, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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.

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, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2013
 
 
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 of dollars
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives subject to master netting agreements
 
$
57,937

 
$
(57,937
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
188,576

 
$
(91,627
)
 
$

 
$
96,949

Total
 
$
57,937

 
$
(57,937
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
188,576

 
$
(91,627
)
 
$

 
$
96,949



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






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Gross Amounts not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet that are Subject to Master Netting Agreements
 
 
As of September 30, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2013
 
 
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 of dollars
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives subject to master netting agreements
 
$
(275,036
)
 
$
57,937

 
$

 
$
(217,099
)
 
$
(100,260
)
 
$
91,627

 
$

 
$
(8,633
)
Total
 
$
(275,036
)
 
$
57,937

 
$

 
$
(217,099
)
 
$
(100,260
)
 
$
91,627

 
$

 
$
(8,633
)


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, 2014 we did not have any exposure under our derivative instruments. As of December 31, 2013 we had exposure under our derivative instruments of approximately $92.5 million, which was limited to the cost of replacing the contracts in the event of non-performance by the counterparties to the contracts, all of which are currently our lending banks. We do not anticipate nonperformance by any of our significant counterparties. In addition, we have established guidelines we follow regarding credit ratings and instrument maturities to maintain safety and liquidity. We do not normally require collateral or other security to support credit relationships; however, in certain circumstances this option is available to us.
 
Derivative Instruments
 
We are exposed to market risk attributable to changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and fuel prices. We manage these risks through a combination of our normal operating and financing activities and through the use of derivative financial instruments pursuant to our hedging practices and policies. The financial impact of these hedging instruments is primarily offset by corresponding changes in the underlying exposures being hedged. We achieve this by closely matching the amount, term and conditions of the derivative instrument with the underlying risk being hedged. Although certain of our derivative financial instruments do not qualify or are not accounted for under hedge accounting, 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 have 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) income until the underlying hedged transactions are recognized in earnings. The foreign currency transaction gain or loss of our non-derivative financial instruments designated as hedges of our net investment in foreign operations and investments are recognized as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income along with the associated foreign currency translation adjustment of the foreign operation.
 

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On an ongoing basis, we assess whether derivatives used in hedging transactions are “highly effective” in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flow of hedged items. We use the long-haul method to assess hedge effectiveness using regression analysis for each hedge relationship under our interest rate, foreign currency and fuel hedging programs. We apply the same methodology on a consistent basis for assessing hedge effectiveness to all hedges within each hedging program (i.e. interest rate, foreign currency and fuel). We perform regression analyses over an observation period of up to three years, utilizing market data relevant to the hedge horizon of each hedge relationship. High effectiveness is achieved when a statistically valid relationship reflects a high degree of offset and correlation between the changes in the fair values of the derivative instrument and the hedged item. The determination of ineffectiveness is based on the amount of dollar offset between the change in fair value of the derivative instrument and the change in fair value of the hedged item at the end of the reporting period. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or hedge accounting is discontinued, any change in fair value of the derivative since the last date at which it was determined to be effective is recognized in earnings. In addition, the ineffective portion of our highly effective hedges is immediately recognized in earnings and reported in Other income (expense) in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
 
Cash flows from derivative instruments that are designated as fair value or cash flow hedges are classified in the same category as the cash flows from the underlying hedged items. In the event that hedge accounting is discontinued, cash flows subsequent to the date of discontinuance are classified within investing activities. Cash flows from derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments are classified as investing activities.
 
We consider the classification of the underlying hedged item’s cash flows in determining the classification for the designated derivative instrument’s cash flows. We classify derivative instrument cash flows from hedges of benchmark interest rate or hedges of fuel expense as operating activities due to the nature of the hedged item. Likewise, we classify derivative instrument cash flows from hedges of foreign currency risk on our newbuild ship payments as investing activities and derivative instrument cash flows from hedges of foreign currency risk on debt payments as financing activities.
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates to our long-term debt obligations including future interest payments. At September 30, 2014, approximately 24.4% of our long-term debt was effectively fixed as compared to 34.6% as of December 31, 2013. We use interest rate swap agreements to modify our exposure to interest rate movements and to manage our interest expense.
 
Market risk associated with our long-term fixed rate debt is the potential increase in fair value resulting from a decrease in interest rates. We use interest rate swap agreements that effectively convert a portion of our fixed-rate debt to a floating-rate basis to manage this risk. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we maintained interest rate swap agreements on the $420.0 million fixed rate portion of our Oasis of the Seas unsecured amortizing term loan and on the $650.0 million unsecured senior notes due 2022. The interest rate swap agreements on Oasis of the Seas debt effectively changed the interest rate on the balance of the unsecured term loan, which was $262.5 million as of September 30, 2014, from a fixed rate of 5.41% to a LIBOR-based floating rate equal to LIBOR plus 3.87%, currently approximately 4.20%. The interest rate swap agreements on the $650.0 million unsecured senior notes effectively changed the interest rate of the unsecured senior notes from a fixed rate of 5.25% to a LIBOR-based floating rate equal to LIBOR plus 3.63%, currently approximately 3.86%. 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, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we maintained forward-starting interest rate swap agreements that hedge the anticipated unsecured amortizing term loans that will finance our purchase of Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas. Forward-starting interest rate swaps hedging the Quantum of the Seas loan will effectively convert the interest rate for $735.0 million of the anticipated loan balance from LIBOR plus 1.30% to a fixed rate of 3.74% (inclusive of margin) beginning in October 2014. Forward-starting interest rate swaps hedging the Anthem of the Seas loan will effectively convert the interest rate for $725.0 million of the anticipated loan balance from LIBOR plus 1.30% to a fixed rate of 3.86% (inclusive of margin) beginning in April 2015. These interest rate swap agreements are accounted for as cash flow hedges.
 
In addition, at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we maintained interest rate swap agreements that effectively converted the interest rate on a portion of the Celebrity Reflection unsecured amortizing term loan balance of approximately $572.7 million from LIBOR plus 0.40% to a fixed rate (including applicable margin) of 2.85% through the term of the loan. 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, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $2.9 billion and $3.0 billion, respectively.
 
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
 

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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, 2014, the aggregate cost of our ships on order was approximately $6.0 billion, of which we had deposited $571.4 million as of such date. Approximately 29.3% and 36.3% of the aggregate cost of the ships under construction was exposed to fluctuations in the Euro exchange rate at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. 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 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 2014, we maintained an average of approximately $556.7 million of these foreign currency forward contracts. These instruments are not designated as hedging instruments. Changes in the fair value of the foreign currency forward contracts resulted in a (loss) gain, of approximately $(35.1) million and $16.9 million, respectively, during the quarter ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, respectively, and approximately $(24.2) million and $(8.6) million, during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, respectively, that were recognized in earnings within Other income (expense) in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
 
We consider our investments in our foreign operations to be denominated in relatively stable currencies and of a long-term nature. In January 2014, we entered into €415.6 million foreign currency forward contracts and designated them as hedges of a portion of our net investments in Pullmantur and TUI Cruises as of September 30, 2014. These forward currency contracts mature in April 2016.

The notional amount of outstanding foreign exchange contracts including our forward contracts and collar options as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $3.5 billion and $2.5 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 Pullmantur and TUI Cruises of approximately €134.4 million and €544.9 million, or approximately $169.8 million and $750.8 million, as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
 
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 and fuel call options to mitigate the financial impact of fluctuations in fuel prices.
 
Our fuel swap agreements are accounted for as cash flow hedges. At September 30, 2014, we have hedged the variability in future cash flows for certain forecasted fuel transactions occurring through 2017. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had the following outstanding fuel swap agreements:
 
 
Fuel Swap Agreements
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
(metric tons)
2014
731,000

 
762,000

2015
778,000

 
665,000

2016
600,000

 
372,000

2017
306,000

 
74,000

 

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Fuel Swap Agreements
 
As of September 30, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2013
 
(% hedged)
Projected fuel purchases for year:
 

 
 

2014
54
%
 
57
%
2015
56
%
 
45
%
2016
41
%
 
25
%
2017
20
%
 
5
%
 
At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, $(33.7) million and $9.5 million, respectively, of estimated unrealized net (loss) gain associated with our cash flow hedges pertaining to fuel swap agreements were expected to be reclassified to earnings from Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income within the next twelve months. Reclassification is expected to occur as a result of fuel consumption associated with our hedged forecasted fuel purchases.

