Transpacific Cruise 25 netter • Los Angeles, California til Brisbane, Australia • Quantum of the Seas

Known as the City of Angels, Los Angeles could more accurately be dubbed the City of Endless Adventures. This West Coast capital has something for every kind of traveler — interesting history, a mind-blowing food scene, beautiful landscapes, and a unique mix of glitz, glamour and metropolitan grit. You’ll find it all here — sprawling mansions in star-studded neighborhoods like Beverly Hills, Bel-Air and Calabasas, hanging red lanterns and sculpted dragons in Chinatown, traditional Mexican shopping stalls selling handmade crafts along Olvera Street — the list goes on and on. If you’re a film buff, wander down Sunset Boulevard and keep your eyes on the ground — the sidewalk is covered in stars dedicated to famous actors, actresses and celebrities. Head to the Santa Monica Pier for a sun-soaked beach day and a ride on the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel. Even if you only have a single day to spare ahead of your cruise from Los Angeles, it’s worth setting aside some time to get to know the best of LA.

Spend your day on Catalina Island experiencing natural beauty. Spot bison grazing on the sides of hiking trails or hop in an open-air truck for an off-road adventure that will be sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Zipline through a canyon for a breathtaking view of the island's natural wonders from above.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Discover the capital of Queensland, Australia's Sunshine State. Laid-back Brisbane feels like a big country town, but it's actually Australia's third largest city. Cruise from Brisbane, Australia and experience its charm in any season thanks to year-round warm temperatures. Head to South Bank, where you join the locals cooling down in one of the many museums and galleries, or enjoy the sunshine at the man-made Streets Beach. Two of Australia's beach-going meccas, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, border Brisbane — take a short drive out and hop on a surfboard or relax in the sun-soaked sand.