I always bought the coffee card, but I only drink brewed coffee. I do, however, drink several cups per day. Back in the days of the paper coffee card, I could use it for unlimited coffee on one cruise and then use the punches for regular coffee on the next. It was a deal for me. Then, when they switched to the Medallion, it still was easy, and on a 10 day cruise, I got my moneys worth. But, at the new price, I will buy Ala Carte. I figured $6.00 or so per day in coffee ($2 per cup), so $42 for the week. Even if I go really wild and spend $8.00 per day, I'm way ahead to go ala carte.