Our first cruise on O 2004 the policy was stated to us no tipping please.
A gratuity will be added to your bill end of cruise.
I've been in the restaurant industry in NY for a long time and when I offered a gratuity to the Madre d they refused to accept them.
We like the MDR on the R ships because bar and lounge are near the entrance. Get there around 7:15 request a table for 2 along the widows. We give our name and then order a bottle of wine in the lounge chat with others and when table available we go to dine and the wine bottle follows LOL
I would email the Intercontinental hotel and ask about pickup at airport and leave your luggage till you board the ship. Oceania uses this hotel for pre and post so maybe they will accommodate you for a price.