Transpacific Cruise 18 netter • Oahu (Honolulu), Hawaii til Sydney, Australia • Anthem of the Seas

Planning a cruise from Oahu? Make sure you tack on a few days ahead of your vacation to explore this wild, beautiful island. Home to the Hawaiian capital of Honolulu, Oahu brims with natural beauty everywhere you look. From its world-famous white-sand beaches, crystal-clear Pacific waters, rolling emerald mountains and lush tropical rainforests, it’s a paradise for nature lovers, snorkelers and surfers. In fact, Oahu’s surf culture is one of the richest in the world. Take a day trip to the island’s north shore, where huge barrel waves draw professional surfers from around the globe every year to compete in tournaments and hone their skills. For a crash course in Hawaii’s monarchical history and culture, visit Bishop Museum at Iolani Palace, once the royal residence of Hawaii’s rulers. And if you’re craving a tasty bite to eat, the dishes you’ll find in the Hawaiian restaurants at Waikiki International Market Place are among the best of Oahu.

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.

Take the 45-minute drive to Hobbiton to live like you're "Lord of the Rings" character. Or visit McLaren Falls Park, where you can trek past exotic flora to see the crashing waterfall.

The Blue Mountains, just an hour west of central Sydney, feel like they're world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With more than 1 million hectares of forests, cliffs, canyons, caves and waterfalls — and plenty of walking paths to take you there — this is one of the best day trips Sydney has to offer. Quaint towns such as Katoomba stand in stark contrast to iconic landmarks such as the Three Sisters, the towering rock formation overlooking the valley.