Transpacific: Brisbane to Seattle

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.

Papeete is the lively capital of Tahiti – a figure-eight-shaped island formed by the eruption of two volcanoes, it’s become a go-to spot for tropical adventure. A bustling urban centre, Papeete feels more French than anywhere else in Tahiti. Head to the centre of the city to see the vibrant Municipal Market, where you can pick up coffee and chocolate croissants, sample fresh produce or shop for hand-carved Tiki statues. See the waves crash against the volcanic black-sand beach at Plage du Taharuu. Cruise to Tahiti and hike through the verdant jungle at Fautaua Valley – don’t miss the dramatic waterfall that cascades about 300 metres down into a natural pool.

Moorea is the picture-perfect vision of an ideal island paradise. Formed by volcanic activity, this heart-shaped island hidden a few short miles off the Tahiti mainland holds beaches that look out to the brightest blue waters you can imagine, and the soaring green peaks of the mountains here are the stuff of legend. Head to Tiki Village to experience a traditional Polynesian dance. Hike up to Belvedere Lookout for views of famous Cook’s Bay and volcanic Mount Tohivea. Go snorkelling in the lagoon at Opunohu Bay, or check out the Moorea Dolphin Center to get up-close-and-personal with nature’s cutest, most intelligent sea creatures.

Known as French Polynesia’s best-kept secret, this dreamy paradise has a warm and hospitable culture that is pristine and untouched by mass tourism. While its sister island, Tahaa, is internationally renowned for its vanilla, Raiatea is recognised as the region’s cultural and historical centre – local folklore describes it as the birthplace of the Polynesian gods. In the Tahitian language ‘ra’iatea’ means ‘bright sky’, but for you it will mean bright sky, neon blue seas, awe-inspiring coral reefs and the romantic sound of the French language.

Honolulu packs a diverse culture and a laid-back attitude into a setting rich with beauty. Visit Pearl Harbour and tour Iolani Palace – the only former residence of a royal family in the US – to delve deeper into the Hawaiian capital’s unique history. Snorkel Hanauma Bay or hike the iconic Diamond Head volcano to get up close and personal with the natural wonders that keep people coming back year after year. If time allows during your Honolulu cruise, head to nearby Waikiki for a surf; the calm waters are perfect for any experience level.

Kailua-Kona is a town on the west coast of Hawaii Island (the Big Island). Hulihee Palace is a former royal vacation home dating from 1838. Mokuaikaua Church, from the 1800s, is Hawaii’s oldest Christian church. On Kailua Bay, reconstructed thatched houses at Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark mark King Kamehameha I’s residence. Colorful coral lies off Kamakahonu Beach. Kailua Pier has boat moorings.

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 neighbourhood – this impressive feat of engineering passed its first ship through in 1916, and today, it’s one of the busiest lock systems in the US. 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.