The fair value and line item caption of derivative instruments recorded within our consolidated balance sheets were as follows:
 
 
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
As of September 30, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2013
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
As of September 30, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2013
 
 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value
 
 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value
In thousands
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
Other assets
 
$
2,384

 
$
56,571

 
Other long-term liabilities
 
$
50,688

 
$
66,920

Foreign currency forward contracts
Derivative financial instruments
 
2,882

 
61,596

 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
29,304

 

Foreign currency forward contracts
Other assets
 
40,682

 
13,783

 
Other long-term liabilities
 
99,437

 

Foreign currency collar options
Derivative financial instruments
 

 

 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
8,465

 

Foreign currency collar options
Other assets
 

 
22,172

 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
 

 

Fuel swaps
Derivative financial instruments
 

 
10,902

 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
37,768

 
1,657

Fuel swaps
Other assets
 
18

 
8,205

 
Other long-term liabilities
 
27,016

 
9,052

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20
 
 
$
45,966

 
$
173,229

 
 
 
$
252,678

 
$
77,629

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency forward contracts
Derivative financial instruments
 
$
11,971

 
$
15,347

 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
$
22,358

 
$
22,631

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20
 
 
11,971

 
15,347

 
 
 
22,358

 
22,631

Total derivatives
 
 
$
57,937

 
$
188,576

 
 
 
$
275,036

 
$
100,260


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

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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, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2013
In thousands
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency debt
 
Current portion of long-term debt
 
$

 
$
477,442

Foreign currency debt
 
Long-term debt
 
169,819

 
273,354

 
 
 
 
$
169,819

 
$
750,796

 
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, 2014
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2013
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2014
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2013
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
In thousands
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized
 
$
3,063

 
$
3,022

 
$
9,199

 
$
6,299

 
$
3,968

 
$
9,503

 
$
13,435

 
$
28,102

Interest rate swaps
 
Other income (expense)
 
(3,010
)
 
958

 
24,431

 
(58,286
)
 
3,934

 
(620
)
 
(19,122
)
 
55,553

 
 
 
 
$
53

 
$
3,980

 
$
33,630

 
$
(51,987
)
 
$
7,902

 
$
8,883

 
$
(5,687
)
 
$
83,655


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

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Derivatives
under ASC  815-20 Cash Flow
Hedging
Relationships
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive (Loss) Income on Derivative (Effective
Portion)
 
Location of
(Loss) Gain
Reclassified
from
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
(Loss) Gain into Income
(Effective
Portion)
 
Amount of (Loss) Gain reclassified from
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income into
Income (Effective Portion)
Quarter Ended September 30, 2014
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2013
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2014
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2013
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
In thousands
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cross currency swaps
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized
 
$

 
$
(890
)
 
$
(261
)
 
$
(2,641
)
Interest rate swaps
4,437

 
(5,816
)
 
(62,309
)
 
87,672

 
Other income (expense)
 

 

 

 

Foreign currency forward contracts
(163,387
)
 
47,338

 
(172,629
)
 
38,343

 
Depreciation and amortization expenses
 
(450
)
 
(449
)
 
(1,348
)
 
(1,348
)
Foreign currency forward contracts

 

 

 

 
Other income (expense)
 
(238
)
 
19,089

 
(4,052
)
 
18,612

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

 

 

 
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized
 

 
(217
)
 
(57
)
 
(222
)
Foreign currency collar options
(21,904
)
 
16,801

 
(30,638
)
 
5,554

 
Depreciation and amortization expenses
 

 

 

 

Fuel swaps
(71,456
)
 
32,785

 
(64,527
)
 
(22,415
)
 
Fuel
 
(1,996
)
 
12,002

 
(1,206
)
 
38,238

 
$
(252,310
)
 
$
91,108

 
$
(330,103
)
 
$
109,154

 
 
 
$
(2,684
)
 
$
29,535

 
$
(6,924
)
 
$
52,639



 
Location of Gain
(Loss)
Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
Derivatives
under ASC 815-
20 Cash Flow
Hedging
Relationships
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2014
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2013
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
In thousands
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate swaps
Other income (expense)
 
$
17

 
$
(7
)
 
$
(78
)
 
$
420

Foreign currency forward contracts
Other income (expense)
 
15

 
15

 
(12
)
 
5

Fuel swaps
Other income (expense)
 
(8,069
)
 
(953
)
 
(7,607
)
 
(5,322
)
 
 
 
$
(8,037
)
 
$
(945
)
 
$
(7,697
)
 
$
(4,897
)


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

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Non-derivative 
instruments under ASC 815-
20 Net
Investment
Hedging
Relationships
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other
Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Effective Portion)
 
Location of
Gain (Loss)
in Income
(Ineffective
Portion and Amount
Excluded
from
Effectiveness
Testing)
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
(Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from
Effectiveness Testing)
Quarter Ended September 30, 2014
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2013
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2014
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2013
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
In thousands
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign Currency Debt
$
13,408

 
$
(26,347
)
 
$
18,038

 
$
(21,593
)
 
Other income (expense)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
13,408

 
$
(26,347
)
 
$
18,038

 
$
(21,593
)
 
 
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$


The effect of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the consolidated financial statements was as follows:
 
 
 
Amount of (Loss) Gain Recognized in Income on Derivatives
Derivatives Not
Designated as Hedging
Instruments under ASC
815-20
Location of
(Loss) Gain Recognized in
Income on Derivatives
Quarter Ended September 30, 2014
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2013
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
In thousands
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign currency forward contracts
Other income (expense)
$
(35,175
)
 
$
16,789

 
$
(24,405
)
 
$
(10,491
)
Fuel swaps
Other income (expense)
(220
)
 
220

 
(1,157
)
 
268

Fuel call options
Other income (expense)

 
(38
)
 

 
(1
)
 
 
$
(35,395
)
 
$
16,971

 
$
(25,562
)
 
$
(10,224
)
 
Credit Related Contingent Features
 
Our current interest rate derivative instruments may require us to post collateral if our Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s credit ratings remain below specified levels. Specifically, if on the fifth anniversary of entering into a derivative transaction or on any succeeding fifth-year anniversary our credit ratings for our senior unsecured debt were to be below BBB- by Standard & Poor’s and Baa3 by Moody’s, then each counterparty to such derivative transaction with whom we are in a net liability position that exceeds the applicable minimum call amount may demand that we post collateral in an amount equal to the net liability position. The amount of collateral required to be posted following such event will change each time our net liability position increases or decreases by more than the applicable minimum call amount. If our credit rating for our senior unsecured debt is subsequently equal to, or above BBB- by Standard & Poor’s or Baa3 by Moody’s, then any collateral posted at such time will be released to us and we will no longer be required to post collateral unless we meet the collateral trigger requirement at the next fifth-year anniversary. Currently, our senior unsecured debt credit rating is BB with a positive outlook by Standard & Poor’s and Ba1 with a stable outlook by Moody’s. We currently have five interest rate derivative hedges that have a term of at least five years.  The aggregate fair values of all derivative instruments with such credit-related contingent features in net liability positions as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were $50.7 million and $66.9 million, respectively, which do not include the impact of any such derivatives in net asset positions. The earliest that any of the five interest rate derivative hedges will reach their fifth anniversary is November 2016. Therefore, as of September 30, 2014, we were not required to post collateral for any of our derivative transactions.

Note 11.  Restructuring Charges
 
For the quarter ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, we incurred $0.3 million and $12.2 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, we incurred $2.0 million and $13.9 million, respectively, of restructuring charges in connection with our broad profitability improvement program. The following are the profitability initiatives.

Consolidation of Global Sales, Marketing, General and Administrative Structure

One of our profitability initiatives relates to restructuring and consolidation of our global sales, marketing and general and administrative structure. Activities related to this initiative include the consolidation of most of our call centers located outside of the United States and the establishment of brand dedicated sales, marketing and revenue management teams in key priority markets.

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This resulted in the elimination of approximately 500 shore-side positions in 2013, primarily from our international markets, resulting in recognition of a liability for one-time termination benefits during the year ended December 31, 2013. Additionally, we incurred contract termination costs and other related costs consisting of legal and consulting fees to implement this initiative.

For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we incurred $1.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively, in restructuring exit costs associated with this initiative, which are reported within Restructuring charges in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). The costs incurred in the third quarter of 2014 related to discretionary bonus payments paid to persons whose positions were eliminated as part of our restructuring activities. For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we incurred $12.2 million and $13.9 million, respectively, of restructuring exit costs associated with this initiative.

The following table summarizes our restructuring exit costs related to the above initiative (in thousands):
 
 
Beginning Balance January 1, 2014
 
Accruals
 
Payments
 
Ending Balance September 30, 2014
 
Cumulative
Charges
Incurred
 
Expected
Additional
Expenses
to be
Incurred
Termination benefits
$
8,315

 
$
647

 
$
6,991

 
$
1,971

 
$
10,285

 
$

Contract termination costs
$
126

 
8

 
59

 
$
75

 
4,150

 

Other related costs
$
1,397

 
150

 
244

 
$
1,303

 
4,529

 
500

Total
$
9,838

 
$
805

 
$
7,294

 
$
3,349

 
$
18,964

 
$
500


In connection with this initiative, we incurred approximately $7.4 million of other costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 that primarily consisted of call center transition costs and accelerated depreciation on leasehold improvements and were classified within Marketing, selling and administrative expenses and Depreciation and amortization expenses in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). For the quarter ended September 30, 2014, we did not incur any additional other costs associated with this initiative. We do not expect to incur any further material restructuring exit or other additional costs related to this initiative.

Pullmantur Restructuring

Restructuring Exit Costs

In the fourth quarter of 2013, we moved forward with an initiative related to Pullmantur’s focus on its cruise business and its expansion in Latin America. Activities related to this initiative include the sale of Pullmantur's non-core businesses and placing operating management closer to the Latin American market. This resulted in the elimination of approximately 100 Pullmantur shore-side positions and recognition of a liability for one-time termination benefits during the year ended December 31, 2013. In the second quarter of 2014, we elected not to execute the dismissal of approximately 30 of the positions which resulted in a partial reversal of the liability. Additionally, we incurred contract termination costs and other related costs consisting of legal and consulting fees to implement this initiative.

