I'm going to propose to my GF on the Oosterdam. Help!

[lakerman]

Hello all,

I plan to propose to my gf on the Oosterdam cruise to the Mexican Riviera leaving on 03/26 and am wondering where the best place on the ship would be to propose to her. Any suggestions? I have no idea what's on the ship as this is the first cruise I am ever going on. Any suggestions would be very helpful!

Thank you all!

[localady]

How very romantic!!!! :) I would suggest any outside area, perhaps the decks on the Sky Deck near the Crows Nest while you all are strolling in the moonlight after a fabulous dinner in the Pinnacle. Or possibly during a very fancy dinner at the Pinnacle, give it too her as part of her dessert. I am sure that the staff at the Pinnacle would assist you.:)

Have a wonderful cruise and a wonderful life with your lucky lady!!:cool:

[sungoddess]

Hi there,

I agree with the Pinnacle idea. As a Front Desk Supervisor for HAL, I have assisted with many proposals. A good idea, if you want to capture the moment, is to have a ships photographer hiding in the room so that you can have a photo to look at forever. For any help you may need, just contact the Front Desk Supervisor at the Front Office when you get onboard. Good luck!

[Ziggy7]

Great idea Localady and sungoddess !
I love the idea of catching the moment on film as well :)
Congratulations lakerman ! And please post the answer and pictures when you return :) We would love to know how you did it and how it went and see any pictures you have taken!!

[snowcat]

I was on a Carnival ship where a fellow proposed to his girlfriend on the dance floor during the captain's welcome aboard party....the cruise director was in on it and announced that there was a very special song dedicated to the girl and then the band paused to let him propose and then played a lovely slow dance song and everyone clapped. Depends on if you want a public kind of proposal or a more private one! Have a great time planning your special moment....no matter what you choose, I'm sure it will be a wonderful memory for you both!

[dakrewser]

Or possibly during a very fancy dinner at the Pinnacle, give it too her as part of her dessert. I am sure that the staff at the Pinnacle would assist you.:)


I'm sure you meant "the ring", but my jaw did drop when I first read this!:)


But it is a great idea - a ring tucked into the Volcano Cake!

[rickcohen2]

Definitely, seek out the Hotel Manager James Derring. He is the most helpful gentleman afloat. And, congrats!

[kryos]

I'm sure you meant "the ring", but my jaw did drop when I first read this!:)

Thankfully I'm at work this time ... so the coffee only soiled their monitor. :)

Yeah, I hope she meant the ring. I don't know how the staff of the Pinnacle would react if it were, ahhhhhhh, what I was thinking when I first read that. :)

The only thing I hope is that this guy's girlfriend doesn't read cruisecritic. It would be a shame to have the surprise spoiled. :(

Blue skies ...

--rita

[lgt]

If you have a balcony cabin and want more private than public, try room service dinner on your balcony. I think you can get whatever you want from the dining room menu as long as you let them know ahead of time.

[HeatherInFlorida]

I hope your gf doesn't read the CC boards!!!:D

I see it completely differently. I would want to get as close to the bow of the ship as possible. Because it's all about where you're going together ... not where you've been.

Maybe they would even let you go to the bow ... it's my personal favorite spot on the ship.

And I wouldn't involve anyone else ... this is your moment.

I think it's a wonderful place to propose no matter how you do it and I hope you have an amazing life together.

[Nliedel]

I cannot tell you anything to help you, but I read this part of the board because I am planning a cruise on HAL next year. All I can say is how wonderful!! Make it memorable and wonderful and she will be very happy and then you will be too : )

[Sigtau21]

Congrats!!


Maybe give here a bunch of little gifts, one each day of the cruise. They dont have to be anything big.Suggestions: A card or love letter one day, single rose or floral arrangement leading to the last night being the big finale!
What ever you do, I'm sure she will like it!

Spent my Honeymoon on Mexican Rivera Cruise. Loved Cabos & Mazatlan!

Wish you many happy days ahead!

[SForman]

lakerman, What happens if she says "NO"? It's going to be a long week!!!

[Himself]

If she says "no" Lakerman is going to have a big bar bill that week. If she reads these boards it will not be a surprise so shock her and pop the question in the Lido. If she does not read these boards, take her to the Pinnacle and during dinner get down on your knees and beg her to marry you. She will probably start to cry tears of joy because she has been waiting for you to propose anyway!

Himself

[DNCButler]

Lakerman! Be careful, I have a feeling that she may be watching this board. Please visit the roll call for our sailing and see if it's her. We'll be on the sailing with you and good luck!

