There’s something special about watching a new port come into view from the balcony of a cruise ship — the soft churn of water below, the skyline slowly unfolding. For travelers Genelle and Mike aboard the Oceania Riviera, this experience took shape as they sailed into the ancient city of Split, Croatia — a seaside gem where Roman ruins and café-lined promenades coexist in effortless beauty.
Wandering from Ship to Shore
Despite a rainy start, nothing could dim Split’s old-world charm. As soon as they disembarked, Genelle and Mike found themselves in one of Europe’s most walkable port cities. No long excursions or shuttle buses needed here — just a pair of good shoes and an appetite for discovery.
A short stroll from the cruise terminal brought them to the Riva, Split’s bustling harbor promenade. Lined with palm trees, buzzing cafés, and waterfront restaurants, this is where locals sip espresso and travelers soak in Adriatic breezes. Just west of the harbor stands the Church and Convent of St. Francis, a quiet historical corner that holds the tomb of Croatian author Marko Marulić.
But in Split, the streets themselves are a highlight — cobbled alleyways, Roman arches, and crumbling facades form a living museum. It’s a place best explored slowly, one twist and turn at a time.
Inside the Beating Heart of Diocletian’s Palace
At the heart of Split lies Diocletian’s Palace, an extraordinary Roman complex that has served as the city’s core for over 1,700 years. Don’t expect velvet ropes or ticketed entries — this is not a museum, but a living, breathing district filled with shops, bars, apartments, and sacred spaces. Built for Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century AD, the palace’s marble corridors and fortified gates still echo with grandeur.
Each of the palace’s gates — Golden, Silver, Bronze, and Iron — marks a different entrance into this labyrinth of history. Genelle and Mike entered through the Golden Gate, eventually arriving at the statue of Gregory of Nin, a 10th-century bishop who famously fought to allow religious services in Croatian rather than Latin. Travelers stop here to rub the bishop’s shiny toe — a local tradition said to bring good luck and ensure your return to Split.
Nearby, they paused at the Aqueduct of Diocletian, a forgotten marvel built to supply water to the palace. Though partially ruined, its ancient arches still whisper stories of Rome’s engineering prowess.
Descending into the Podrum
Beneath the palace lies the Podrum — a maze of vaulted cellars once used as storerooms and prisons. Today, this underground wonder houses artisan stalls and souvenir shops, but traces of its past linger in the stone walls and arched ceilings. As they exited, Genelle and Mike admired remnants of 4th- and 5th-century mosaic tile flooring, carefully restored and preserved by local conservationists.
Midday Break, Cruise Style
One of the perks of docking so close to town? Easy retreats back to the ship. As the clouds cleared and sunshine warmed the harbor, Genelle and Mike made a quick return to the Oceania Riviera for a bite to eat, a wardrobe change, and a quiet moment on the back deck. From there, they watched ferries glide across the port — a tranquil pause before their final stroll.
Sunset and Farewell
As they sail on Oceania Riviera, golden light bathed Split ‘s old stone as the couple wandered once more through the palace gates, soaking in the romance of dusk in this coastal Croatian city. With cameras full and hearts full, they returned to their ship for the next leg of their Mediterranean journey — this time to Bari, Italy.
Whether you’re arriving by sea or stepping off a ferry, Split welcomes you with a rare blend of antiquity and Adriatic ease. For cruise travelers like Genelle and Mike, it’s a port where history isn’t just seen — it’s felt in every stone and sunset.
So what’s it like being on the Oceania Cruise, look over here for more inside information.
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