As we departed from our South American starting point, the aureate rays of a sedately setting sun danced on the surface of a rippling cerulean sea. Mellow breezes enveloped us in their amiable embrace, and the auspicious ambience of our departure portended the success of an adventure yet to come. Though excitement and curiosity were prominent emotions among embarking guests on this day, lethargy and lassitude were perhaps more common, after many long and sleepless journeys. A restful night in the arms of a placid sea was now of prime importance. So much discovery was yet to come.