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Cruises to Split

370 Reviews
Split (Photo:xbrchx/Shutterstock)

About Split

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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  • Why go to Split?

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Nautica
Nautica

11 Night
Mediterranean Cruise

368 Reviews
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Norwegian Breakaway
Norwegian Breakaway

11 Night
Europe - Western Mediterranean - Barcelona

3,783 Reviews
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Explorer of the Seas
Explorer of the Seas

7 Night
Italy & Adriatic Cruise

2,013 Reviews
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Riviera
Riviera

10 Night
Mediterranean - Eastern Cruise

731 Reviews
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10 Night
Mediterranean Cruise

368 Reviews
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9 Night
Greek Isles & Italy

2,538 Reviews
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7 Night
Greece & Croatia Cruise

2,013 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

9 Night
Italy, Croatia, & Montenegro

1,780 Reviews
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10 Night
Mediterranean Cruise

753 Reviews
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7 Night
Greek & Adriatic Cruise

1,937 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

12 Night
Mediterranean Odyssey

1,486 Reviews
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9 Night
Europe - Classic Mediterranean

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9 Night
Europe - Greek Isles & Eastern Med

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10 Night
Mediterranean Cruise

254 Reviews
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10 Night
Mediterranean Cruise

731 Reviews
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More about Split

Why go 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. (For the latest exchange rate, visit www.oanda.com or www.xe.com.)

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
I loved Split. This is where portions of Game of Thrones was filmed. I would have liked to have spent more time there. The tour was great.Read More
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nnmath
Booked ourselves a Segway tour with a local company. It was fantastic, covered 10 k, great guide. Up through Marjan Parc Forest to highest point in Split. Highly recommended Read More
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AliJhfhy
Split was amazing!!! We took a rickshaw around the palace so we could kind of see where we’re wanted to go. The golden gate is a beautiful area. And inside the palace is truly amazing. The old tombs and artifacts froRead More
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2ndhoneymooners
I opted for for a walking tour of Split. It was extremely interesting and the guide was excellent. Also it was not too long and allowed time to look around independently.Read More
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Bibi52

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