[Cruising Jake]

In April 2003, my now son-in-law proposed to my daughter. On the cruise were DH and I, my elder daughter and her DH, my younger daughter and her BF. Early one afternoon the BF asked for permission from both DH and I to ask for her hand in marriage. He did not tell us when he would ask her. It might not have even been on the cruise, we all live in different states and this was the only time he would see us in person for months.


He did indeed propose that night. None of us knew. They were watching the sunset on an open deck. He got down on one knee and said appropriate things. None of us were there, but there were people on an upper open deck who saw it and all applauded after the proposal.

He had arranged for a dozen roses to be delivered to the cabin later that evening with a card that said "thanks for saying yes". Glad she said yes. The room steward figured out what was going on and had chocolate covered strawberries and champagne delivered as well.

It was the first formal evening of the cruise and we have wonderful pictures of them all dressed up in fancy dress and tux with her hand and ring finger prominently displayed.

[Randyk47]

I'd vote for the Pinnacle on a formal night. I'd get the staff involved. They love doing stuff like this. Arrange it earlier in the day, or cruise. Have them bring the ring as a "special appetizer" and have a photographer standing by. You don't need to give them the ring until you get to the restuarant so no fear of it getting stolen or lost. Just excuse yourself once you're at the table and make the transfer. Like I said....they love doing stuff like this and I bet they'd really get into helping you make the arrangements. Good luck! :) (PS - I pulled off a version of this kind of proposal in a restuarant on the beach in Hawaii. Years later my wife still tells people the story of my proposal.)

[FoxyTerrier]

Gee I hope she doesn't read this board, but I guess too late if she does.

What about seeing if you could get it printed in the daily program. When it arrives ask her to read what's on the agenda for the day? This is a billboard type of proposal.

One other piece of advise do it early so you are not a nervous wreck for the better part of the cruise and also do NOT check the ring in your luggage.

[liv2cruise4ever]

I'm sure you meant "the ring", but my jaw did drop when I first read this!:)


But it is a great idea - a ring tucked into the Volcano Cake!

Dave, good thing my coffee is nowhere near this moniter. We should have known this was coming! :)

[adamsmark]

I wish I had thought of this before I asked my gf! Great idea.

[xpcdoojk]

I hope your gf doesn't read the CC boards!!!:D

I see it completely differently. I would want to get as close to the bow of the ship as possible. Because it's all about where you're going together ... not where you've been.

Maybe they would even let you go to the bow ... it's my personal favorite spot on the ship.

And I wouldn't involve anyone else ... this is your moment.

I think it's a wonderful place to propose no matter how you do it and I hope you have an amazing life together.

I like Heather's idea, because asking her to become your wife is a very private moment. I think it is best done between just the two of you. However, if she into public attention, I think an announcement at dinner could be ok after she accepts. Probably get some free champagne! ;)

jc

[palmgirl]

Three years ago on the Stantendam, as we pulled out of San Diego heading for the Mexican Riviera, Flamingogals now husband proposed.

We were having champagne in the Crows Nest (too dreary to be outside), and he slipped the ring into her glass of champagne. Luckily she didn't swallow it. :p

She never saw it coming and was thrilled. The few couples around us toasted them. Private yet public. This way he didn't have to worry about losing the ring anymore. It was an amazing trip.

What ever you do it will be memorable. Congradulations! :D

[Dutchie]

I was on the Oosterdam last week and a guy did it there right before one of the shows at night. He'd lined it up with the cruise director. So when the cruise director got ready to introduce the entertainment he stood up and said something like, "Can I have the mic for a second please" and he proposed. Members of the staff brought out two glasses and a bottle of champagne. It was very nice. And she said Yes. :)

[Himself]

Did you ever here of the Guy who was asked to get married a hundred times?


Each time it was by his mother and went something like this:

"Will you please find a girl an marry her!!!!!"

[Bucky3]

We'll be on Oosterdam the 26th as well! Hope all goes well whatever you plan. Sign up on the roll call board for this cruise!

[Emmie]

I think this is all such a LOVELY idea! However, I know that every girl wants to look pretty in her pictures, and when you are that emotional, it's pretty tough. Your mascara and your nose are competing in the 400 yeard dash.....NOT pretty! Plus, you need to ahve a few, precious moments for the both of you to absorb what has happened.

In my opinion, you should arrange for the photographer to come and take your picture about 10 or 15 minutes after the whole proposal and acceptance is complete. Give yourself time to snuggle and hug, and time for you both to blow your nose (and for her to wipe the eyeliner from her cheeks!)

