Topic: Do we need to book in advance?

Going on IOS 17/7/10, would we be best to book Chops and Portofinos in advance or leave it to when we board. Husbands birthday is the last night onboard, will this still be a good night to book a 'special' meal or should we go earlier in the 14 days?
When do others book the 'Speciality' restaurants, casual nights or formal nights, sea days or port days?
Any advice much appreciated:D

hi,personally I think it would nice to have your special meal on your husbands birthday, and would be great way to end your cruise. But either way would book on a sea day, so there would not be such a rush. Whichever you choose have a great cruise. Gary.

We don't usually go to the speciality restaurant if there's a formal night as there's usually a more 'special' menu in the main dining room then. I can't think of a better way to end a cruise than with a birthday celebration in a speciality restaurant, personally - although, if I were on fixed dining and had formed bonds with table mates, I might want to spend the last night with them. If you're on anytime dining, however, it wouldn't be an issue.

Thanks for the replies. We have (hopefully) a table for 4 at the 8.30 sitting in the MDR so missing the last night with new friends is not applicable.
Would we miss our waiters though to hand out the 'gratutities' as we are not pre-paying them?
Our TA did not recommend the MTD as we would have to pay the gratuities ahead and I didn't have any views at time of booking as it was all new anyway.

QUOTE:

Thanks for the replies. We have (hopefully) a table for 4 at the 8.30 sitting in the MDR so missing the last night with new friends is not applicable.
Would we miss our waiters though to hand out the 'gratutities' as we are not pre-paying them?
Our TA did not recommend the MTD as we would have to pay the gratuities ahead and I didn't have any views at time of booking as it was all new anyway.

You can always give them on your penultimate night at sea - telling them you're in the speciality the final night. Hope you have a great cruise and a splendid last night!