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I'm sure someone told Columbus the same thing...

It's quite a bit different in several ways.

-Columbus had clear goals such as spreading Christianity, establishing trade, and locating resources that were immediately usable.

-Columbus' destination came conveniently equipped with breathable air, suitable temperatures, food, water, etc.

-Columbus' success or failure would be easily measurable. That is, he'd either find land or he wouldn't. He couldn't anchor a raft in the middle of the ocean and return home claiming victory because he built an outpost for future exploration.

Nevertheless, you're right that he did face opposition. He had to lobby the Spanish court for nearly seven years to convince them that the idea was worthwhile.