As a result of these actions, we reversed $0.9 million and incurred $1.2 million of restructuring exit costs for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, which are reported within Restructuring charges in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). For the quarter ended September 30, 2014, we reversed contract termination costs and termination benefits to adjust for actual costs incurred.

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

 
Beginning Balance January 1, 2014
 
Accruals
 
Payments
 
Ending Balance September 30, 2014
 
Cumulative
Charges
Incurred
 
Expected
Additional
Expenses
to be
Incurred
Termination benefits
$
3,910

 
$
1,036

 
$
3,488

 
$
1,458

 
$
4,946

 
$

Contract termination costs
$
847

 
(607
)
 

 
$
240

 
240

 

Other related costs
$
516

 
725

 
855

 
$
386

 
1,241

 
1,080

Total
$
5,273

 
$
1,154

 
$
4,343

 
$
2,084

 
$
6,427

 
$
1,080


In connection with this initiative, we incurred approximately $1.3 million and $7.8 million of other costs during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, associated with placing operating management closer to the Latin American market that was classified within Marketing, selling and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). We do not expect to incur any further material restructuring exit or other additional costs related to this initiative.

Sale of Pullmantur Non-core Businesses

As part of our Pullmantur related initiatives, on March 31, 2014, Pullmantur sold the majority of its interest in its non-core businesses. These non-core businesses included Pullmantur’s land-based tour operations, travel agency and 49% interest in its air business. In connection with the sale agreement, we retained a 19% interest in each of the non-core businesses as well as 100% ownership of the aircraft which are being dry leased to Pullmantur Air. Consistent with our Pullmantur two-month lag reporting period, we reported the impact of the sale in the second quarter of 2014. See Note 1. General for information on the basis on which we prepare our consolidated financial statements and Note 6. Goodwill and Other Assets for the accounting of our 19% retained interest.

The sale resulted in a $0.8 million gain reported in the second quarter of 2014, inclusive of the release of cumulative translation adjustment losses, which is classified within Other operating expenses in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). As part of the sale, we agreed to maintain commercial and bank guarantees on behalf of the buyer for a maximum period of twelve months and extended a term loan facility to Nautalia due June 30, 2016. During the second quarter of 2014, we recorded the fair value of the guarantees and a loss reserve for the loan amount drawn, offsetting the gain recognized by $2.9 million. See Note 9. Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for further information on the release of the foreign currency translation losses.

The non-core businesses met the accounting criteria to be classified as held for sale during the fourth quarter of 2013 which resulted in restructuring related impairment charges of $20.0 million in 2013 to adjust the carrying value of assets held for sale to their fair value, less cost to sell. As of December 31, 2013, assets and liabilities held for sale were not material to our consolidated balance sheet and no longer exist as of September 30, 2014. The businesses did not meet the criteria for discontinued operations reporting as a result of our significant continuing involvement.

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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 2014 and our earnings and yield estimates for 2015 set forth under the heading "Outlook" below and expectations regarding the timing and results of our Double-Double Program), 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," 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, 2013 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, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013;

a discussion of our business outlook, including our expectations for selected financial items for the fourth quarter and full year of 2014; and

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

Valuation of Goodwill, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets and Long-Lived Assets
 
As of September 30, 2014, the carrying amounts of goodwill and trademarks and trade names attributable to our Pullmantur reporting unit were $139.5 million and $196.3 million, respectively. Pullmantur is a brand targeted primarily at the Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American markets, with an increasing focus on Latin America. The persistent economic instability in these markets has created significant uncertainties in forecasting operating results and future cash flows used in our impairment analyses. We continue to monitor economic events in these markets for their potential impact on Pullmantur’s business and valuation. However, based on our most recent projections we do not believe an interim impairment evaluation of Pullmantur’s goodwill or trademarks and trade names is warranted as of September 30, 2014.

If there are relatively modest changes to the projected future cash flows used in the impairment analyses, especially in Net Yields, or if anticipated transfers of vessels from our other cruise brands to the Pullmantur fleet do not take place, it is reasonably possible that an impairment charge of Pullmantur's reporting unit’s goodwill and trademarks and trade names may be required. Of these factors, the planned transfers of vessels to the Pullmantur fleet is most significant to the projected future cash flows. If the transfers do not occur, we will likely fail step one of the impairment test. We will evaluate these intangible assets for potential impairment during our annual impairment test scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2014.


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Table of Contents

For a discussion of our critical accounting policies, refer to Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations within our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

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

Passenger ticket revenues, which consist of revenue recognized from the sale of passenger tickets and the sale of air transportation to and from our ships; and

Onboard and other revenues, which consist primarily of revenues from the sale of goods and/or services onboard our ships not included in passenger ticket prices, cancellation fees, sales of vacation protection insurance and pre- and post-cruise tours. Additionally, revenue related to Pullmantur’s travel agency network, land-based tours and air charter business to third parties are included in onboard and other revenues through the date of the sale of Pullmantur's non-core businesses further discussed below. Onboard and other revenues also include revenues we receive from independent third party concessionaires that pay us a percentage of their revenues in exchange for the right to provide selected goods and/or services onboard our ships.
 
Cruise Operating Expenses
 
Our cruise operating expenses are comprised of the following:

Commissions, transportation and other expenses, which consist of those costs directly associated with passenger ticket revenues, including travel agent commissions, air and other transportation expenses, port costs that vary with passenger head counts and related credit card fees;

Onboard and other expenses, which consist of the direct costs associated with onboard and other revenues, including the costs of products sold onboard our ships, vacation protection insurance premiums, costs associated with pre- and post-cruise tours and related credit card fees as well as the minimal costs associated with concession revenues, as the costs are mostly incurred by third-party concessionaires;

Payroll and related expenses, which consist of costs for shipboard personnel (costs associated with our shoreside personnel are included in marketing, selling and administrative expenses);

Food expenses, which include food costs for both guests and crew;

Fuel expenses, which include fuel and related delivery and storage costs, including the financial impact of fuel swap agreements; and

Other operating expenses, which consist primarily of operating costs such as repairs and maintenance, port costs that do not vary with passenger head counts, vessel operating lease costs, vessel related insurance and entertainment. Additionally, costs associated with Pullmantur’s travel agency network, land-based tours and air charter business to third parties are included in other operating expenses through the date of the sale of Pullmantur's non-core businesses further discussed below.
 
We do not allocate payroll and related expenses, food expenses, fuel expenses or other operating expenses to the expense categories attributable to passenger ticket revenues or onboard and other revenues since they are incurred to provide the total cruise vacation experience.

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Table of Contents

Selected Operational and Financial Metrics
 
We utilize a variety of operational and financial metrics which are defined below to evaluate our performance and financial condition. As discussed in more detail herein, certain of these metrics are non-GAAP financial measures, which we believe provide useful information to investors as a supplement to our consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. The presentation of non-GAAP financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP.
 
Adjusted Earnings per Share represents Adjusted Net Income divided by weighted average shares outstanding or by diluted weighted average shares outstanding, as applicable. We believe that this non-GAAP measure is meaningful when assessing our performance on a comparative basis.
 
Adjusted Net Income represents net income excluding certain items that we believe adjusting for is meaningful when assessing our performance on a comparative basis. For the periods presented, these items included restructuring charges, other costs related to our profitability initiatives, the estimated impact of the divested Pullmantur non-core businesses, the loss recognized on the sale of Celebrity Century and the impact of the change in our voyage proration. The estimated impact of the divested Pullmantur non-core businesses was arrived at by adjusting the net income (loss) of these businesses for the ownership percentage we retained, as well as for intercompany transactions that are no longer eliminated in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) subsequent to the sales transaction.

Available Passenger Cruise Days (“APCD”) is our measurement of capacity and represents double occupancy per cabin multiplied by the number of cruise days for the period. We use this measure to perform capacity and rate analysis to identify our main non-capacity drivers that cause our cruise revenue and expenses to vary.
 
Gross Cruise Costs represent the sum of total cruise operating expenses plus marketing, selling and administrative expenses.
 
Gross Yields represent total revenues per APCD.
 
Net Cruise Costs and Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel represent Gross Cruise Costs excluding commissions, transportation and other expenses and onboard and other expenses and, in the case of Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel, fuel expenses (each of which is described above under the Description of Certain Line Items heading). In measuring our ability to control costs in a manner that positively impacts net income, we believe changes in Net Cruise Costs and Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel to be the most relevant indicators of our performance. A reconciliation of historical Gross Cruise Costs to Net Cruise Costs and Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel is provided below under Results of Operations. We have not provided a quantitative reconciliation of projected Gross Cruise Costs to projected Net Cruise Costs and projected Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel due to the significant uncertainty in projecting the costs deducted to arrive at these measures. Accordingly, we do not believe that reconciling information for such projected figures would be meaningful. For the periods prior to the sale of the Pullmantur non-core businesses, Net Cruise Costs excludes the estimated impact of these divested businesses. Net Cruise Costs also excludes initiative costs reported within Marketing, selling and administrative expenses, as well as the loss recognized on the sale of Celebrity Century included within Other operating expenses.

