Aggregate notional amount specified by the derivative(s). Expressed as an absolute value.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 12
-Section 13
-Sentence Column B

+ Details

Name:	invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount
Namespace Prefix:	invest_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Percentage of Aggregate Cost Exposed to Fluctuations in the Euro Exchange Rate.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rcl_PercentageOfAggregateCostExposedToFluctuationsInEuroExchangeRate
Namespace Prefix:	rcl_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Purchase Contract, Deposit.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rcl_PurchaseContractDeposit
Namespace Prefix:	rcl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Represents the maximum borrowing which the company has arranged for each ship constructed.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rcl_UnsecuredTermLoanMaximumBorrowingCommintmentPerShip
Namespace Prefix:	rcl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930739&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930785&loc=d3e28551-108399

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Fixed interest rate related to the interest rate derivative.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of gain (loss) recognized in earnings in the period from the increase (decrease) in fair value of foreign currency derivatives not designated as hedging instruments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4C
-Subparagraph (e)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5624171-113959

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4A
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5618551-113959

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GainLossOnForeignCurrencyDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount, after unamortized (discount) premium and debt issuance costs, of long-term debt. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The minimum amount the entity agreed to spend under the long-term purchase commitment.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis=us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis=us-gaap_FairValueHedgingMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis=us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis=us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis=us-gaap_NondesignatedMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis=us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis=us-gaap_CapitalAdditionsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=rcl_FloatingRateCelebrityReflectionTermLoanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=rcl_OasisoftheSeasUnsecuredTermLoanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=rcl_FixedRate5.25PercentDebtMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=rcl_QuantumOfTheSeasUnsecuredTermLoanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=rcl_AnthemOfTheSeasUnsecuredTermLoanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=rcl_OvationoftheSeasUnsecuredTermLoanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=rcl_HarmonyoftheSeasUnsecuredTermLoanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=rcl_EuroInterbankOfferedRateEURIBORDomain
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments - Derivative Instruments (Details) € in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	May 31, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 EUR (€)
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Percentage of aggregate cost exposed to fluctuations in the euro exchange rate							58.00%	58.00%
Interest rate swaps
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Notional amount	$ 4,200,000,000		$ 4,200,000,000				$ 4,300,000,000
Interest rate swaps \| Fair Value Hedging
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Long-term Debt	842,500,000		842,500,000
Interest rate swaps \| Cash flow hedge
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Unsecured term loan, maximum borrowing commitment per ship	3,380,278,000		3,380,278,000
Forward Contracts
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Change in fair value of foreign currency forward contracts recognized in earnings	2,500,000	$ 32,700,000	11,800,000	$ 49,600,000
Forward Contracts \| Not Designated
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Notional amount	801,900,000		801,900,000
Foreign exchange contracts
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Notional amount	1,400,000,000		1,400,000,000				$ 2,400,000,000
Cruise ships on order
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Aggregate cost of ships on order, not including TUI cruises on order			5,300,000,000
Amount deposited for cost of ships on order	$ 282,000,000		$ 282,000,000
Percentage of aggregate cost exposed to fluctuations in the euro exchange rate	56.10%		56.10%				58.20%	58.20%
Floating Rate Celebrity Reflection Term Loan \| Interest rate swaps \| Cash flow hedge
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Unsecured term loan, maximum borrowing commitment per ship	$ 463,604,000		$ 463,604,000
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	2.85%		2.85%
Unsecured term loan							$ 490,900,000.0
Oasis of the Seas Unsecured Term Loan \| Interest rate swaps \| Fair Value Hedging
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Long-term Debt	$ 192,500,000		$ 192,500,000
Long term debt, interest rate	5.41%		5.41%
Unsecured term loan							420,000,000
Fixed Rate 5.25 Percent Debt \| Interest rate swaps \| Fair Value Hedging
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Long term debt, interest rate	5.25%		5.25%
Unsecured term loan	$ 650,000,000		$ 650,000,000				650,000,000
Quantum of the Seas Unsecured Term Loan \| Interest rate swaps \| Cash flow hedge
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Unsecured term loan, maximum borrowing commitment per ship	$ 643,125,000		$ 643,125,000
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	3.74%		3.74%
Unsecured term loan							673,800,000
Anthem of the Seas Unsecured Term Loan \| Interest rate swaps \| Cash flow hedge
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Unsecured term loan, maximum borrowing commitment per ship	$ 664,583,000		$ 664,583,000
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	3.86%		3.86%
Unsecured term loan							694,800,000
Ovation of the Seas Unsecured Term Loan \| Interest rate swaps
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate						3.16%
Ovation of the Seas Unsecured Term Loan \| Interest rate swaps \| Cash flow hedge
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Unsecured term loan, maximum borrowing commitment per ship	$ 830,000,000		$ 830,000,000
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	3.16%		3.16%
Unsecured term loan							830,000,000.0
Harmony of the Seas Unsecured Term Loan \| Interest rate swaps
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate					2.26%
Harmony of the Seas Unsecured Term Loan \| Interest rate swaps \| Cash flow hedge
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Unsecured term loan, maximum borrowing commitment per ship	$ 778,966,000		$ 778,966,000
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	2.26%		2.26%
Unsecured term loan							$ 790,100,000	€ 693.4
LIBOR \| Floating Rate Celebrity Reflection Term Loan \| Interest rate swaps \| Cash flow hedge
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			0.40%
LIBOR \| Quantum of the Seas Unsecured Term Loan \| Interest rate swaps \| Cash flow hedge
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			1.30%
LIBOR \| Anthem of the Seas Unsecured Term Loan \| Interest rate swaps \| Cash flow hedge
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			1.30%
LIBOR \| Ovation of the Seas Unsecured Term Loan
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			1.00%
LIBOR \| Ovation of the Seas Unsecured Term Loan \| Interest rate swaps \| Cash flow hedge
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			1.00%
EURIBOR \| Harmony of the Seas Unsecured Term Loan \| Interest rate swaps \| Cash flow hedge
Gains and losses from derivatives involved in hedging relationships
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			1.15%