I have not seen any email from Oceania giving information on the new program or sales
Yes some people got flyers but those of us that opted out of the junk mail did not
I am wondering why you think everyone received an email
I check CC & Oceania website for new sales programs
Your TA should be letting you know if some sale that affects your cruise come up
JMO
Is it switching to SM or part of the Summer sale (including SM) that gives you the discount?
Most of the cruises I saw went up a bit or a lot with just the SM deal
If you want a view try Intercontinental you can see the ships ask for a port view
There are other hotels on the other side of the port as well
I am not sure of the names though
Would just seeing the excursions for those ports even if you cannot book them yet work for you?
You could click on each port & then decide what tours you might like make your list then call Oceania & book them
https://www.oceaniacruises.com/mediterranean-cruises/barcelona-to-rome-MNA240518/port-valencia-VLC/?voyageday=2&sr=#ports=VLC
most of the hotels near the airport provide a shuttle to the hotel
some have shuttles to the port for a fee
Embassy Suites, La Quinta, Hampton (airport locations) are a couple
If you did not pay gratuities before maybe your TA or Oceania had a promo for UK cruisers
In anycase I would check the cancellation date so you will not be surprised when it sneaks up on next month
If you are already booked you are under no obligation to switch to SM program unless you choose to
Not sure in the UK but usually gratuities have always been extra however I believe you can have them removed onboard should you feel the staff do not deserve them
I guess you would probably lose your deposit if you were to cancel
On their website it shows the differences
location eg higher floor /views
more amenities for the Elite etc
http://www.hamptoninnmiamibrickell.com/guestrooms.html
They are there for your eating enjoyment but not "compulsory"
The Oceania specialty restaurants are complimentary no extra fee required
Some exceptions are Privee & La Reserve
I think the SM switch is not the same as a SALE deal with cabins wait listed
Oceania would be happy to may more money on the SM deal
I would call and ask again if you are interested in the SM deal