Net Debt-to-Capital is a ratio which represents total long-term debt, including the current portion of long-term debt, less cash and cash equivalents (“Net Debt”) divided by the sum of Net Debt and total shareholders’ equity. We believe Net Debt and Net Debt-to-Capital, along with total long-term debt and shareholders’ equity are useful measures of our capital structure. A reconciliation of historical Debt-to-Capital to Net Debt-to-Capital is provided below under Results of Operations.
 
Net Revenues represent total revenues less commissions, transportation and other expenses and onboard and other expenses (each of which is described above under the Description of Certain Line Items heading). For the periods prior to the sale of the Pullmantur non-core businesses, we have presented Net Revenues excluding the estimated impact of these divested businesses in the financial tables under Results of Operations.
 
Net Yields represent Net Revenues per APCD. We utilize Net Revenues and Net Yields to manage our business on a day-to-day basis as we believe that it is the most relevant measure of our pricing performance because it reflects the cruise revenues earned by us net of our most significant variable costs, which are commissions, transportation and other expenses and onboard and other expenses. A reconciliation of historical Gross Yields to Net Yields is provided below under Results of Operations. We have not provided a quantitative reconciliation of projected Gross Yields to projected Net Yields due to the significant uncertainty in projecting the costs deducted to arrive at this measure. Accordingly, we do not believe that reconciling information for such projected figures would be meaningful. For the periods prior to the sale of the Pullmantur non-core businesses, Net Yields excludes the estimated impact of these divested businesses.

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Table of Contents

 
Occupancy, in accordance with cruise vacation industry practice, is calculated by dividing Passenger Cruise Days by APCD.  A percentage in excess of 100% indicates that three or more passengers occupied some cabins.
 
Passenger Cruise Days represent the number of passengers carried for the period multiplied by the number of days of their respective cruises.
 
We believe Net Yields, Net Cruise Costs and Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel are our most relevant non-GAAP financial measures. However, a significant portion of our revenue and expenses are denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar. Because our reporting currency is the United States dollar, the value of these revenues and expenses can be affected by changes in currency exchange rates. Although such changes in local currency prices is just one of many elements impacting our revenues and expenses, it can be an important element. For this reason, we also monitor Net Yields, Net Cruise Costs and Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel as if the current periods’ currency exchange rates had remained constant with the comparable prior periods’ rates, or on a “Constant Currency” basis.
 
It should be emphasized that Constant Currency is primarily used for comparing short-term changes and/or projections. Over the longer term, changes in guest sourcing and shifting the amount of purchases between currencies can significantly change the impact of the purely currency-based fluctuations.
 
The use of certain significant non-GAAP measures, such as Net Yields, Net Cruise Costs and Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel, allow us to perform capacity and rate analysis to separate the impact of known capacity changes from other less predictable changes which affect our business. We believe these non-GAAP measures provide expanded insight to measure revenue and cost performance in addition to the standard United States GAAP based financial measures. There are no specific rules or regulations for determining non-GAAP and Constant Currency measures, and as such, there exists the possibility that they may not be comparable to other companies within the industry.

Results of Operations
 
Summary
 
Our net income and Adjusted Net Income for the third quarter of 2014 was $490.2 million and $492.9 million or $2.19 and $2.20 per share on a diluted basis, respectively, as compared to net income and Adjusted Net Income of $365.7 million and $377.0 million or $1.65 and $1.71 per share on a diluted basis, respectively, for the third quarter of 2013.

Our net income and Adjusted Net Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $654.4 million and $685.7 million or $2.93 and $3.07 per share on a diluted basis, respectively, as compared to net income and Adjusted Net Income of $466.7 million and $489.4 million or $2.11 and $2.22 per share on a diluted basis, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
 
Significant items for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 include:

Total revenues increased 3.3% and 2.5% for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013, respectively. These increases were primarily due to an increase in overall capacity and ticket prices for close-in European and Asian sailings, which was partially offset by a decrease in ticket prices for Caribbean sailings.

Cruise operating expenses increased 0.7% and 1.0% for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 from the corresponding period in 2013, respectively. These increases were primarily due to an increase in capacity, partially offset by the elimination of operating expenses as a result of the sale of Pullmantur's non-core businesses.

Interest expense, net of interest capitalized, decreased 24.5% for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 from the corresponding period in 2013, respectively. The decrease was primarily due to lower interest rates and, to a lesser extent, a lower average debt level.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we borrowed $380.0 million under a previously committed unsecured term loan facility due August 2018 and repaid our €745.0 million 5.625% unsecured senior notes with proceeds from this term loan facility and our revolving credit facilities. Refer to Note 5. Long-Term Debt to our consolidated financial statements for further information.


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Table of Contents

In September 2014, we sold Celebrity Century to an unrelated third party for $220.0 million in cash. The sale resulted in a loss of $17.4 million that was recognized within Other operating expenses in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014. Refer to Note 4. Property and Equipment to our consolidated financial statements for further information.

As of September 30, 2014, we changed our voyage recognition methodology and recognized passenger ticket revenues, revenues from onboard and other goods and services and all associated cruise operating costs for all of our uncompleted voyages, including voyages of ten days or less, on a pro-rata basis. The effect of this change was an increase to net income of $16.3 million for each of the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014. Refer to Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements for further information.

Other Items

On March 31, 2014, Pullmantur sold the majority of its interest in its non-core businesses. These non-core businesses included Pullmantur’s land-based tour operations, travel agency and 49% interest in its air business. In connection with the sale agreement, we retained a 19% interest in each of the non-core businesses as well as 100% ownership of the aircraft which is being dry leased to Pullmantur Air. Consistent with our Pullmantur reporting two-month lag period, we reported the impact of the sale in our second quarter of 2014, which resulted in a $0.8 million gain, inclusive of the release of cumulative translation adjustment losses. In addition, during the second quarter of 2014, we recognized loss reserves of $2.9 million related to a loan facility extended to Nautalia Viajes, S.L. and debt guarantees maintained on behalf of the buyer. The net loss of the sale was classified within Other operating expenses in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Refer to Note 11. Restructuring Charges to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion on the sales transaction.

In May 2014, TUI Cruises, our 50% joint venture, took delivery of Mein Schiff 3.

In August 2014, our conditional agreement with STX France S.A. to build the fourth Oasis-class ship for Royal Caribbean International became effective. We also received commitments for the financing of up to 80% of the ship contract price through a facility to be guaranteed 100% by COFACE. Refer to Note 7. Commitments and Contingencies to our consolidated financial statements for further information.

In September 2014, TUI Cruises entered into construction agreements with STX Finland to build Mein Schiff 5 and 6, scheduled for delivery in the second quarters of 2016 and 2017, respectively.

Operating results for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 are shown in the following table (in thousands, except per share data):
 



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Table of Contents

 
Quarter Ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
% of Total
Revenues
 
 
 
% of Total
Revenues
 
 
 
% of Total
Revenues
 
 
 
% of Total
Revenues
Passenger ticket revenues
$
1,786,746

 
74.8
 %
 
$
1,672,051

 
72.3
 %
 
$
4,590,048

 
73.4
 %
 
$
4,432,542

 
72.6
 %
Onboard and other revenues
602,016

 
25.2
 %
 
639,698

 
27.7
 %
 
1,665,981

 
26.6
 %
 
1,673,194

 
27.4
 %
Total revenues
2,388,762

 
100.0
 %
 
2,311,749

 
100.0
 %
 
6,256,029

 
100.0
 %
 
6,105,736

 
100.0
 %
Cruise operating expenses:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commissions, transportation and other
396,916

 
16.6
 %
 
378,291

 
16.4
 %
 
1,068,961

 
17.1
 %
 
1,017,734

 
16.7
 %
Onboard and other
182,658

 
7.6
 %
 
178,269

 
7.7
 %
 
456,296

 
7.3
 %
 
440,466

 
7.2
 %
Payroll and related
214,260

 
9.0
 %
 
213,860

 
9.3
 %
 
634,232

 
10.1
 %
 
632,758

 
10.4
 %
Food
120,908

 
5.1
 %
 
119,104

 
5.2
 %
 
358,172

 
5.7
 %
 
351,117

 
5.8
 %
Fuel
230,818

 
9.7
 %
 
215,686

 
9.3
 %
 
718,081

 
11.5
 %
 
689,809

 
11.3
 %
Other operating
281,322

 
11.8
 %
 
311,591

 
13.5
 %
 
825,794

 
13.2
 %
 
890,726

 
14.6
 %
Total cruise operating expenses
1,426,882

 
59.7
 %
 
1,416,801

 
61.3
 %
 
4,061,536

 
64.9
 %
 
4,022,610

 
65.9
 %
Marketing, selling and administrative expenses
239,662

 
10.0
 %
 
249,954

 
10.8
 %
 
790,957

 
12.6
 %
 
781,936

 
12.8
 %
Depreciation and amortization expenses
192,448

 
8.1
 %
 
188,541

 
8.2
 %
 
579,063

 
9.3
 %
 
564,089

 
9.2
 %
Restructuring charges
308

 

 
12,244

 
0.5
 %
 
1,958

 

