BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) - Some 700 American tourists have arrived in Vietnam aboard

cruise ships within the last week and more will be coming in the near future, a Vietnam

agency report seen Saturday said.

The influx results from a partnership between Saigon tourism, a government agency,

and the Royal Viking Line, a major international cruise operator, the agency said

in the Friday-dated story monitored here.

More than 500 Americans arrived in Ho Chi Minh city Friday, disembarking from the

Royal Viking Queen for a two-day visit which includes guided tours of the city once

known as Saigon.

Last Thursday, 189 tourists from North America arrived aboard the Royal Viking Queen,

which is scheduled to bring in five more groups to Ho Chi Minh city in May and June,

the agency said.

The United Sates and Vietnam, former enemies in a bloody war, have no diplomatic

relations but in recent months Washington has eased its trade embargo on Vietnam,

making it easier for American tourists to enter the country.