The JOHANN project aims to develop the South Baltic Sea as an attractive destination for small cruise ship operators. In comparison to large cruises, small cruise ships with a limited length of up to 200m can moor in the city center, allowing the cruise tourist to explore the city autonomously. The mooring quay is used by various users and is not an exclusive zone for seasonal mooring of ships. The waterfront faces complex urban questions. How can the historic city-port be revived and how can traditional maritime functions and heritage value be preserved? How can the waterfront be maintained as an accessible public space, free of other programs? How can waterways be connected to the public transport network of the city? How can the ISPS (International Ship and Port Security) safety zone be installed with more than an arbitrary fence, but as a public space embedded in the landscape? A more sustainable model offers electricity on shore, multifunctionality of the facilities on the quay, a connection to the existing urban infrastructure, alternative tourist destinations and integration of public space. The analysis of the 6 cities is made by dividing the urban 'waterfront' into 23 elements. The results are guidelines for making a balanced strategy in the design of the cruise quay. Through this analysis, broader than the segment of cruise tourism, it can be a catalyst in the development of the waterfront.