Some of the most popular - if not the most expensive and time-consuming - cruises available are those that whisk travelers across the ocean, allowing them one-to-two weeks at sea enjoying the splendors of the massive vessels they board.

Transpacific cruises, for the most part, are repositioning cruises that take the ships from one home port to another at the end of seasons. But while these cruises serve a purpose for the lines, they also are inviting trips for cruisers who are looking for a new adventure. Many begin in Los Angeles, Hawaii, Sydney or Tokyo and take weeks to complete, but also may include stops in wonderful destinations along the way.