CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Passenger ticket revenues	$ 1,352,238	$ 1,226,517
Onboard and other revenues	482,242	445,478
Total revenues	1,834,480	1,671,995
Cruise operating expenses:
Commissions, transportation and other	320,738	279,549
Onboard and other	107,595	102,490
Payroll and related	210,114	204,487
Food	113,625	100,082
Fuel	228,994	166,061
Other operating	274,046	248,402
Total cruise operating expenses	1,255,112	1,101,071
Marketing, selling and administrative expenses	264,601	248,138
Depreciation and amortization expenses	179,392	173,252
Operating Income	135,375	149,534
Other income (expense):
Interest income	6,346	3,781
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized	(92,666)	(100,625)
Other (expense) income	(2,091)	25,720
Total other expense	(88,411)	(71,124)
Net Income	46,964	78,410
Earnings per Share:
Basic	$ 0.22	$ 0.36
Diluted	$ 0.21	$ 0.36
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic	217,584	216,511
Diluted	219,230	219,626
Comprehensive Income
Net income	46,964	78,410
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	3,340	29,901
Gain on cash flow derivative hedges	147,470	192,254
Total other comprehensive income	150,810	222,155
Comprehensive Income	$ 197,774	$ 300,565