We were passengers on Oceania Insignia’s inaugural Miami to Miami “Around the World in 180 Days” voyage. Except, it turned out to be 109 days, thwarted at the final hour by a tragic accident on the ship. We were given the option to cancel or join the itinerary 71 days later in Singapore, when the ship was repaired. Many passengers dropped out, but it turned out to be a magical tour for those of us who hung on and, after so much mutual emotional angst, we all bonded in a very lasting and special way. So, when Dean and I arrived on Marina a few months later for the trip to West Africa, we happily discovered a few welcome and familiar faces onboard, of both passengers and crew members, that have made this cruise a very intimate and memorable “family” reunion.