Cruises to Split

382 Reviews
Split (Photo:xbrchx/Shutterstock)

About Cruising to Split

As one of the most popular cities to visit in the country, it is no surprise to see Split included in many Croatia cruise itineraries. The first thing that strikes you on arrival in Split, Croatia, is how very busy it is. The quayside is lined with local ferry boats -- some wood-trimmed and charmingly old fashioned, with room for no more than about 12 passengers -- and there are hordes of young backpackers embarking or disembarking as they make their way around one of Europe's most beautiful regions.

Bigger ferries and cruise ships come into the main terminal, and from there it's a short but uphill walk to the Old Town with its market and the world-famous jewel that lies at Split's heart, the magnificent Palace of Diocletian.

En route you'll encounter plenty of those gap-year kids, some toting backpacks or wheeling cases, others sitting -- rapt in young love -- on the many wooden, sea-facing benches that line the harbor front.

Split's youthful buzz arises partly from its status as a university town and partly from its position as a jumping-off point for exploring Dalmatia's lovely coast and islands. So it's hardly surprising that it has such a young population -- and the affordable bars and lively nightlife that go with it.

But older travelers arriving by cruise ship should not feel left out, for there is much to enjoy in this delightful port, from elegant pastel-colored tea shops and great restaurants to even better shops.

There's also a museum featuring the works of Ivan Mestrovic, one of Croatia's greatest sculptors. And, of course, there's that magnificent palace, built by a Roman emperor around 2,000 years ago.

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Celebrity Constellation
Celebrity Constellation

10 Night
Best Of Italy & Croatia

1,827 Reviews
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Explorer of the Seas
Explorer of the Seas

10 Night
Greece & Adriatic Cruise

2,038 Reviews
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Celebrity Constellation
Celebrity Constellation

11 Night
Best Of Italy & Croatia

1,827 Reviews
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Voyager of the Seas
Voyager of the Seas

7 Night
Greek & Adriatic Cruise

1,490 Reviews
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7 Night
Adriatic Sea & Greek Gems

304 Reviews
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10 Night
Mediterranean - Eastern Cruise

399 Reviews
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11 Night
Europe - Western Mediterranean - Barcelona

3,046 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

7 Night
Mediterranean - Eastern Cruise

706 Reviews
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12 Night
Mediterranean - Eastern Cruise

231 Reviews
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10 Night
Best Of Italy & Croatia

1,827 Reviews
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7 Night
Italy & Croatia Cruise

1,490 Reviews
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10 Night
Best Of Italy & Croatia

1,827 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

8 Night
Classic Italy & The Dalmatian Coast 8d Vce-cvv

259 Reviews
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10 Night
Mediterranean Cruise

729 Reviews
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6 Night
Mediterranean Cruise

231 Reviews
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More about Split

Why Cruise to Split?

Pros:

Diocletian's Palace, the main attraction in Split, is just a short walk from the cruise terminal

Cons:

The waterfront areas are usually filled with tourists, so be prepared for crowds

Bottom Line:

The busy, bustling port of Split expertly mixes Old-World charm with a youthful vibe

Split Cruise Port Facilities?

The area around the port caters well to young travelers, with plenty of cheap and cheerful cafes, exchange bureaus and Internet centers. Head a little up the hill opposite the terminal and you'll find a street market selling beach towels, hats, sunglasses, newspapers and other tourist paraphernalia. But the main action is to your left, in the Old Town and around the palace.

Good to Know?

Be aware that traffic is heavy and drivers have a rather cavalier approach to stopping at crossings. (Don't just step out!)

The waterfront and streets around the palace are often thronged by tourists, so be prepared for crowds.

Taxi fares can vary. Be sure to agree on the rate in advance and check any "extras."

Getting Around?

Diocletian's Palace and the Old Town are within easy walking distance of the dock. If you want to venture farther afield, you'll find a well-served taxi stand right outside the passenger terminal and a bus station to your left.

Look right, across the road, and you'll see a tourist information center; there's also a post office and a place to leave luggage. Stroll along the harbor front and you'll see ferries offering trips to Korcula, Hvar and Dubrovnik.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

Croatia's currency is the kuna (the name refers to small, weasel-like creatures whose pelts were traded for goods in the distant past). One kuna is made up of 100 lipa.

You'll find several ATMs along the Riva promenade, which runs parallel to the port. (You'll find it to your left when you leave the passenger terminal.)

Language?

The locals speak Croatian among themselves, but fortunately for tourists, most also speak English. Basic phrases worth knowing include "Dobro jutro/Dobra vecer" ("Good morning/Good evening"), "molim/hvala" ("please/thank you") and "Racun, molim" ("The bill, please").

In an emergency, dial 112 or call 192 for the police, 193 for the fire brigade or 194 for an ambulance.

Where You're Docked?

Split is a very easy port to navigate; simply turn left outside the shipping terminal and you can walk into town along the Riva (the harbor-front promenade), or head right (up the hill) and then left for Diocletian's Palace.


Split Cruise Reviews
In Split, we had a whitewater kayaking adventure! This was a ship's excursion and it was lots of fun. Beautiful scenery!Read More
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OleMissSamfordMom
Loved split- it was Beautiful, atmospheric, elegant, interesting- use a free walking tour ( customary to tip for the tour but there’s no set prices) bookable online with some excellent local guides. It gets busy inRead More
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Tigs2015
Beautiful port, best one of our trip. Fairly quick walking distance to nearby town, shopping resturants, boats, beautiful scenery. This port makes me want to come back to Split again. Read More
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joefriend6
We booked a tour with a private company and went to Togir and Split. Only 4 of us on the tour. Very enjoyable towns, even if touristyRead More
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IpswichChris

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