Whatever happens, I think this will be a wonderful proposal, and I wish you both all the love and blessings in the world. Please come back and tell us how it goes!

Take care,
Emmie

[Wennfred]

I like what that person said, Get a hold of the Cruise Director and have him call you and her out on the stage say its like the Jerry Springer show and that you have something to say to her. Im sure the Cruise Director has some good suggestions as this probably happens all the time.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Just my 2 cents again, but I'm sure you know your GF better than anyone here. If you decide to go the route of a big stage extravaganza, be very sure she would enjoy it.

If my DH had done that to me, we wouldn't be married now. But everyone is different. If she likes romance and some privacy, don't make it into a big show.

In the end ... you know best.

[lisabrooke1130]

From someone who got married (on shore) during an Oosterdam cruise and then sailed again for our first anniversary, I have to say it is a most romantic ship! And, nothing can beat the Pinnacle on a formal night (heck, any night). As you walk into the restaurant, go all the way around to the right and you will see two very romantic tables set off by themselves, with booth like seating so you can sit right next to each other. We ate at one of these tables the night we were married and then the same table a year later. The maitre' di (sp?) will take care of it for you, not a problem. Happy cruising and I hope you have a happy life together.

[bballprncess]

Dear Lakerman,

I will be on your sailing on the 26th. I also used to be a wedding coordinator and wedding florist here in San Diego. Here are a couple of unique ideas that I have always thought would be a good start to a lasting relationship:

1. This one takes some planning, but leaves you with a lasting memento. Purchase a pair of Waterford (or other crystal) champagne flutes and have one of them engraved with the date you are going to propose to her, later you can have the other engraved with your wedding date. Talk to the HAL ahead of time, and ask if you can ship them into the ships' hotel manager. Ask the hotel manager to serve the two of you a bottle of champagne in the Pinnacle Grill the first night on board with the flutes. Put the ring in one of the flutes and get down on one knee to propose. The flutes can then be used as your first toast as husband and wife on your wedding day.

2. Don't be afraid to use the staff on the O! Call ahead and talk to the hotel manager or the dining manager for this one. Arrange to have a table in the Pinnacle covered in red rose petals, and I mean COVERED! You shouldn't see an inch of table cloth. Have them set the place setting on top of the petals with a special plate in front of her seat heaped with petals as well. Tell her that you want to run an errand on your way to the restaurant and leave her in the room to get ready (you know us girls always take a little long to do this!). Go ahead of her to the restaurant and check on the arrangements and place the ring on the bed of petals on her place setting. Meet her at the front door to the Pinnacle and escort her to the table. When she sees the special table, present her with a red rose and get down on one knee to ask her to marry you. Then, you get to dine on top of rose petals for the evening. While this is going on, have your cabin steward sprinkle rose petals on your bed in your cabin. You can use your imagination for the rest of the evening. ;)

3. If you know her dress size really well, you can purchase a new dress for her and hide it in your suitcase. On one of the formal evenings, while she is taking a shower, you can lay the dress out for her to wear. She will be so surprised when she comes out of the bathroom to find the dress layed out for her. Later when you propose on a quiet deck somewhere on your way to dinner, you can tell her that you brought one more item for her to wear tonight. Pull out the ring and propose. (Note: a corsage of flowers works just as well in this situation if you don't know her dress size!)

OK, that's what I can think of for now. If you want more ideas or any personal advice on this one, shoot me an e-mail. But, you have to let us all know how it goes! ;)

Best of luck to you both!

Sincerely,
Lori
bballlprnces@yahoo.com

P.S. If you are my boyfriend in disguise (which I doubt, as he doesn't watch basketball, and wouldn't call himself Lakerman), and you are planning on asking me while we are on a cruise - you silly boy, you already know what the answer will be! ;) Love you!

[ekerr19]

Maybe the future "Mrs. Lakerman" does read these boards... ol' lakerman has been mysteriously absent since he posted the thread... LOL!

[xpcdoojk]

Just my 2 cents again, but I'm sure you know your GF better than anyone here. If you decide to go the route of a big stage extravaganza, be very sure she would enjoy it.

If my DH had done that to me, we wouldn't be married now. But everyone is different. If she likes romance and some privacy, don't make it into a big show.

In the end ... you know best.

I so agree with this! :cool:

I don't even like the waiters singing happy birthday!

jc

[HeatherInFlorida]

I'm with you, jc! But to each his own.

