Do I buy 3rd person specialty dinning?

[comet11]

First time on NCL, canceled an April Royal cruise for FCC, and booked the Epic for half the price. WE got the free at sea with the dining package for 2. Do I just buy another 3 night package for my son? Is it cheaper to do before the cruise? Or wait and pay at each restaurant we dine at? 

[minorad]

Yes, you will need to buy him a package if he plans on dining with you.  I plan on purchasing our extra one when we board the ship so I can use onboard credit to do so.

[dexddd]

No benefit to beforehand.  Used to be a better deal, depends where you go and what he eats.  Some like Teppanyaki is set price others like Cagney's are mostly Ala carte so if eats heavier, package better.  You might run into limits on apps and sides which aren't real last time I checked.

[ziggyuk]

Depending on his age, kids 12 and under can eat free in the specialist restaurants but it is only the shipwide menu, if he is old enough to appreciate the specialist restaurant menu then it's best to buy the extra.

 

As you are new to NCL, be aware you can order as many appetizers and desserts and (cough) share them but only one entrée even if waiters try to tell you otherwise. 

[david_sobe]

If your son is older and not a small child, it will benefit you to get the dining package.  If he can eat an appetizer, entre, sides, and dessert it will save you money.  The prices are really high for some entrées.  Some steaks and other items without sides can be as high as $39.