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Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings trims shoreside workforce

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NCL is downsizing - by how much is not known
Friday update: SVPs Maria Miller (marketing) and Crane Gadding (passenger services) are among those leaving. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings on Thursday laid off an unspecified number of employees in what is believed to be the first of two or more rounds of downsizing.

The cuts are understood to be across a range of areas such as administration, finance, operations, human resources and marketing. The job of at least one vp, AnneMarie Mathews, who led public relations, was eliminated. Mathews oversaw PR, corporate communications, newbuild launches including Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, and other high-profile events.

A company spokeswoman responded to an email but did not address questions about numbers or other specifics.

Industry sources have speculated job cuts from as low as 50 to several hundred people, with one person estimating a range of 200 to 300.

The Miami Herald said 'several sources estimated the number at 200 or more.'

Expectations of streamlining at NCLH have waged ever since Frank Del Rio became president and ceo in early January. Del Rio is known for running lean—and highly profitable—operations.

Hardly anyone at his Prestige Cruise Holdings had a secretary, for example. And since he has taken the NCL helm, Del Rio has often spoken about eliminating bureaucracy and flattening the organization.

The company spokeswoman provided this statement:

'The recent acquisition of Prestige Cruise Holdings has provided the opportunity to review our organizational structure. The company has implemented an organization designed to take advantage of synergies between the three brands and position the company for future growth.

'The new structure maintains dedicated leadership and support for each of the individual brands, ensuring brand distinction and the highest quality guest experience, while finding efficiencies and leveraging best practices across the company.'