 
13,922

 
0.2
 %
Operating Income
529,462

 
22.2
 %
 
444,209

 
19.2
 %
 
822,515

 
13.1
 %
 
723,179

 
11.8
 %
Other income (expense):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest income
2,117

 
0.1
 %
 
3,299

 
0.1
 %
 
8,023

 
0.1
 %
 
10,451

 
0.2
 %
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized
(60,100
)
 
(2.5
)%
 
(79,654
)
 
(3.4
)%
 
(193,931
)
 
(3.1
)%
 
(256,713
)
 
(4.2
)%
Extinguishment of unsecured senior notes

 

 
(4,206
)
 
(0.2
)%
 

 

 
(4,206
)
 
(0.1
)%
Other income (expense)
18,769

 
0.8
 %
 
2,053

 
0.1
 %
 
17,771

 
0.3
 %
 
(6,037
)
 
(0.1
)%
 
(39,214
)
 
(1.6
)%
 
(78,508
)
 
(3.4
)%
 
(168,137
)
 
(2.7
)%
 
(256,505
)
 
(4.2
)%
Net Income
$
490,248

 
20.5
 %
 
$
365,701

 
15.8
 %
 
$
654,378

 
10.5
 %
 
$
466,674

 
7.6
 %
Diluted Earnings per Share
$
2.19

 
 

 
$
1.65

 
 

 
$
2.93

 
 

 
$
2.11

 
 


Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Earnings per Share were calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
 

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Table of Contents

 
Quarter Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Net Income
$
490,248

 
$
365,701

 
$
654,378

 
$
466,674

Restructuring charges
308

 
12,244

 
1,958

 
13,922

Other initiative costs
1,240

 

 
17,275

 

Estimated impact of divested businesses prior to sales transaction

 
(922
)
 
11,013

 
8,774

Loss on sale of ship included within other operating expenses
17,401

 

 
17,401

 

Impact of voyage proration change
(16,344
)
 

 
(16,344
)
 

Adjusted Net Income
$
492,853

 
$
377,023

 
$
685,681

 
$
489,370

Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
222,523

 
219,744

 
222,007

 
219,450

Diluted
223,859

 
221,004

 
223,351

 
220,744

Earnings per Share:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
$
2.20

 
$
1.66

 
$
2.95

 
$
2.13

Diluted
$
2.19

 
$
1.65

 
$
2.93

 
$
2.11

Adjusted Earnings per Share:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
$
2.21

 
$
1.72

 
$
3.09

 
$
2.23

Diluted
$
2.20

 
$
1.71

 
$
3.07

 
$
2.22

 
Selected statistical information is shown in the following table:
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Passengers Carried
1,324,993

 
1,259,204

 
3,886,823

 
3,694,893

Passenger Cruise Days
9,603,329

 
9,302,555

 
27,489,584

 
26,633,114

APCD
8,867,375

 
8,667,948

 
25,948,292

 
25,334,240

Occupancy
108.3
%
 
107.3
%
 
105.9
%
 
105.1
%

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

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Table of Contents

 
Quarter Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2014 On a Constant Currency basis
 
2013
 
2014
 
2014 On a Constant Currency basis
 
2013
Passenger ticket revenues
$
1,786,746

 
$
1,773,105

 
$
1,672,051

 
$
4,590,048

 
$
4,616,566

 
$
4,432,542

Onboard and other revenues
602,016

 
600,154

 
639,698

 
1,665,981

 
1,664,738

 
1,673,194

Total revenues
2,388,762

 
2,373,259

 
2,311,749

 
6,256,029

 
6,281,304

 
6,105,736

Less:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commissions, transportation and other
396,916

 
394,827

 
378,291

 
1,068,961

 
1,072,832

 
1,017,734

Onboard and other
182,658

 
182,466

 
178,269

 
456,296

 
456,264

 
440,466

Net Revenues including divested businesses
1,809,188

 
1,795,966

 
1,755,189

 
4,730,772

 
4,752,208

 
4,647,536

Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Revenues related to divested businesses prior to sales transaction

 

 
70,098

 
35,656

 
34,403

 
142,643

Net Revenues
$
1,809,188

 
$
1,795,966

 
$
1,685,091

 
$
4,695,116

 
$
4,717,805

 
$
4,504,893

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
APCD
8,867,375

 
8,867,375

 
8,667,948

 
25,948,292

 
25,948,292

 
25,334,240

Gross Yields
$
269.39

 
$
267.64

 
$
266.70

 
$
241.10

 
$
242.07

 
$
241.01

Net Yields
$
204.03

 
$
202.54

 
$
194.40

 
$
180.94

 
$
181.82

 
$
177.82

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

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Quarter Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2014 On a Constant Currency basis
 
2013
 
2014
 
2014 On a Constant Currency basis
 
2013
Total cruise operating expenses
$
1,426,882

 
$
1,425,119

 
$
1,416,801

 
$
4,061,536

 
$
4,067,566

 
$
4,022,610

Marketing, selling and administrative expenses
239,662

 
238,514

 
249,954

 
790,957

 
787,155

 
781,936

Gross Cruise Costs
1,666,544

 
1,663,633

 
1,666,755

 
4,852,493

 
4,854,721

 
4,804,546

Less:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commissions, transportation and other
396,916

 
394,827

 
378,291

 
1,068,961

 
1,072,832

 
1,017,734

Onboard and other
182,658

 
182,466

 
178,269

 
456,296

 
456,264

 
440,466

Net Cruise Costs including divested businesses
1,086,970

 
1,086,340

 
1,110,195

 
3,327,236

 
3,325,625

 
3,346,346

Less:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net Cruise Costs related to divested businesses prior to sales transaction

 

 
67,760

 
47,854

 
46,158

 
151,927

Other initiative costs included within cruise operating expenses and marketing, selling and administrative expenses
1,240

 
1,186

 

 
15,036

 
14,813

 

Loss on sale of ship included within other operating expenses
17,401

 
17,401

 

 
17,401

 
17,401

 

Net Cruise Costs
1,068,329

 
1,067,753

 
1,042,435

 
3,246,945

 
3,247,253

 
3,194,419

Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel
230,818

 
231,745

 
215,686

 
718,081

 
721,446

 
689,809

Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel
$
837,511

 
$
836,008

 
$
826,749

 
$
2,528,864

 
$
2,525,807

 
$
2,504,610

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
APCD
8,867,375

 
8,867,375

 
8,667,948

 
25,948,292

 
25,948,292

 
25,334,240

Gross Cruise Costs per APCD
$
187.94

 
$
187.61

 
$
192.29

 
$
187.01

 
$
187.09

 
$
189.65

Net Cruise Cost per APCD
$
120.48

 
$
120.41

 
$
120.26

 
$
125.13

 
$
125.14

 
$
126.09

Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel per APCD
$
94.45

 
$
94.28

 
$
95.38

 
$
97.46

 
$
97.34

 
$
98.86


Net Debt-to-Capital was calculated as follows (in thousands):
 
 
As of
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Long-term debt, net of current portion
$
6,213,829

 
$
6,511,426

Current portion of long-term debt
772,245

 
1,563,378

Total debt
6,986,074

 
8,074,804

Less: Cash and cash equivalents
183,181

 
204,687

Net Debt
$
6,802,893

 
$
7,870,117

Total shareholders’ equity
$
9,021,028

 
$
8,808,265

Total debt
6,986,074

 
8,074,804

Total debt and shareholders’ equity
$
16,007,102

 
$
16,883,069

Debt-to-Capital
43.6
%
 
47.8
%
Net Debt
$
6,802,893

 
$
7,870,117

Net Debt and shareholders’ equity
$
15,823,921

 
$
16,678,382

Net Debt-to-Capital
43.0
%
 
47.2
%

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2014 Outlook

The Company provided the following guidance for the full year and fourth quarter 2014:

Full Year 2014
 
 
As Reported
Constant Currency
Net Yields
1.5% to 2.0%
Approx. 2.5%
Net Cruise Costs per APCD
Flat to slightly down
Flat to slightly down
Net Cruise Costs per APCD, excluding Fuel
Flat to down 1%
Flat to slightly down
Capacity Increase
2.4%
 
Depreciation and Amortization
$765 to $770 million
 
Interest Expense, net
$240 to $250 million
 
Fuel Consumption (metric tons)
1,359,000
 
Fuel Expenses
$943 million
 
Percent Hedged (fwd consumption)
52%
 
Impact of 10% change in fuel prices
$10 million
 
Adjusted Earnings per Share-Diluted
Approx. $3.45
 

Fourth Quarter 2014
 
 
As Reported
Constant Currency
Net Yields
Approx. 2%
Approx. 3.5%
Net Cruise Costs per APCD
Flat to up 1%
Approx. 1%
Net Cruise Costs per APCD, excluding Fuel
1.5% to 2.0%
2% to 3%
Capacity Increase
2.1%
 
Depreciation and Amortization
$190 to $195 million
 
Interest Expense, net
$55 to $65 million
 
Fuel Consumption (metric tons)
339,000
 
Fuel Expenses
$225 million
 
Percent Hedged (fwd consumption)
52%
 
Impact of 10% change in fuel prices
$10 million
 
Adjusted Earnings per Share-Diluted
$0.35 to $0.40
 

Full Year 2015 Outlook

We're experiencing strong early booking trends for 2015. Booked load factors and rates are higher than the same time last year and the booking window has extended. We believe that 2015 will be the sixth consecutive year for yield growth and are comfortable with the Street consensus of $4.55 on an Adjusted Earnings per Share basis.

