Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Feb. 13, 2012
Number of Cruise Ships Covered by Cruise Line Agreements that Expire within One Year				44
Number of Cruise Ships Served by the Company				156
Percent of Revenues Accounted for by Cruise Ships with Agreements that Expire within One Year	15.00%
Operating Leases, Rent Expense (in Dollars)	$ 31.6	$ 24.6	$ 18.0
Employment Agreements Term	1 year
Officers' Compensation (in Dollars)	$ 4.3	$ 2.9	$ 2.7
Carnival [Member]
Percent of Revenues from Passengers of Cruise Line Companies that Accounted for Over 10 Percent of Total Revenues	25.70%	29.90%	29.30%
Royal Caribbean [Member]
Percent of Revenues from Passengers of Cruise Line Companies that Accounted for Over 10 Percent of Total Revenues	14.80%	16.70%	17.30%
Carnival and Royal Caribbean [Member]
Number of Cruise Ships Served by the Company				128
Minimum [Member]
Cruise Line Agreements Term				1 year
Lease Renewal Term	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Cruise Line Agreements Term				6 years
Lease Renewal Term	5 years
Average [Member]
Cruise Line Agreements Term				2 years