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So there have been a lot of posts here lately about getting tables for two. I figured I'd turn it on its head and ask about being a party of only two or four, but wanting the biggest table possible so we have that "classic" experience of meeting new people and having good, long, fun conversation (hopefully with a lot of laughs). Getting a table for two apparently requires sending an email request or making a phone call to RCI. Does wanting to be at a big table also require this? On my cruise on Freedom we're a party of four and I seem to remember reading that this size party is normally placed at a table for four even with traditional dining. Also, from what I remember of the photos of most MDRs in Royal's lineup, those big tables are typically on the lowest floor in the central open area at the bottom of the stairs. Has anyone been seated at these who can describe the foot traffic around there during the dinner rush? Are you shouting over the bustle of dozens or hundreds of wait staff and passengers moving around you, or once everyone is seated does it reasonable settle down and you can have a good meal with good conversation? Side question -- do they have live music (piano, string quartet, etc.) during the meals in MDR? I've seen some photos that do show a piano in the center hall area on the lowest floor of the MDR, but just because the instrument is there doesn't mean it's actually played.