The name, which the line has brought back to its fleet, is the same as the very first Carnival Cruise Line vessel which entered service in 1972.

Carnival revealed the ship’s title on US TV during an episode of Wheel of Fortune, using the game show’s signature Puzzleboard announce the name.

The 5,200-passenger Mardis Gras will be the first cruise ship in North America to be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), and at 180,000 tons, more than six-times the size of its namesake.

Currently under construction at Meyer Turku in Finland, the vessel will offer “a variety of never-before-seen innovations and attractions”, according to Carnival Cruise Line.

Itineraries for Mardi Gras will be announced in January and go on sale later that same month.

Carnival previously announced the ship will be based in Port Canaveral, with construction due to begin on a sister ship in 2020 for delivery in 2022 to mark the 50th anniversary of the line’s founding.

Christine Duffy, Carnival Cruise Line president, said: “Our first ship Mardi Gras was a historic vessel, introducing a brand new style of cruising to the holidaying public. What better way to pay tribute to our company’s nearly 50-year history of creating wonderful holiday memories than by naming this groundbreaking vessel after our original and beloved ‘Fun Ship’.

“The new Mardi Gras will follow the trailblazing lead of her predecessor, introducing features and technological innovations that have never been seen before on a cruise ship while setting a new standard for seagoing holidays.”