Man plans to propose on Carnival Cruise. Then a worker ruins the surprise: ‘I would’ve acted like they were crazy and just planned for another time’
A couple shares a throwback clip from their proposal gone wrong on a Carnival Cruise after workers accidentally congratulated them before the big event. Viewers of the now-viral video praise her husband’s composure after they ruined the surprise.
In a video with over 586,000 views, TikToker Mandy Bratton (@mandy_bratton) and her now husband sit at a dinner table on the cruise. A worker approaches from behind and loudly says, “All right, we’re gonna sing Happy Engagement!”
They place a gift bag in front of Bratton and begin singing “Happy Engagement!” to the tune of Happy Birthday.
Her husband’s face drops, seemingly disappointed by the ordeal. Bratton looks around frantically, confused by why the workers were singing to the couple.
Bratton’s husband rolls with it at the end of the song and gets down on one knee with a smile. She happily accepts and the workers clap for the newly engaged couple.
What was the original plan?
In a comment, Bratton shares that her husband purchased the engagement ring at a shop on the cruise ship. His original plan was for the Carnival Cruise staff to bring him the bag with the ring before dinner. Then he would propose so they could celebrate with their family.
However, the workers didn’t bring the bag until the end of the meal.
“He bought it on board in the jewelry store and they were supposed to bring it at the start of dinner. Instead, they brought it after, along with a song and cake lol,” she explains.
She continues that he decided not to get up to look for the ring to avoid suspicion. She writes, “Because if he just got up and left randomly in the middle of eating, I would’ve had some big questions.”
Bratton says that they were disappointed by the failed surprise at first, but can laugh about it years later.
Should you tell workers your proposal plans?
While it can be fun and convenient to loop workers at the proposal venue into your plans, some couples might warn against it.
Commenters on the r/ServerLife subreddit share moments when workers accidentally miss the memo on keeping a proposal secret.
“Had a similar experience to this except it was an engagement. I told the server he had a surprise proposal in his section and I guess he forgot the surprise part because he went to the table and went ‘congrats on the engagement!'” one shares.
“I felt like it be nice to get them a small dessert saying congrats. When i brought the dessert with a candle the man gave me a odd stare and it was awkward,” another writes. “After the man paid and the lady left? I feel like I ruined the engagement surprise? And i feel bad af.”
How did viewers react to the Carnival Cruise proposal?
Many commenters praise Bratton’s husband for pushing through the awkward moment to create a special proposal on the fly.
“The way he made it work and handle it,” one writes.
Another comments, “God bless him. this was sooooo thoughtful of him and I admire his resilience, calmness & composure under pressure & quick thinking. The one for sure!”
“He’s like well damn now i gotta do it,” a third adds.
Others suggest that the hilarious situation makes the proposal even more adorable.
A commenter writes, “They mightve ruined his original plan, but that’s still a pretty cute way for it to happen.”
“Not gonna lie though, that turned out super cute. She says I’m not engaged lol. You are now honey,” a second remarks.
Some viewers suggest that Carnival Cruise should “make it up” to the couple somehow.
“They better give you a free honeymoon cruise,” one suggests.
Another jokes, “See this is where I deem it perfectly acceptable to be a Karen and get a whole refund for the experience.”
@mandy_bratton That time @carnival ♬ original sound – mandy_bratton
The Mary Sue reached out to Bratton via TikTok direct message and comment and to Carnival via email for further comment.
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