Quarter Ended September 30, 2014 Compared to Quarter Ended September 30, 2013
 
In this section, references to 2014 refer to the quarter ended September 30, 2014 and references to 2013 refer to the quarter ended September 30, 2013.
 
Revenues
 
Total revenues for 2014 increased $77.0 million, or 3.3%, to $2.4 billion in 2014 from $2.3 billion in 2013.
 
Passenger ticket revenues comprised 74.8% of our 2014 total revenues. Passenger ticket revenues increased by $114.7 million, or 6.9%, to $1.8 billion in 2014 from $1.7 billion in 2013. The increase was primarily due to:


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an increase in ticket prices driven by greater demand for close-in European and Asian sailings, which was partially offset by a decrease in ticket prices for Caribbean sailings, all of which contributed to a $62.6 million aggregate increase in passenger ticket revenues;

a 2.3% increase in capacity, which increased passenger ticket revenues by $38.5 million and includes the impact of the change in our voyage proration; and

the favorable effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates related to our passenger ticket revenue transactions denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar of approximately $13.6 million.

The remaining 25.2% of 2014 total revenues was comprised of onboard and other revenues, which decreased $37.7 million, or 5.9%, to $602.0 million in 2014 from $639.7 million in 2013. The decrease in onboard and other revenues was primarily due to a $67.2 million decrease in revenues related to Pullmantur's non-core businesses that were sold in 2014 as noted above. The decrease was partially offset by:

a $17.6 million increase in onboard revenue attributable to higher spending on a per passenger basis primarily due to our various beverage initiatives, the addition and promotion of specialty restaurants, the increased revenue associated with internet and other telecommunication services and other onboard activities, as a result of our ship revitalization projects and other revenue enhancing initiatives; and

a $12.8 million increase attributable to the 2.3% increase in capacity noted above, which includes the impact of the change in our voyage proration.

Onboard and other revenues included concession revenues of $84.1 million in 2014 and $81.4 million in 2013.

Cruise Operating Expenses

Total cruise operating expenses increased $10.1 million, or 0.7%, to $1.4 billion. The increase was primarily due to:

a $31.1 million increase attributable to the 2.3% increase in capacity noted above, which includes the impact of the change in our voyage proration;

the loss recognized on the sale of Celebrity Century of $17.4 million; and

a $9.2 million increase in head taxes mainly attributable to itinerary changes.

The increase was partially offset by a $50.9 million decrease in expenses related to Pullmantur's non-core businesses that were sold in 2014 as noted above.

Marketing, Selling and Administrative Expenses

Marketing, selling and administrative expenses for 2014 decreased $10.3 million, or 4.1%, to $239.7 million in 2014 from $250.0 million for the same period in 2013. The decrease was primarily due to the sale of Pullmantur's non-core businesses in 2014 as noted above.

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses
 
Depreciation and amortization expenses for 2014 increased $3.9 million, or 2.1%, to $192.4 million from $188.5 million in 2013. The increase was primarily due to new shipboard additions associated with our ship revitalization projects and the addition of our new reservations pricing engine in December of 2013.

Restructuring Charges
 
We incurred restructuring charges of approximately $0.3 million in 2014 compared to $12.2 million in 2013. Refer to Note 11. Restructuring Charges to our consolidated financial statements for further information on our restructuring activities.
 
Other Income (Expense)
 

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Interest expense, net of interest capitalized for 2014 decreased $19.6 million, or 24.5%, to $60.1 million from $79.7 million in 2013. The decrease was primarily due to lower interest rates and, to a lesser extent, a lower average debt level.

Other income for 2014 increased $16.7 million or 814.2% to $18.8 million from income of $2.1 million in 2013. The increase was primarily due to income of $25.7 million from our equity method investments as compared to income of $18.0 million in 2013. In addition, we had $3.2 million in foreign exchange gains from the remeasurement of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency compared to $5.3 million in losses in 2013.

Extinguishment of unsecured senior notes, decreased $4.2 million in 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013 as we did not repurchase any unsecured notes in 2014.

Net Yields
 
Net Yields increased 4.9% in 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due to the increase in passenger ticket revenues noted above. Net Yields increased 4.2% in 2014 compared to 2013 on a Constant Currency basis.
 
Net Cruise Costs
 
Net Cruise Costs increased 2.5% in 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due to the increase in capacity. Net Cruise Costs per APCD and Net Cruise Costs per APCD on a Constant Currency basis remained consistent compared to 2013.
 
Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel
 
Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel per APCD remained consistent compared to 2013.

Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

(Loss) gain on cash flow derivative hedges

Loss on cash flow derivative hedges in 2014 was $249.6 million compared to a Gain on cash flow derivative hedges of $61.6 million in 2013. The change of $311.2 million was primarily due to a decrease in the forward rates of Euro and fuel during 2014 compared to an increase in those forward rates during 2013.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

In this section, references to 2014 refer to the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and references to 2013 refer to the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Revenues
 
Total revenues for 2014 increased $150.3 million, or 2.5%, to $6.3 billion in 2014 from $6.1 billion in 2013.
 
Passenger ticket revenues comprised 73.4% of our 2014 total revenues. Passenger ticket revenues increased by $157.5 million, or 3.6%, to $4.6 billion in 2014 from $4.4 billion in 2013. The increase was primarily due to:

a 2.4% increase in capacity, which increased passenger ticket revenues by $107.4 million and includes the impact of the change in our voyage proration; and

an increase in ticket prices driven by greater demand for close-in European and Asian sailings, which was partially offset by a decrease in ticket prices for Caribbean sailings, all of which contributed to a $76.6 million aggregate increase in passenger ticket revenues.

The increase was partially offset by the unfavorable effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates related to our passenger ticket revenue transactions denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar of approximately $26.5 million.

The remaining 26.6% of 2014 total revenues was comprised of onboard and other revenues, which decreased $7.2 million, or 0.4%. The decrease in onboard and other revenues was primarily due to $103.0 million in revenues related to Pullmantur's non-core businesses that were sold in 2014 as noted above.


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The decrease was partially offset by:

a $36.2 million increase attributable to the 2.4% increase in capacity noted above, which includes the impact of the change in our voyage proration;

a $35.9 million increase in onboard revenue attributable to higher spending on a per passenger basis primarily due to our various beverage initiatives, the addition and promotion of specialty restaurants, the increased revenue associated with Internet and other telecommunication services and other onboard activities, as a result of our ship revitalization projects and other revenue enhancing initiatives; and

a $23.1 million increase in other revenue primarily attributable to an out-of-period adjustment of approximately $13.9 million that was recorded in 2013 to correct the calculation of our liability for our credit card rewards program.

Onboard and other revenues included concession revenues of $238.8 million in 2014 and $233.1 million in 2013.

Cruise Operating Expenses

Total cruise operating expenses increased $38.9 million, or 1.0%, to $4.1 billion in 2014 from $4.0 billion in 2013. The increase was primarily due to:

a $93.9 million increase attributable to a 2.4% increase in capacity noted above, which includes the impact of the change in our voyage proration;

the loss recognized on the sale of Celebrity Century of $17.4 million; and

a $16.4 million increase in air expense primarily due to the increased activity in our air transportation programs.

The increase was partially offset by:

a $79.9 million decrease in expenses related to Pullmantur's non-core businesses that were sold in 2014 as noted above; and

a $12.9 million decrease in commissions expense mainly attributable to shifts in our distribution channels.

Marketing, Selling and Administrative Expenses

Marketing, selling and administrative expenses increased $9.0 million, or 1.2%, to $791.0 million from $781.9 million in 2013. The increase was primarily due to an increase in other costs associated with our restructuring activities. Refer to Note 11. Restructuring Charges to our consolidated financial statements for further information on our restructuring activities.

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses
 
Depreciation and amortization expenses for 2014 increased $15.0 million, or 2.7%, to $579.1 million from $564.1 million in 2013. The increase was driven by new shipboard additions associated with our ship revitalization projects, the addition of our new reservations pricing engine in December of 2013 and the accelerated depreciation on leasehold improvements associated with our restructuring initiatives.
 
Restructuring Charges
 
We incurred restructuring charges of approximately $2.0 million in 2014 compared to $13.9 million in 2013. Refer to Note 11. Restructuring Charges to our consolidated financial statements for further information on our restructuring activities.

Other Income (Expense)
 
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized for 2014 decreased $62.8 million, or 24.5%, to $193.9 million from $256.7 million in 2013. The decrease was primarily due to lower interest rates and, to a lesser extent, a lower average debt level.

Other income in 2014 was $17.8 million compared to Other expense of $6.0 million in 2013. The increase in income of $23.8 million or 394.4% was primarily due to ineffectiveness gains of $8.3 million from our interest rate swap agreements compared to

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ineffectiveness losses of $6.0 million in 2013 and to income of $34.7 million from our equity method investments compared to income of $25.3 million in 2013.

Extinguishment of unsecured senior notes, decreased $4.2 million in 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013 as we did not repurchase any unsecured notes in 2014.

