Hmm... in 11 days I am solo on QM2 for a 14-day cruise; I really like "traditional seating"... for me that is the same large table (6-8 ppl) at 8:30PM... I hope I can figure it out.
Many years ago on a cruise on a the old REGAL EMPRESS I knew the ship was over-crowded, so I rushed down to visit the dining room maitre d' during embarkation and slipped him $100 for a private table of 4 for me & my three friends. Worked like a charm! 😉