Gratuities are going up again

P&O have increased the auto gratuities they are charging on board from the 2nd of May to £5.50 from previous £5 per day, they even call it service reward scheme rather than tips/gratuities. Another line, Carnival Cruises has also announced increases from September this year the daily gratuities added will be $12.95 from $12. This follows Norwegian Cruise Lines and Princess who also raised their auto gratuities this year. Is this a conspiracy?

I just wonder how far they will go with it as it becomes increasingly expensive for customers as a family of four on a typical 14 nights cruise will pay over $700 in tips on the American ships or over £300 with P&O. The majority of the tipping amount goes to employees such as the stateroom steward, assistant steward, dining room waiter and assistant waiter. A small portion goes to a mix of other personnel who are in guest-facing customer service positions within areas such as culinary and hotel services, along with certain key positions in entertainment and guest services.In my opinion, I think I would rather take off these auto gratuities on board which you can do before disembarkation day and just tip myself and as much as I like, which it was originally. What do you think?