Net Yields
 
Net Yields increased 1.8% in 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due to the increase in passenger ticket revenues noted above. Net Yields increased 2.2% in 2014 compared to 2013 on a Constant Currency basis.

Net Cruise Costs
 
Net Cruise Costs increased 1.6% in 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due to the increase in capacity noted above. Net Cruise Costs per APCD and Net Cruise Costs per APCD on a Constant Currency basis decreased 0.8% in 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due to the decrease in commissions noted above.
 
Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel
 
Net Cruise Costs Excluding Fuel per APCD decreased 1.4% in 2014 compared to 2013 and decreased 1.5% in 2014 compared to 2013 on a Constant Currency basis.

Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

(Loss) gain on cash flow derivative hedges

Loss on cash flow derivative hedges in 2014 was $323.2 million compared to a Gain on cash flow derivative hedges of $56.5 million in 2013. The change of $379.7 million was primarily due to a decrease in the forward rates of Euro, fuel and LIBOR during 2014 compared to an increase in the forward rates of Euro and LIBOR during 2013.

Future Application of Accounting Standards
 
Refer to Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements for further information on Recent Accounting Pronouncements.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Sources and Uses of Cash
 
Cash flow generated from operations provides us with a significant source of liquidity. Net cash provided by operating activities increased $229.5 million to $1.5 billion for the first nine months of 2014 compared to $1.2 billion for the same period in 2013. The change in cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to a $51.1 million increase in cash receipts from customer deposits and the timing of payments to vendors in 2014 as compared to 2013.
Net cash used in investing activities was $344.8 million for the first nine months of 2014 compared to $578.4 million for the same period in 2013. The decrease was primarily attributable to cash received of $220.0 million in 2014 for the sale of Celebrity Century which did not occur in 2013 and a $52.8 million increase in cash received from repayments of a loan to an unconsolidated affiliate in 2014 compared to 2013. The additional cash receipts were primarily offset by the increase in capital expenditures of $25.0 million in 2014 compared to 2013.
Net cash used in financing activities was $1.1 billion for the first nine months of 2014 compared to $637.6 million for the same period in 2013. This change was primarily due to an increase of $892.5 million in repayments of debt and an increase of dividends paid of $77.7 million, partially offset by a $398.1 million increase in debt proceeds and a $52.3 million increase in the proceeds from the exercise of common stock options. The increase in repayments of debt and proceeds from issuance of debt was primarily due to a higher level of bond maturities, and higher drawings and repayments on our revolving credit facilities, in 2014.
Future Capital Commitments

Capital Expenditures

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Our brands, including our 50% joint venture, TUI Cruises, have eight ships on order. As of September 30, 2014, the expected dates that our ships on order will enter service and their approximate berths are as follows:
 
Ship
 
Expected to Enter
Service
 
Approximate
Berths
Royal Caribbean International —
 
 
 
 

Quantum-class:
 
 
 
 

Quantum of the Seas
 
4th Quarter 2014
 
4,150

Anthem of the Seas
 
2nd Quarter 2015
 
4,150

Ovation of the Seas
 
2nd Quarter 2016
 
4,150

Oasis-class:
 
 
 
 

Unnamed
 
2nd Quarter 2016
 
5,450

Unnamed
 
2nd Quarter 2018
 
5,450

TUI Cruises (50% joint venture)(1)
 
 
 
 

Mein Schiff 4
 
2nd Quarter 2015
 
2,500

Mein Schiff 5
 
2nd Quarter 2016
 
2,500

Mein Schiff 6
 
2nd Quarter 2017
 
2,500

 
 
Total Berths
 
30,850

 
(1) Mein Schiff 3 was placed into service during the second quarter of 2014.
 
Our future capital commitments consist primarily of new ship orders. As of September 30, 2014, we had three Quantum-class ships and two Oasis-class ships on order for our Royal Caribbean International brand with an aggregate capacity of approximately 23,350 berths.

As of September 30, 2014, the aggregate cost of our five ships on order (excluding TUI Cruises' ships on order) was approximately $6.0 billion, of which we had deposited $571.4 million as of such date. Approximately 29.3% of the aggregate cost was exposed to fluctuations in the Euro exchange rate at September 30, 2014. (See Note 7. Commitments and Contingencies and Note 10. Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments to our consolidated financial statements under Item 1. Financial Statements).

As of September 30, 2014, we anticipate overall full year capital expenditures will be approximately $1.4 billion for 2014, $1.4 billion for 2015, $2.2 billion for 2016, $0.3 billion for 2017 and $1.5 billion for 2018.
 
Contractual Obligations
 
As of September 30, 2014, our contractual obligations were as follows (in thousands):
 

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Payments due by period
 
 
 
Less than
 
1-3
 
3-5
 
More than
 
Total
 
1 year
 
years
 
years
 
5 years
Operating Activities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Operating lease obligations(1)(2)
$
334,169

 
$
31,325

 
$
56,871

 
$
46,604

 
$
199,369

Interest on long-term debt(3)
977,591

 
209,170

 
286,711

 
177,854

 
303,856

Other(4)
836,336

 
166,373

 
275,989

 
205,286

 
188,688

Investing Activities:
0

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Ship purchase obligations(5)
4,551,195

 
1,642,961

 
1,909,870

 
998,364

 

Other(6)
74,029

 
74,029

 

 

 

Financing Activities:
0

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Long-term debt obligations(7)
6,931,171

 
763,147

 
2,295,386

 
1,627,962

 
2,244,676

Capital lease obligations(8)
54,903

 
9,098

 
12,449

 
6,898

 
26,458

Other(9)
96,299

 
26,017

 
38,876

 
21,756

 
9,650

Total
$
13,855,693

 
$
2,922,120

 
$
4,876,152

 
$
3,084,724

 
$
2,972,697


(1)         We are obligated under noncancelable operating leases primarily for a ship, offices, warehouses and motor vehicles. Amounts represent contractual obligations with initial terms in excess of one year.
(2)         Under the Brilliance of the Seas lease agreement, we may be required to make a termination payment of approximately £62.6 million, or approximately $101.5 million based on the exchange rate at September 30, 2014, if the lease is canceled in 2020. This amount is included in the more than 5 years column. Interest on the Brilliance of the Seas lease agreement is calculated based on the applicable variable interest rate at September 30, 2014.
(3)         Long-term debt obligations mature at various dates through fiscal year 2027 and bear interest at fixed and variable rates. Interest on variable-rate debt is calculated based on forecasted debt balances, including interest swapped using the applicable rate at September 30, 2014. Debt denominated in other currencies is calculated based on the applicable exchange rate at September 30, 2014.
(4)         Amounts primarily represent future commitments with remaining terms in excess of one year to pay for our usage of certain port facilities, marine consumables, services and maintenance contracts.
(5)         Amounts do not include potential obligations which remain subject to cancellation at our sole discretion.
(6)         Amount represents unused commitment on loan to unconsolidated affiliate.
(7)        Amounts represent debt obligations with initial terms in excess of one year.
(8)        Amounts represent capital lease obligations with initial terms in excess of one year.
(9)        Amounts represent fees payable to sovereign guarantors in connection with certain of our export credit debt facilities and facility fees on our revolving credit facilities.
 
As a normal part of our business, depending on market conditions, pricing and our overall growth strategy, we continuously consider opportunities to enter into contracts for the building of additional ships. We may also consider the sale of ships or the purchase of existing ships. We continuously consider potential acquisitions and strategic alliances. If any of these were to occur, they would be financed through the incurrence of additional indebtedness, the issuance of additional shares of equity securities or through cash flows from operations.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
In July 2002, we entered into an operating lease denominated in British pound sterling for the Brilliance of the Seas. The lease payments vary based on sterling LIBOR and are included in Other operating income (expenses) in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Brilliance of the Seas lease expense amounts were approximately £3.1 million and £3.1 million, or approximately $5.1 million and $4.8 million, for the quarters ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, respectively, and were approximately £9.3 million and £9.2 million, or approximately $15.4 million and $14.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, respectively. The lease has a contractual life of 25 years; however, both the lessor and we have certain rights to cancel the lease at year 18 (i.e. 2020) upon advance notice given approximately one year prior to cancellation. In the event of early termination at year 18, we have the option to cause the sale of the vessel at its fair value and to use the proceeds towards the applicable termination payment. Alternatively, we could opt at such time to make a termination payment of approximately £62.6 million, or approximately $101.5 million based on the exchange rate at September 30, 2014 and relinquish our right to cause the sale of the vessel. Although we do not believe that exercise of this early termination provision is probable, we evaluate, from time to time, our alternatives under the lease, including the potential purchase of the vessel.

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Under the Brilliance of the Seas operating lease, we have agreed to indemnify the lessor to the extent its after-tax return is negatively impacted by unfavorable changes in corporate tax rates, capital allowance deductions and certain unfavorable determinations which may be made by the United Kingdom tax authorities. These indemnifications could result in an increase in our lease payments. We are unable to estimate the maximum potential increase in our lease payments due to the various circumstances, timing or a combination of events that could trigger such indemnifications. The United Kingdom tax authorities are disputing the lessor’s accounting treatment of the lease and the lessor and tax authorities are in discussions on the matter. If the characterization of the lease is ultimately determined to be incorrect, we could be required to indemnify the lessor under certain circumstances. The lessor has advised us that they believe their characterization of the lease by the lessor is correct. Based on the foregoing and our review of available information, we do not believe an indemnification payment is probable. However, if the lessor loses its dispute and we are required to indemnify the lessor, we cannot at this time predict the impact that such an occurrence would have on our financial condition and results of operations.