Still, it is odd that Lakerman has not posted since he started this thread. Are you there Lakerman? Do you like any of these ideas?

[bballprncess]

OK, I told my boyfriend about this thread and asked him if it was him. He said maybe it is and maybe it isn't. I've convinced myself its not. But, in the meantime, he is having a great time teasing me about it! ;)

[DNCButler]

Hi Lori!! Now even if it is you, you have to say yes!! We need to be able to take pic's of you two! Make sure you guys make it to the sail away party!

Carol

[nofrown]

I have no suggestion of where on the ship to propose but I met my bride on the old Rotterdam (the good Rotterdam we and others would say) in the Lido cafeteria. That was 32 years ago this past Christmas eve.

There was a bad band on the ship that seemed to know only King of the Road and a few other songs. That has become "our song" and we ask that it be played every time we cruise.

May all work out for you and may you have 32 years of marriage and many more. :D

[kryos]

I was on the Oosterdam last week and a guy did it there right before one of the shows at night. He'd lined it up with the cruise director. So when the cruise director got ready to introduce the entertainment he stood up and said something like, "Can I have the mic for a second please" and he proposed. Members of the staff brought out two glasses and a bottle of champagne. It was very nice. And she said Yes. :)
Oh, man ... he must be a major risk taker! What would have happened if she had said something along the lines of "are you out of your freakin' mind?!?!?!?!" :(

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Cute Cruise Staff]

Hey! I'll be joining the Oosterdam on March 26th....ever thought about excusing yourself to go to washroom and appearing onstage to do it? Depending on the cruise director, I might be able to make it happen.....let me know what you think.

[lakerman]

Thank you very much everyone for your help. I'm still contemplating what to do; public or private, but will definitely ask more questions!!

Thanks again!!!

[cruisenw]

I would also vote for the Pinnacle Grill. Also, contact Hotel Manager James Deering. I'm sure he would help with something special.

Another idea - we just returned from the Oosterdam a few weeks ago to celebrate our 10th anniversary. My husband gave me a beautiful diamond ring as we were on the verandah watching the sun come up. Something I will always remember.

[lakerman]

Hello everyone,

Lets say I wanted to make a public proposal and wanted assistance from the cruise staff; how would I get in contact with them? Do I wait until I get on board the ship?

Thanks guys... 2 more days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!

[lakerman]

I appreciate your help... I might need it... Thank you very much!!!

I'll get a hold of you soon *assuming I want to make it "public".

[lakerman]

Sorry it took me so long to start posting again (and on the thread I started)!

My time was REALLLLLY scarce because of midterms (which just recently ended). I leave on the Oosterdam in two days for a 7-day cruise, but still have NO IDEA HOW TO PROPOSE. I love all the ideas given; public and private ones. I think most importantly, I have to decide if I want it public or private.

I think she wouldn't mind if I did it public; actually I think she would love it. But I only have 1.5 days left to plan... I don't want to "plan" it on the ship because I would be too stressed and won't "enjoy" the cruise.

I have a deep-down feeling she will say yes... that part doesn't concern me... it's how I ask. I guess I have to do some DEEP THINKING for the next day or so. I wish I had more time, but darn school was in the way. I don't even know how to pack appropriately.

To all, I just wanted to take this quick moment to say thanks for being so helpful; I will post again later tonight with more questions, comments, etc.

I DO HOPE SHE IS NOT READING THIS... SHE KNOW'S I'M A BIG LAKER FAN AND MY PROFILE VERIFIES MY INFO.!!!

[FoxyTerrier]

This happened on one of our more recent cruises. We were one of the first to arrive at our life boat stationl and soon after we arrived a bride and groom arrived in full wedding attire plus the familar ORANGE life jacket.

Some one must of called for a photographer becuase later on the trip I saw their picture in the photo gallery.

It was so cute....

[HeatherInFlorida]

Lakerman, I just want to wish you all the best and much happiness no matter how you do it. And I promise you that it isn't going to matter, really. She'll just be so touched that you love her enough to go to so much trouble.

You know what might be fun? Print out this whole thread and pack it away. After your proposal has been asked and answered, show her the thread and all the ideas. I'll bet she'll get a kick out of it.

Bon Voyage, Happy Cruise and (hopefully) Congratulations on your Engagement. Please don't forget to come back and tell us how it all worked out.

[CruiseAtlanta]

Came across this thread tonight...so what happened? Did she say yes? did everything go well?

LOL...all that posting before the cruise and then he leaves us hanging!

:D

[cruznon]

So what happened????? WE'd all like to know!