null
Impractical Jokers Cruise Anniversary

Impractical Jokers Cruise Anniversary

Posted by Jenna de Alba on 11th Jan 2018

                     

   2 years ago today, I had the pleasure of experiencing the very first Impractical Jokers Cruise. The cruise began January 11th 2016, and ended on January 15th, 2016. We traveled to Cozumel, Mexico. I had no idea what to expect. Just months before I had barely even figured out who they were. My older brother and sister-in-law watched their show. I went to their house with my parents in late 2015 for a small family get together. While we were at their house, they figured they’d show us this hilarious show they had been watching. Our family loves comedies. Anything with Jim Carrey, Adam Sandler, Martin & Lewis and Lucille Ball have always been favorites of ours.

  The stage was set. It was nighttime, and the crowd was full of adoring fans. These four men all had to walk on a high-wire, 5 stories in the air. Whoever lost the episode had to walk the high-wire in the Joker’s costume of choice. The men had to go through a series of challenges throughout the episode that were taped, and whoever lost the episode would be the most humiliated 5 stories up. Joe Gatto ended up being that man. His costume of Jokers choice was that of none other than Captain Fatbelly. Captain Fatbelly was one of Gatto’s most popular punishments as it had given him his fictional superhero name. Gatto had to save his pups, (stuffed animals of course), on the Roosevelt Island Tram. It ended up being an appropriate punishment because he truly looked like a superhero up there. He felt no shame when he was forced to tell all non-Staten Islanders to “suck it.” That is the costume that graced the stage on their 100th episode that I had the pleasure of seeing.

                  

  I sat there at my brother’s house watching in awe as these men busted their balls for laughs and embarrassment towards each other. Everyone loves to try and pull the best practical joke on another, but these guys were something else…. they were the Impractical Jokers and have had people in stitches for going on 7 seasons now. 4 regular guys from Staten Island, best friends, not guys that people would consider your typical heartthrobs, but have completely stolen the hearts of millions all over the world. Their names are Brian “Q” Quinn, James Murray, Joe Gatto, and Sal Vulcano. I found out fast that they are the best thing on television. Hilarious and charming to the max.

  Since that first episode that I saw, which was their 100th, I began to binge watch. I quickly realized that any time that I had any personal troubles or woes that if I put on this gem of a show, they would completely lift my spirits and turn my frown upside-down. Any tears that I would cry would begin to fade away and dry up and my stomach muscles began their work. It is a love affair that I have been in for almost 3 years, and it will continue until my dying days.

  Soon after my brother and sister-in-law showed us the show and I began to watch on my own, they told us that they were going on a cruise; the Impractical Jokers Cruise, to be exact and that they wanted to invite us. I had fallen so hard for these guys that I quickly jumped at the opportunity. Though I did not have much money, my 25th birthday was coming up and I wanted to do something extra special for myself. The anticipation building up to go on the cruise was unexplainable. I hated flying, but we had to leave out of the Port of Miami…. lucky me. The flights to Florida were scary, but all I could think about was the amazing experiences that were waiting for me there. When we reached the Port, my heart was pounding. I was really going to get to spend an entire week with the guys that made my spirits soar and my cheeks hurt from smiling and laughing so much. Going through the check in process we ran into Gilbert Gottfried, who was doing a small comedy act on the ship, as well as some podcasting with a few of the guys. Next, I ran into Shawn Klush, the amazing Elvis impersonator that we had heard so much about. Our Dad was an Elvis impersonator and that is how our parents met so it was extra special meeting him. Closer and closer we got to boarding the ship. It was almost time.   

