I do not really like quests.

In SWTOR how much of the storylines/quests do I need to do?

I understand from the beta I had to do a long quest line to unlock the space ship and first companion.

EDIT: I feel I should comment here to explain the reason for the question, because it seems apparent to me that if you ask three people why they play the game, you will get 3 different answers, and I can't understand why people are fighting over which one is correct - THEY ALL ARE.

I play to socialise and to raid. I find it difficult to relate to the storylines of the quests and I do not like the railroading associated with storylines.

Thank you all for information and answers. I have accepted the one I felt was best because that is the way the site works, but I think all the answers are valid and each one taught me something.