The evening Hawaiian sun saturates the social deck of E/V Nautilus with golden light. Over 30 people crowd around the two long, wooden tables — some of them are Ocean Exploration Trust (OET) staff, some are contractors (like me) who have sailed on Nautilus before, and some are National Geographic explorers.

Lively conversations die down as everyone gathered here turns towards Samantha Wishnak, the expedition leader, and Allison Fundis, the Chief Operating Officer at OET. Together, they extend a warm welcome, and explain how this expedition partnership with the National Geographic Society has been years in the making.

When I first learned that a bunch of Nat Geo folks would be coming on board, I was excited — but also nervous (intimidated, frankly.) It’s only the first day, but my nerves have already dissipated.