CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Passenger ticket revenues	$ 1,348,203	$ 1,393,778
Onboard and other revenues	539,021	517,442
Total revenues	1,887,224	1,911,220
Cruise operating expenses:
Commissions, transportation and other	325,865	322,937
Onboard and other	123,032	121,487
Payroll and related	210,801	209,923
Food	118,080	119,483
Fuel	244,459	241,652
Other operating	281,743	266,708
Total cruise operating expenses	1,303,980	1,282,190
Marketing, selling and administrative expenses	290,307	274,034
Depreciation and amortization expenses	193,735	189,364
Restructuring charges	1,736	0
Operating Income	97,466	165,632
Other income (expense):
Interest income	3,276	3,747
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized	(68,571)	(90,182)
Other expense	(5,714)	(2,971)
Total other income (expense)	(71,009)	(89,406)
Net Income	26,457	76,226
Earnings per Share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.12	$ 0.35
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.12	$ 0.35
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	221,295	219,097
Diluted (in shares)	222,671	220,484
Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Net Income	26,457	76,226
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	2,470	(4,244)
Change in defined benefit plans	(2,031)	0
Loss on cash flow derivative hedges	(52,915)	(22,600)
Total other comprehensive loss	(52,476)	(26,844)
Comprehensive (Loss) Income	$ (26,019)	$ 49,382