Dear Mike, should be no problem with the expensiv ring. People are honest and we have never heard of maids trying to open the safes. That is too dangerous for them. It would be a shame if you would not propose to your girl just because of a fear. Go ahead and have a wonderful time.

I think that the ring would be fine in the safe. I have been to Aruba 3 times and never had a problem. I stayed at the Radisson on my honeymoon and you actually program the safe with your own passcode. I have also stayed at the Allegro and the Holiday Inn. They both have keys for the safe. I also met a couple who lost their key for the safe and the hotel actually had to have someone come in and take the lock out of the safe. I think you should be fine leaving the ring in the safe. Good Luck and Congratulations!

Thanks everyone for the advice. It appears that the majority think it will be safe. I would hate to pass up the oprotunity to do something this special in a place like aruba because of fear. My other concern is getting through the airport metal detectors without me having to empty my pockets into the basket. I am thinking of putting it in my carry on and when it goes throught the scanner maybe saying something to the attendent. What should I do?

Mike, Whatever you do, DO NOT pack it in your checked luggage, as this must remain unlocked and could be randomly opened and inspected. There would be a good chance that it would be stolen! I think it would be safe to place it in your carry-on. When the carry-ons pass through the X-ray scanner, surely the ring will be identfied as a harmless, but very expensive, piece of jewelry. I hope your soon-to-be fiance doesn't read this board!!

Hey Mike,

Listen, no worries the maids are as honest as the the day is long, ok? They couldn't keep their jobs if they weren't. And besides that they simply aren't wired that way- all very nice ladies who have seen it all...believe me not the safe cracking types- tip them well they as are your best friends and will watch over you like a mother bird. The safes ARE SAFE, and if you need to put it in your pocket for day or so until the moment is right, then thats what you've got to do man! Much bigger challenges are ahead so stay focused on your part and getting it right, things will work out...Aruba would be a great place to "pop" the question...

Suds

Do you already have the ring? I hear the price of jewelry in Aruba is very good. You might get more for your money.
Just a thought. Congratulations on the upcoming engagement!

Mike - Don't let go of the ring, no matter what! DO NOT PACK IN CHECKED LUGGAGE.
You should have no problems with it in your carryon bag. I transported a very expensive watch for a customer on a flight and had not a single problem.
Hotels safes typically use your own combination, so unless you share it with someone, it's SAFE.
Have a great trip - we'll be anxious to hear your future finance's response and reaction!

I have another corny idea. What do you guys think of me getting a picture of the moment I ask her to marry me? Since I figure to do it at a sunset dinner, maybe I can ask the waiter/waitress to take a picture for me the moment I ask her(from a distance of course). Then we could always have the picture. Good or bad idea?

Mike - That is not a corny idea! As I stated before, you are quite the romantic guy!! I think that this is a fabulous idea!! One only proposes once (hopefully) -- why not make it a "Kodak Moment", and then you could share it with all of us if you'd like. By the way, when are you going? We booked for September for 16 nights -- can't wait!!!! Don't forget to keep us filled in!!

GREAT IDEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!
That picture will become a family heirloom.