NCL Corp. has reduced its global workforce by about 145 employees. The company said it is realigning its &quot;organization to more appropriately support its pattern of growth over the next few years&quot; and to &quot;better align staff with the current business needs.&quot; In a statement, NCL said its external business development sales force remains intact and &quot;this reduction will not impact the support we provide to our valued travel partners.&quot; NCL said it is preparing for the largest growth surge in its history with the arrival of its two F3 ships in 2010, but will experience a capacity reduction from 2008 to 2010 with the withdrawal of Orient Lines' Marco Polo earlier this year and the withdrawals of Norwegian Dream this fall and Norwegian Majesty next year.<br /><br />NCL has also experienced a shift in the mix of its business, within and outside North America, with two ships leaving Hawaii and three ships deployed in Europe for the first time; one of those, Norwegian Jade, sailing year-round. &quot;Furthermore, the steep increase in fuel cost -- a cost that is largely beyond the company's control and that appears to involve a long-term systemic change -- has been another factor in the company's careful assessment of its controllable cost structure,&quot; NCL said. NCL is providing assistance to the affected team members, including access to a career assistance program.