  Stepping on board was like stepping into a dream. I was getting ready to experience the vacation of all vacations. Let’s just put it this way, it was one birthday that I will never forget. 25 and feeling alive! The Jokers were so welcoming and treated everyone like old friends or family. It is really a quality that so many “celebrities” lack nowadays. These 4 men are just true to the heart, genuine, fun-loving people. They never turn a fan away from a picture or autograph. We all danced, drank cocktails, sang karaoke, and enjoyed beautiful Cozumel, Mexico. They were to film an episode on the top deck of the ship, but unfortunately, we did get some nasty rain after we were in Mexico for a few hours. Never fear, the crew had a back-up plan. They ended up filming in one of the performance rooms to make up for it. It was amazing watching them work. Seeing the different takes that they do, and how they bust each other’s chops even when the cameras weren’t rolling. 

  I ended the cruise in a big way. The last night of the cruise they were doing the final Karaoke Killed the Cat night. Although I was not chosen to sing a song, I had made friends with Shawn Klush, the Elvis impersonator. He had remembered me from telling him the story of how my parents met. I ran into him so often that when I saw him go out onto the deck for some air, I followed to say hello and chit-chat. I guess you can call that liquid courage because I was definitely feeling no pain that night. As I walked onto the deck I got more than I bargained for; Joey Fatone was out there talking to him. Yes, THE Joey Fatone from NSYNC. I walked up to them like they were old buddies. I was upset that I had not been chosen to sing a song because I love to sing and wanted that chance. Shawn pulled me to the side and said, “I’ll do you one better. Follow me.” So, I followed. Klush took me to the backstage VIP area, where there was beer on ice, the karaoke set up, and the stairs that led to the karaoke stage. Klush then said, “Just act natural. You’ll be fine.” So, I did. I was on stage with most of the Impractical Jokers, as well as some of the family and personal friends! We jumped up and down dancing and singing. James Murray was pouring shots of vodka down people’s throats, so I stopped him and asked for one. He let me have it. I got to selfie with Sal Vulcano. He’s such a sweetheart; a teddy bear. We sang Bohemian Rhapsody and many others. It was a cruise that I will never forget. Although I woke up the next morning with a hangover like you would not believe, I just kept telling myself, Jenna-girl, it was worth it. These things don’t happen every day. This was a birthday of a lifetime.

                       

  When I heard that they were having cruise #2, I could not help myself. I had to go. This time I had more family with me. I would have loved to have had more, but not everyone could afford to go or make it. Last cruise was just in November 2017. It couldn’t have come fast enough. This time I got my shining moment. I sang “Bohemian Rhapsody” on stage with all of the guys. Joey Fatone sang along with me while snapchatting the experience. Sal and Murr were singing along too. After I finished singing they told all singers that once they were done to leave the same way we came up the stage. Well, me being the sneaky little girl that I am I figured, “Hey? Just act natural like Shawn Klush said last cruise. You’ll be fine.” I stayed on that stage again and partied with my 4 favorite guys in the world! When I finished singing my song, James Murray said that I rocked it. I, of course, as I usually do, was wearing my black pants, leather jacket, black boots, and bold make up. I really felt like a real rocker up there. Each year these cruises just seem to get better and better. I mean when James Murray says that he remembers you even when seeing you at a show in San Jose in December 2017, I guess you can say you’ve made it. It is always a pleasure seeing these guys. They truly make you feel special. They have something special about them that I just can’t explain, but truly and utterly admire.

  Now that the 2nd cruise is over, of course everyone wants to know when cruise #3 will be. All I know is that I am starting my “Jokers Cruise Fund” very soon. I want to be ready. It’s a party that you just don’t want to miss. You must go at least once to experience these amazing guys up close and personal. I can’t say for sure when it will be, but just stay updated with their social media profiles. They will let everyone know within enough time to save up and book a room. February 1st, 2018, The Jokers are back with Season 7! SEASON 7! They have come so far in their lives and it appears that they are not looking to stop any time soon. Their laughter and charm will continue to dazzle fans, and certainly entertain for years to come. I’m signing off for now, but all I can say is thank you. Thank you for your show, your grace and kindness, and for allowing us fans to be your friend. You guys mean more to me and many others more than you will ever know.To the new season and the next cruise! Thank you for being a friend, Impractical Jokers!


Love always,

Jenna
“That chick from Cali”

Share: