Dolores

I've been researching the coffee card for our upcoming trip on Freedom of the Seas ... the tiny print (i.e. Additional Conditions apply) on the Cruise Planner says the card CANNOT be used at Starbucks (darn - I'm a Starbucks junkie). So exactly where IS the card used? Are the specialty coffees offered on board better than Starbucks?

SPECIAL NOTE TO THE PERSON WHO POSTED THE PHOTOS FROM IZUMI: Thank you!!!!!! I have only read comments on their sushi. The other options look amazing - we are now considering a trip to Izumi one night!

Our Main Dining Room experience on RC ships has always been wonderful; great food and great service. But sometimes you want a change - and that's where the specialty dining comes into play. I have been to Chops Grille on two different RC ships - the first visit was GREAT, and the second visit was such a let down (maybe I caught them on a bad night). Same for Giovanni's - first visit was AMAZING, second visit was almost inedible (especially when I've been to Italy 20+ times and know what REAL Italian food should taste). The specialty dining offers better quality food because it's cook-to-order, and - this is why we go - the restaurant is smaller and therefore a bit more intimate. No matter what you choose on RC, there's a 95% chance your meal is going to be fantastic!

First, thank you to those who have provided information above. I will be sailing on Freedom Of The Seas in Nov. I am a Starbucks junkie, and know there is a Starbucks on board. So here is my question: - Does the Cafe Select Coffee Card include purchasing coffee at Starbucks? If you read the tiny print (i.e., Additional Terms and Conditions apply), it says the card cannot be used at Starbucks. - If the card can't be used at Starbucks, how great are the other coffee options on board? Where would one get a cappuccino or cafe latte on the ship, if not at Starbucks? - Has anyone else experience baristas punching two holes in the card for a double-espresso-short drink on Freedom Of The Seas? The card simply says "espresso-based drink"; if baristas are punching the card 2 & 3 times for one drink, then that is clearly false advertisement. All of the comments above are making me seriously re-think getting the coffee card ... but would be very interested in hearing your answers to my questions. Thanks!!!