Travel to and from France regularly.
We have used all the routes and I must say I prefer the western ferry routes.
The tunnel - stuck in the car, nothing to look at, all you can do is a quick turn round the carriage a a visit to the loo ( filthy and smelly last time). However, boarding was quick and there was a proper dog exercise area to "empty" the dogs before setting off.
Dover - Calais. To get there we have to use the m25. Enough said. I once heard the boats described as tin cans where they throw chips at you. I think the catering has improved since then, but last time I wasn't impressed. We used to use Speedferries before they went bust, cheap and fast.
Newhaven - Dieppe. This used to be Transmanche ferries, now run by DFS. Ime the boats are a bit grubby, catering dreadful and not enough cabins although it's been a couple of years so it may have improved Finally, the sailing times are awful, the "overnight" sailing docks at 4am or similar stupid o'clock.
One point in their favour, if you are under 25 or over 65 you get a substantial discount if you phone up to book.
Western channel routes. Operator Brittany ferries. Nice boats, plenty of cabins, the self service cafe is ok, but the restaurant is lovely, I recommend going for the buffet starter plus buffet desert option. I have eaten my own body weight in salmon starters and gooey cake.......
On the surface they look make 're expensive, but they take us nearer to where we want to go, so with less driving, fewer motor way tolls plus a proper rest on the boat (we always have a cabin) it works for us. Personally I avoid the fast cat to Cherbourg - it's not called the vomit comet for nothing!
Mind you, I like boats, and am never sick. We have eaten in the restaurant and had to hold the plates still while not letting go of the wine glass...difficult, but we managed.