We and TUI AG have each guaranteed repayment of 50% of an €180.0 million amortizing bank loan provided to TUI Cruises which is due 2016. As of September 30, 2014, €121.5 million, or approximately $153.5 million based on the exchange rate at September 30, 2014, remains outstanding. Based on current facts and circumstances, we do not believe potential obligations under this guarantee are probable.
 
TUI Cruises entered into various ship construction and credit agreements that include certain restrictions on each of our and TUI AG’s ability to reduce our current ownership interest in TUI Cruises below 37.5% through 2019.

Some of the contracts that we enter into include indemnification provisions that obligate us to make payments to the counterparty if certain events occur. These contingencies generally relate to changes in taxes, increased lender capital costs and other similar costs. The indemnification clauses are often standard contractual terms and are entered into in the normal course of business.  There are no stated or notional amounts included in the indemnification clauses and we are not able to estimate the maximum potential amount of future payments, if any, under these indemnification clauses. We have not been required to make any payments under such indemnification clauses in the past and, under current circumstances, we do not believe an indemnification obligation is probable.
 
Other than the items described above, we are not party to any other off-balance sheet arrangements, including guarantee contracts, retained or contingent interest, certain derivative instruments and variable interest entities, that either have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on our financial position.
 
Funding Needs and Sources
 
We have significant contractual obligations of which our debt service obligations and the capital expenditures associated with our ship purchases represent our largest funding needs. As of September 30, 2014, we have approximately $2.9 billion in contractual obligations due through September 30, 2015 of which approximately $763.1 million relates to debt maturities and $1.6 billion relates to the acquisition of Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas along with progress payments on our other ship purchases. We have historically relied on a combination of cash flows provided by operations, drawdowns under our available credit facilities, the incurrence of additional debt and/or the refinancing of our existing debt and the issuance of additional shares of equity securities to fund these obligations.

We had a working capital deficit of $2.9 billion as of September 30, 2014 as compared to a working capital deficit of $3.3 billion as of December 31, 2013. Included within our working capital deficit is $772.2 million and $1.6 billion of current portion of long-term debt, including capital leases, as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The decrease in working capital deficit was primarily due to the decrease in current maturities of long-term debt. Similar to others in our industry, we operate with a substantial working capital deficit. This deficit is mainly attributable to the fact that, under our business model, a vast majority of our passenger ticket receipts are collected in advance of the applicable sailing date. These advance passenger receipts remain a current liability until the sailing date. The cash generated from these advance receipts is used interchangeably with cash on hand from other sources, such as our revolving credit facilities and other cash from operations. The cash received as advanced receipts can be used to fund operating expenses for the applicable future sailing or otherwise, pay down our revolving credit facilities, invest in long term investments or any other use of cash. In addition, we have a relatively low-level of accounts receivable and rapid turnover results in a limited investment in inventories. We generate substantial cash flows from operations and our business model, along with our unsecured revolving credit facilities, has historically allowed us to maintain this working capital deficit and still meet our operating, investing and financing needs. We expect that we will continue to have working capital deficits in the future.
 

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As of September 30, 2014, we have on order three Quantum-class ships and two Oasis-class ships each of which has committed unsecured bank financing arrangements which include sovereign financing guarantees. Refer to Note 7. Commitments and Contingencies to our consolidated financial statements for further information.
 
In January 2014, we repaid our €745.0 million 5.625% unsecured senior notes with proceeds from our $380.0 million unsecured term loan facility and our revolving credit facilities and we amended and restated our €365.0 million unsecured term loan due July 2017 primarily to reduce the margin on the facility. Additionally, in March 2014, we amended our unsecured term loans for Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas primarily to reduce the margins on those facilities and eliminate the lenders option to exit those facilities in 2015 and 2017, respectively. Refer to Note 5. Long-Term Debt to our consolidated financial statements for further information.

As of September 30, 2014, our liquidity was $1.6 billion, consisting of approximately $183.2 million in cash and cash equivalents and $1.4 billion available under our unsecured credit facilities. We anticipate that our cash flows from operations and our current financing arrangements, as described above, will be adequate to meet our capital expenditures and debt repayments over the next twelve-month period.
 
We continue our implementation of a broad profitability improvement program with initiatives aimed at improving our returns on invested capital. One of those initiatives, commenced in the third quarter of 2013, relates to realizing economies of scale and improving service delivery to our travel partners and guests by restructuring and consolidating our global sales, marketing and general and administrative structure. A second initiative, commenced in the fourth quarter of 2013, relates to Pullmantur’s focus on its cruise business and expansion in Latin America. We expect to incur an estimated remaining amount of $6 million of cash outlays, mostly through the end of 2014, to complete these initiatives. We believe the cash outlays will be offset by increased cash inflows from the expected cost savings.
 
We also continue to implement a number of initiatives to reduce energy consumption and, by extension, fuel costs. These include the design of more fuel efficient ships and the implementation of other hardware and energy efficiencies.
 
If (i) any person other than A. Wilhelmsen AS. and Cruise Associates and their respective affiliates (the “Applicable Group”) acquires ownership of more than 33% of our common stock and the Applicable Group owns less of our common stock than such person, or (ii) 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 the majority of our credit facilities, which we may be unable to replace on similar terms. Certain of our outstanding debt securities also contain change of control provisions that would be triggered by the acquisition of greater than 50% of our common stock by a person other than a member of the Applicable Group coupled with a ratings downgrade. If this were to occur, it would have an adverse impact on our liquidity and operations.
 
Debt Covenants
 
Certain of our financing agreements contain covenants that require us, among other things, to maintain minimum net worth of at least $6.2 billion, a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.25x and limit our net debt-to-capital ratio to no more than 62.5%.  The fixed charge coverage ratio is calculated by dividing net cash from operations for the past four quarters by the sum of dividend payments plus scheduled principal debt payments in excess of any new financings for the past four quarters. Our minimum net worth and maximum net debt-to-capital calculations exclude the impact of Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income on total shareholders’ equity. We are well in excess of all debt covenant requirements as of September 30, 2014. The specific covenants and related definitions can be found in the applicable debt agreements, the majority of which have been previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
For a discussion of our market risks, refer to Part II, Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. There have been no significant developments or material changes since the date of our Annual Report.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Our management, with the participation of our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined

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in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon such evaluation, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer concluded that those controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and our Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and are effective to provide reasonable assurance that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Exchange Act Rule 13a-15 during the quarter ended September 30, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls
 
Readers are cautioned that any system of controls, however well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the system will be met. In addition, the design of any control system is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events. Because of these and other inherent limitations of control systems, there is only reasonable assurance that our controls will succeed in achieving their goals under all potential future conditions.


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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings
 
As previously reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, a class action complaint was filed in June 2011 against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida on behalf of a purported class of stateroom attendants employed onboard Royal Caribbean International cruise vessels. The complaint alleged that the stateroom attendants were required to pay other crew members to help with their duties and that certain stateroom attendants were required to work back of house assignments without the ability to earn gratuities, in each case in violation of the U.S. Seaman’s Wage Act. In May 2012, the district court granted our motion to dismiss the complaint on the basis that the applicable collective bargaining agreement requires any such claims to be arbitrated. The United States Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, affirmed the district court’s dismissal and denied the plaintiffs’ petition for re-hearing and re-hearing en banc. In October 2014, the United States Supreme Court denied the plaintiffs’ request to review the order compelling arbitration. Shortly thereafter, in excess of 450 crew members submitted demands for arbitration. The demands make substantially the same allegations as in the federal court complaint and are similarly seeking damages, wage penalties and interest in an indeterminate amount. Unlike the federal court complaint, the demands for arbitration are being brought individually by each of the crew members and not on behalf of a purported class of stateroom attendants. At this time, we are unable to estimate the possible impact of this matter on us. However, we believe the underlying claims made against us are without merit, and we intend to vigorously defend ourselves against them.

We are also 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.
    

Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
The risk factors that affect our business and financial results are discussed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K and there has been no material change to these risk factors since previously disclosed. We wish to caution the reader that the risk factors discussed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and those described elsewhere in this report or other Securities and Exchange Commission filings, could cause future results to differ materially from those stated in any forward-looking statements.

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Item 6. Exhibits
 
10.1

 
2008 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended*
 
 
 
31.1

 
Certification of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934*
 
 
 
31.2

 
Certification of the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934*
 
 
 
32.1

 
Certifications of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code**

*
 
Filed herewith
**
 
Furnished herewith
 
Interactive Data File
 
101                          The following financial statements from Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, as filed with the SEC on October 23, 2014, formatted in XBRL, as follows:
 
(i)                     the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 and 2013;
 
(ii)                  the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013;

(iii)
the Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013;
 
(iv)                the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013; and
 
(v)                  the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged in summary and detail.


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ JASON T. LIBERTY
 
 
Jason T. Liberty
 
 
Senior Vice President,
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
October 23, 2014
 
(Principal Financial Officer and duly authorized signatory)


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