yes, harwich-hook of holland is top of my list of options to cross the channel. I've done amsterdam-newcastle (overnight ferry) and it was fine, and perfect since I was going to scotland, except I think I was the only person on the whole ship who was seasick. :''D

I've always wanted to try to travel on the orient express - I've heard that part of the route is going to get shut down, which makes me sad because it looks like I won't be able to do the whole route at all before it vanishes altogether.