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 hold equity interests in ventures related to our cruise operations. We account for the majority of these investments as either an equity method investment or a controlled subsidiary.

In 2023, we closed on the partnership agreement with iCON Infrastructure Partners VI, L.P. ("iCON"). This partnership owns, develops, and manages cruise terminal facilities and infrastructure in key ports of call, initially including several development projects in Italy and Spain. As part of the transaction with iCON we also sold 80% of the entity which owns our terminal at PortMiami. Refer below to equity method investments and controlled subsidiaries for further information on the transaction. In addition, the partnership will pursue additional port infrastructure developments, including future plans to own, develop, and manage an infrastructure project in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

We have determined that TUI Cruises GmbH ("TUIC"), our 50%-owned joint venture, which operates the brands TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, is a VIE. We have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of TUIC. We believe that the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact TUIC’s economic performance is shared between ourselves and TUI AG, our joint venture partner. All the significant operating and financial decisions of TUIC require the consent of both

As of June 30, 2024, the net book value of our investment in TUIC was $716 million, primarily consisting of $642 million in equity and a loan of €63 million, or approximately $68 million based on the exchange rate at June 30, 2024. As of December 31, 2023, the net book value of our investment in TUIC was $657 million, primarily consisting of $566 million in equity and a loan of €71 million, or approximately $79 million based on the exchange rate at December 31, 2023. The loan, which was made in connection with the sale of Splendour of the Seas in April 2016, accrues interest at a rate of 6.25% per annum and is payable over 10 years. This loan is 50% guaranteed by TUI AG and is secured by a first priority mortgage on the ship.

TUIC has various ship construction and financing agreements which include certain restrictions on each of our and TUI AG’s ability to reduce our current ownership interest in TUIC below 37.55% through May 2033. Our investment amount and outstanding term loan are substantially our maximum exposure to loss in connection with our investment in TUIC.

We have determined that Grand Bahama Shipyard Ltd. ("Grand Bahama"), a ship repair and maintenance facility in which we have a 40% noncontrolling interest, is a VIE. This facility serves cruise and cargo ships, oil and gas tankers and offshore units. We utilize this facility, among other ship repair facilities, for our regularly scheduled drydocks and certain emergency repairs as may be required. 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 account for this investment under the equity method of accounting.

In 2023, we formed a 50%-owned joint venture with the other 40% shareholder of Grand Bahama to operate Floating Docks S. DE RL. (“Floating Docks”). Floating Docks will construct two floating drydocks, with delivery dates expected in 2025 and 2026, that will be leased to Grand Bahama and allow it to service the entire range of cruise ships in operation and under construction, as well as much of the world’s commercial shipping fleet. We and our joint venture partner have each guaranteed 50% of certain installment payments payable by Floating Docks under the drydock and related construction contracts, which are contingent on the achievement of certain construction milestones, bringing our total payment guarantees to $48 million as of June 30, 2024. Our investment in Floating Docks, including loans, is immaterial to our consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2024.

We have determined that Floating Docks is a VIE. We have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of Floating Docks since we believe that the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Floating Docks' economic performance is shared between ourselves and our joint venture partner. All the significant operating and financial decisions of Floating Docks require the consent of both parties which we believe creates shared power over Floating Docks. Accordingly, we do not consolidate this entity and account for this investment under the equity method of accounting.

In 2023, as part of the transaction with iCON, we sold our controlling interest in two Italian entities for an immaterial amount of net proceeds and recognized an immaterial gain on the sale. We have determined that the partnership and both Italian entities are VIE's. These entities in Italy represent development projects to own, develop, and manage cruise terminal facilities in key ports of call. We have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary for either of these entities as we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance. Accordingly, we do not consolidate these entities and account for these investments under the equity method of accounting.

As part of the transaction with iCON, we sold an 80% interest in the entity which owns our terminal at PortMiami for $209 million and retained a 20% minority interest, effective March 31, 2023. We also sold a noncontrolling interest in another entity which is developing a port project in Spain for an immaterial amount. We have determined that both of these entities are VIEs, and we are the primary beneficiary as we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the facility’s economic performance. Accordingly, we continue to consolidate both entities. The cash consideration received for the sale of the PortMiami terminal company, net of transaction costs, was allocated between paid-in capital and noncontrolling interest using the net book value of our investment in the PortMiami terminal, as presented in the statement of shareholders' equity.

We reviewed our receivables for credit losses in connection with the preparation of our financial statements for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. In evaluating our credit loss allowance, management considered factors such as historical loss experience, the types of loans and the amount of loans in the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, peer group information and prevailing economic conditions. Our credit loss allowance as of June 30, 2024 and 2023 primarily relates to credit losses recognized on notes receivable for the previous sale of certain property and equipment of $42 million and $63 million, respectively, which were originated in 2015 and 2020.