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Meet Heath & Val

The couple behind Royal Caribbean Cruise Junkies.

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❤️ OUR STORY

More Than a Cruise… A Second Chance at Life

In the summer of 2004, while planning our wedding, our lives changed forever.  Heath discovered a small lump on the right side of his head. What we thought would be a routine doctor’s visit became the beginning of the biggest battle of our lives. After a biopsy, Heath was diagnosed with cancer and given just six months to live.  By God’s grace, incredible medical care, and unwavering faith, Heath beat the odds. Today, he’s cancer-free, and every new day is a reminder that life is a precious gift.

That experience forever changed how we view life.

Tomorrow isn’t promised....so we choose to make every moment count.

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💍 OUR ROYAL CARIBBEAN WEDDING

Where Our Forever Began

After several difficult years, we finally said “I do” on August 14, 2007, aboard Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas.

Our dream wedding at sea included family and friends, a beautiful ceremony in Key West, incredible service, and memories we’ll treasure forever.  What started as our wedding cruise became so much more than a honeymoon—it became the beginning of a lifelong passion for cruising together.

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🚢 The Cruise That Changed Everything

One Cruise Changed Everything

Our first Royal Caribbean cruise ignited something we never expected.  We fell in love with waking up to a new destination, exploring incredible ships, meeting amazing people, and experiencing the freedom that only cruising can offer.  For several years, we cruised whenever our schedules allowed. As life changed, so did our opportunities to travel—and our passion only grew stronger.

Today, cruising isn’t just our favorite vacation…
Today, cruising isn't just what we do.... it's part of who we are.

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🌎 WHY WE CREATED ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE JUNKIES

Sharing the Journey

Royal Caribbean Cruise Junkies was created to share everything we’ve learned throughout our adventures.

From honest ship reviews and destination guides to cruise tips, hidden gems, exciting news, and unforgettable experiences, our goal is to help fellow cruisers make every vacation the best it can be.  Whether you’re planning your very first sailing or your fiftieth, we hope our experiences inspire your next adventure.

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❤️ THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE

Every cruise has given us something special.

Not just beautiful destinations…But lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and a greater appreciation for the gift of today.  

Thank you for taking the time to learn about our story.

We hope you’ll follow along as we continue exploring the world—one Royal Caribbean adventure at a time.

Welcome aboard… you’ve found your crew. 🚢

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We hope our paths cross on a Royal Caribbean ship someday.  Until then.... happy cruising ⚓

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OUR ROYAL
WEDDING AT SEA!

HEATH & VAL GOODEN

Ocean

Why Poker Chips?

The souvenir that became our favorite cruise tradition. 

Every poker chip tells the story of a Royal Caribbean adventure we'll never forget.

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All photos and content, are property of Royal Caribbean Cruise Junkies

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