Zone map
Vashj'ir is one of the two 80-82 level-up zones in Cataclysm. The zone itself is so large, however, that quests are tracked by each of Vashj'ir's subzones. Vashj'ir has a cohesive, overarching storyline that will span the length of the zone.
The breadcrumb to Vashj'ir starts in either Stormwind or Orgrimmar, and is handed to adventurers the instant they step into the capital city. The breadcrumb will send adventurers on a perilous trek to Kelp'thar Forest, then progress to the Shimmering Expanse, then finally reach the Abyssal Depths.
The progression of the storyline in Vashj'ir is tracked in the achievement 
[Sinking into Vashj'ir].
At the end of the Abyssal depths storyline, adventurers must return to Stormwind or Orgrimmar to begin Deepholm.
Kelp'thar Forest[]
Kelp'thar Forest zone map
- Main article: Kelp'thar Forest quests
In Kelp'thar Forest, adventurers are immediately shipwrecked by Ozumat. So, instead of fighting the opposite faction as originally planned, the adventurer's first task is to acclimate to undersea life by learning how to water breathe, saving fellow soldiers from drowning, fending off a naga invasion, acquiring an 
[aquatic mount] (which can only be used in Vashj'ir), and figuring out why the naga are kidnapping soldiers from both sides and keeping them alive, if barely.
Adventurers will cross in to the Shimmering Expanse once they have finished in Kelp'thar Forest.
Shimmering Expanse[]
Shimmering Expanse zone map
- Main article: Shimmering Expanse quests
As adventurers reach the Shimmering Expanse, a massive naga invasion immediately sets the tone. Adventurers find themselves exploring the demigod Nespirah then getting themselves in over their heads in the Ruins of Vashj'ir by reliving the memories of the Naz'jar Battlemaiden, revealing the extent to which the naga are planning their attack upon Neptulon. Shocked, adventurers are sent to the water's surface for the first time to send news back to the capital and come across a new submarine.
Abyssal Depths[]
Abyssal Depths zone map
- Main article: Abyssal Depths quests
Adventurers reach Abyssal Depths via the new submarine, which is immediately used to attack Ozumat. Not that it does much good. Another demigod, L'ghorek, can be found in the Depths, as well as the Abyssal Breach leading to Neptulon's domain!
The naga are preparing an all-out attack on the Abyssal Maw, and it is up to adventurers to stop them! After defending the breach, players can choose to either follow Captain Taylor or Legionnaire Nazgrim through the breach into the Throne of the Tides to mount a rescue, or return to the surface ship and head back to the mainland to head to their capital city, and then Deepholm.