NASCAR goes to sea? Racing legend Richard Petty and serious ‘sailgating’ on this cruise

NASCAR will launch its first official cruise -- you heard right, a cruise, not cruising -- next year that will travel to the Caribbean with racing legends like Richard Petty and Bobby Allison coming along.

How will the stock-car racing organization shift from track to sea? By featuring plenty of big-name Hall of Famers in addition to Petty and Allison, like Rusty Wallace and Petty’s crew chief Dale Inman.

Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 24 Napa Auto Parts Chevrolet, shakes hands with NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 21.

(Sean Gardner / Getty Images)

These NASCAR celebrities and others will share their stories with passengers on panels and Q&A sessions as well as sign autographs. NASCAR TV analyst and former racer Kyle Petty (yes, he’s Richard Petty’s son) will host the cruise.

The Beach Boys (with members Mike Love and Bruce Johnston), 38 Special and “Last Comic Standing’s” John Heffron will perform on board too.

During the cruise, fans will be able to compete in virtual racing simulators and pit crew challenges and attend themed parties.

The cruise aboard the Norwegian Pearl takes six days and begins in Miami on Jan. 29. Port stops include Key West, Fla.; Nassau, Bahamas; and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas.

Prices start at $975 per person, based on double occupancy. It includes access to onboard events and activities as well as meals, port charges, taxes and gratuities.

Cabins go on sale April 28.

Info: NASCAR The Cruise, (844) 886-2582

MORE

Historic U.S.-Cuba cruise could be delayed over ticket sales to Cuban-born Americans

French cruise line announces sailings from U.S. to Cuba in 2017

New ‘mini’ cruise ship will explore Scotland’s most inaccessible islands

Book a ship excursion or plan your own outing? It’s a tough call