We had a table for eight in the boondocks on our first cruise. Second one, we linked up with folk we’d met on that table and again, we were Q5 and they were Q1. We had a fabulous table for eight and pre Covid, we had that table every cruise, even without our Q1 friends.The M'd even jested we had our names written under the table cloth!
He knew we loved that table and for some reason, we were definitely favoured. No money changed hands and no secret handshake.
pPost Covid, we’ve gone two top and I’m sure being known to staff played a part but most definitely, cabin grade will be a factor.
A newbie in a 1 or a 2 will, I would have thought, merit a favoured position but bear in mind, there are different opinions occasionally on what position is favoured.