Transpacific Cruise 23 Nights • Brisbane, Australia to Seattle, Washington • Quantum of the Seas

The Airtrain effortlessly connects Brisbane city with the airport. If you have time pre-departure, step out of the city center and explore the inner-city suburbs. Affluent Paddington is known for its thrift stores, cafes and independent boutiques. Fortitude Valley is home to Chinatown, the James Street shopping district and great weekend markets.

Your ship departs promptly at 4:00 pm, so plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours early to account for checking in and boarding protocols. During this time, many of the ship's amenities are open and operating, so feel free to start your vacation early.

Papeete has some of the world's best waves for surfers of all experience levels — Papara and Papeenoo are perfect for beginners to intermediates, while experienced surfers looking for a challenge can head to Teahupoo. Looking to wade rather than catch a wave? Stroll the volcanic black sands at Plague du Taharuu. Stroll the botanic Paofai Gardens, and check out the Robert Wan Pearl Museum nearby.

Moorea is a treasure trove of island activities that'll satisfy your every whim. Snorkel through the warm turquoise Lagoonarium of Moorea, home to pristine coral reefs and darting exotic fish. Trek up Magical Mountain on foot or by ATV for views of the volcano and the bay. Or head to Temae Beach and relax by the translucent, coral-filled waters surrounded by coconut trees and mountain peaks.

Some of the best Raiatea, French Polynesia travel activities include exploring Raiatea in its most natural form. Venture over its bright blue lagoon on a boat trip to find tiny islets ringed with sugar white sands and topped with palm trees, a prime place to laze the day away. Snorkel around coral gardens, and peek into reef crags to find eels, octopuses, anemones and their resident clown fish, reef sharks and stingrays. Or, wander along Raiatea's largely untouched trails to botanical gardens, waterfalls that range from a roar to a trickle, and lookout points to see the Raiatea landscape in all its splendor. Admiring one of the most revered ceremonial sites, Marae Taputapuatea, is also a must-do on a Raiatea, French Polynesia, vacation. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and meeting point for locals and modern seafarers. Though it's one of the largest cities in French Polynesia, Raiatea's capital city of Uturoa embodies a relaxed way of life. Let your stomach lead the way around town and browse the market for ripe produce, grab a piping hot pastry from a brasserie or dig into a plate of seafood prepared from the catch of the day.

Hawaii's capital is also the center of its culture and history. Dive into Hawaii's monarchical past at Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace, or take the boat ride out to explore Pearl Harbor. Head to Waikiki International Market Place for designer shopping and hip restaurants serving creative takes on the Asian roots of Hawaiian cuisine. Stretch out on a white sand beach to finish your day.

Whether you're looking for the perfect beach experience or fascinating Hawaiian history, Kailua Kona is the right place. Hike over lava rocks to pristine, secluded Makalawena Beach, where you can snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. Back in town, learn about the Hawaiian monarchy at 19th-century Hulihee Palace. Or see how early Hawaiians lived among the thatched-roof houses and lava-stone walls at Kaloko-Honokahau National Historical Park.

Seattle is a young city, but it's short history is part of the landscape and charm. Cruise to Seattle and check out the Hiram Chittenden Locks in the Ballard neighborhood — this impressive feat of engineering passed its first ship through in 1916, and today, it's one of the busiest lock systems in the U.S. Then, stroll through the nearby Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Gardens, an English-style landscape garden with over 1,500 varieties of plants. Or head to Gas Works Park, on the grounds of the former Seattle Gas Light Company: This former business is now a prime vantage point to view the Seattle skyline. And don't miss the famous Space Needle: From the top, you can take in clear views of the bay, the Cascade Mountains and Mount Rainier.

The cruise might have ended, but there are still some great activities to enjoy in the area. If you flew into this port, be mindful of your departure flight time and plan accordingly.