Eating at International Cafe

[Courier95]

I know that the food is complimentary at the International Cafe but is it necessary  to purchase a drink in order to sit and eat there?    Thank you.

[tawlaw1526]

No, you do not have to purchase any drinks.   It’s a wonderful area on the ship and the food is delicious.   What ship?

[TwoCruisers]

No you don’t have to purchase any drink. I usually just get a glass of water.

 

[kendon]

It's not a restaurant, more like a snack bar with several tables and chairs.  You can take the sandwiches and pastries anywhere on the ship.

 

[40yearcruiser]

You can sit anywhere in the area of the piazza--if you can find a seat. It is always a very busy area of the ship. The food is very good; my favorite for lunch is the chicken & apple salad. If we can't find a seat we sometimes get lunch from the international café and take it back to the cabin and sit on the balcony with a drink from the mini-fridge. Sooo nice! 

[Ombud]

Parfait for breakfast / panini & orzo salad for lunch in Piazza 👍

[rkacruiser]

Even the IC's "regular coffee" along with one of the delicious pastries was enough for me when I wanted a light breakfast.  Cost?  No $$!

[CruiseVA]

The IC's "regular coffee" is free? Fresh brew costs $$$, where is their regular coffee?

[crystalspin]

The IC's regular brewed coffee is not free but is "complimentary" IF you have the coffee card, in that it does not take a punch off from your 15 special (espresso) drinks. 

[Lucky TGO]

Not at all. 
Tony

[CruiseVA]

26 minutes ago, crystalspin said:

The IC's regular brewed coffee is not free but is "complimentary" IF you have the coffee card, in that it does not take a punch off from your 15 special (espresso) drinks. 

Actually, it depends... Last time we cruised (in July), if I purchased a "special" brew, I could get a "free" fresh brew, but, these rules seem to change over time.

[susancruzs]

I love the International Cafe, rarely go to the buffet, if ever.  My favorite is the tomato, mozzarella sandwich, toasted, yummy.  The salads are all good, too.  There aren't "free" drinks in the IC, that I've ever seen on any ship.  I always have a coffee "card", not an actual card anymore.  They keep track on your cruise card.
 

[Haboob]

6 hours ago, Courier95 said:

I know that the food is complimentary at the International Cafe but is it necessary  to purchase a drink in order to sit and eat there?    Thank you.

You even talk to different crew members at different counters for coffee and munchies.

[Courier95]

Thanks for all the replies.  We will certainly try it when on board.

[skynight]

3 hours ago, Courier95 said:

Thanks for all the replies.  We will certainly try it when on board.

FYI- Pacific, Island, Sea and Diamond do not have the I.C.. All other ships do.

[Courier95]

4 hours ago, skynight said:

FYI- Pacific, Island, Sea and Diamond do not have the I.C.. All other ships do.

Thanks for that - it's Crown Princess.