Chocolate connoisseurs can get their fix at a few different ports on an Alaska cruise. Although novelties such as salmon-shaped chocolates make some of the best Alaskan souvenirs, there’s a problem. These tasty souvenirs may not make it home let alone back to the ship. Here are a few stores to visit while on a cruise in Alaska.
KetchiCandies, Ketchikan: Chocolate Covered Oreos
This candy store, sells more than just candy, their handcrafted chocolates are truly addictive. In fact many cruise ship crew members can’t wait to get back to Ketchikan, in order to pick up a week’s worth of their favourites. Although the tiny store is usually crowded, it's worth the wait.
One of the most popular items are the hand dipped chocolate covered Oreos ($10.95 per 12 package). Other favourites are chocolate covered pretzels ($14.95 per lb) and chocolate covered espresso beans ($12.95 per lb). All are available in milk, white, and dark chocolate. (800-225-0970; 315 Mission Street, Ketchikan)
Theobroma Chocolate Company, Sitka: Crate of Chocolate Halibut
The name Theobroma comes from the Latin translation, “Food of the Gods”, and true chocolate connoisseurs can tour the small chocolate factory and buy chocolate souvenirs that probably won’t make it home. Theobroma Chocolate Company is located off the beaten track in the Sawmill Cove Industrial Park, the same location as the Fortress of the Bear Rescue Center. Visitors can combine the chance to see orphaned brown bear cubs with buying chocolate.
Popular items include their novelty items in the shape of fish. Packaged in mini crates, they sell a 2.5 oz halibut in milk or dark chocolate ($6.25 each). They also sell a 3.5 oz box of four assorted salmon in milk, white, and dark chocolate ($6.25 per box).
(888-985-2345; 4600 Sawmill Creek Road)
Alaskan Fudge Company, Juneau: Fresh Handmade Fudge
This family business was started in 1980 and it’s centrally located on South Franklin Street in the heart of the main shopping area. A large window allows pedestrians to walk by and watch the making of the fudge. Beware, most can’t resist walking by the store – the smell of chocolate is overwhelming!
Popular items include Mendenhall Mudd, which is a smooth, creamy chocolate fudge loaded with marshmallows and pecan pieces. Or try the Glacier Chip, which is creamy, vanilla fudge loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips. Both cost $7.50 for half a pound. They also sell chocolate lollypops in the shape of whales, fish, moose, and others for $2.25 each.
(800-323-8343; 195 S. Franklin Street)
Fortunately, all three of these companies also provide a shipping service for customers that would like to guarantee that their souvenirs make it home. Alternatively, these Alaska souvenirs can even be purchased online without even going to Alaska.
Renee Ruggero - Renee is a published travel writer and cruise industry insider with more than 1,000 days on cruise ships, visiting over 50 countries.
