ferry ride from Split to Ancona, Italy

As a disclaimer, I will state that I have not taken this route, but I have taken a number of other ferries in the region.

You can look here for schedule and pricing:

http://www.blueline-ferries.com/

This route runs as an overnight ferry typically, the one I saw leaving about 8:30 PM and arriving at 7:00 AM (10.5 hrs)

As for experience, if you are thinking cruise ship, readjust your expectations. Ferries are utilitarian transportation, not overly extravagant or comfortable, maybe a bit worn here and there. Most of your trip will be in the dark, so not really sightseeing. Certainly they will note their shopping, casino, & restaurant, but all will be very basic.

For accomodation, you can get:

Deck...Just that a seat or spot on the deck or where you can find a place inside.

Seat...Something like an airplane type seat assigned to you, so you have a designated spot.

Dorm Style...not sure if this will be available, but a room shared with several others, basically you get a bunk.

Cabin...varies with size, location, bathroom, etc.

Overall, decide how comfortable you want to be and if you plan on sleeping, then find the option that works for you.

I have done this trip overnight two times. The Croatian Ferry is the way to go. Book ahead...I did not last summer and took the overcrowded Blue Line...slept on the floor and the bathrooms...well, not really working much of the journey.

The Croatian Ferry was a dream and super clean.