Can you tell us how long you have been working for Carnival Cruise Lines. What year did you start and what is your current position?
I started With CCL July 24th 2004 as a lighting technician and become a senior Entertainment technician in November 2005.Where are you from and what is the best thing about living there?
I am from Miami, Florida and there are 4 great things about being from there…..the beach, the sun, family and the mix of culture that leaves no room for ignorance while growing up there.
Are you married and tell us about your family?
I am enjoying the single life to the fullest; I have to live it up while I can. My family is a very important part of me as it keeps me grounded every day I am away from them. My mum is a hard working Medical Billing and coding office manager. My Step Father works for Florida lighting and power, and my brother is currently a junior in High school.
What does your job involve. Describe what you do each day?
My job involves making sure all lighting and special effects including Pyrotechnics are functioning at the highest standard and quality that carnival provides its guests. I have the Freedom to program the lights for our fantastic Fly on entertainers and I work closely with the Cruise Director and Dance Captain to ensure that the lighting for our production shows remain consistent fleet wide.
What is the best thing about working on a cruise ship?
Coming from Miami I thought I was exposed to almost every type of culture, then I came to work for Carnival and discovered that there is so much more in the big world.
What is the hardest thing about working on a cruise ship?
Being away from Family and friends. Also I miss Pizza Hut!!! But im hoping Carnival Will buy them soon 
)
Favorite things….
Food
Meat Lovers Pizza…..from Pizza Hut
Movie
Please don’t make fun of me……Moulin Rouge
Music
Michael Buble
Way to relax
Going to the Gym
If you could do any other job on the ship for a day what would you like to do and why?
I would like to be a DJ for the day. It gives the freedom to provide a positive environment. Nice dance music cruising in the Mediterranean….life doesn’t get much better than that for me
Favorite Port?
Cannes, France. Its very similar to Miama. Fantastic food including chocolate Nutella Crepes
If you could meet one famous person in the world who would it be and why?
Gloria Estefan … she has gone through so many downs and picked herself up again and still made herself a star! That just proves to me that no matter what choice you make in my life and what hurdle gets thrown at you, in the end you can always come out on top!
Filed under: Catherine Zeta Jones, Tales from the Ship | Tagged: Splendor Godmother, Tales from the Ship
Xander -
I can relate to your favorite food – mine is the Supreme Supreme from Pizza Hut.
The only problem is that it has a pyrotechnic impact on me – much the same as sugar-free jelly beans have on John.
So, the important question is: Do we who suffer from these gaseous outbreaks have to advise you of our presence in the theatre when there are pyrotechnics involved? I hate to be responsible for an unexpected explosion on board.
See you soon
Jon
The laser lighing on the Glory was one of my sons favorite parts of the shows, when I showed the picture of Xander Choy the first thisng David did was look at the board at his fingers.
A lot of skill and timing goes into what he does and David knows it.
Thanks again for sharing your staff with us, they all work hard to put on the best show they can, starting backstage where no one ever see.
Heidi-Beth
Oh boy, Nutella!! Dip pretzels in it and go to heaven….LOL
Hey John just a quick question back in october of 2004 when you were cruise director on the carnival glory you hosted the talent show and had a guest named Teneese Thomas who had a truly fantastic voice you had offered her a job with carnival and I was curious if she is still with the company and which ship she is currently on.
Meat Lovers Pizza… Hmmmmmmmmmm.
Soooo… You want some recipes?
Here are a few with some moving pictures showing you how…
http://blog.nola.com/dining/cooking_new_orleans_style/
Great interview Xander and good choice of Pizza Hut, especially the Meat Lovers. (give them the recipe on the ship). And speaking of Gloria Estafan, I just saw an interview with her last night. She just released another CD and she has always been one of my favorites for the last 20 years. Her songs say so much. I applaud the special effects I have seen – especially the pyrotechnics. If they’re not done right, there could be definite problems. So keep up the excellent work and enjoy your life on Carnival.
Regards,
Carol
John,
I have some photos from our cruise on the Freedom taken in Aug. Our cruise ended on Aug 29th. How can I get them to you so you can post them if you like them. I would like to share them with everyone. Thanks for a great cruise. You sir are a very FUNNY MAN!!!!!!
Very interesting interview.
I would think he could get amazing pizza in Miami that would blow away Pizza Hut.
I like his energy. Seems like he loves his job.
Thanks again,
David
Xaiver,
While you might enjoy Pizza Hut Pizza, that is not really pizza. Please come to new york to my place and I will make you the best pizza you have ever had or tasted. Mine was voted best pizza on long island by newsday a few years ago. Trust me that is a large award for being on long island where you can get a pizza every half a mile. I would ship you some but it probably wouldn’t make it to the ship to well. Also you guys do a great job with all the lighting and special effects you design and maintain. You should be commended for that.
Best to everyone,
Kevin
Xander, the pryotechnics ? WOW! How totally cool!
When I come in January can hubby play with the controls board? He’s an engineer…LOL!
Oh, finally tried the PG tips tea… yep, it’s “more gooder” than twinings english breakfast tea! Like the little pyramid bags!
John and Heidi
We look forward to seeing you both on the TA cruise.Have booked reservations in the Supper Club Wednesday 31 October.
My wife is not a Steak person and not keen on Lobster/Crab etc.
Will there be a fish option?
Can’t wait for the cruise.
See you soon
Harry and Philippa Reed Stateroom 7330
Just beautiful.. I love u sobrino..
Tia Yamy