The vodka brand has transformed the Oceandiva Futura ship in Antwerp's harbour into a self-proclaimed paradise of bad taste. Until 21 July, visitors can book a night they are not likely to forget: sip cocktails on deck, then retreat to the dimly-lit lounge below to have dinner stretched out on beds.
Upon arrival, I was offered a plastic syringe filled with some kind of hors d'oeuvre mousse. I was a little taken aback, but, luckily, a fairly strong cocktail quickly made me forget my inhibitions.
Below deck, I cosily snuggled my Bed Taste mates atop a black-clad bed and enjoyed a glass of champagne while waiting for the musical act to start. A beautiful woman dressed like a mix between Dita Von Teese and Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz appeared and sang covers of kitschy but agreeable songs. Meanwhile, the other guests were starting to forget about their glamorous up-do or posture. Many Flemish celebrities were invited, and we even saw those known for their stern countenance start to relax and crack a smile.
We did more than smile when waitresses served the first course wearing implausible costumes: latex, babydolls, nurse uniforms. As the night evolved, we felt like we had taken a tour of a naughty shop in Antwerp's pink neighbourhood.
As for the food, it was...interesting. You might never have the inclination to eat sushi out of a cat food tin, but it made us giggle, and the sushi was of good quality. We were not such big fans of the kangaroo meat served in bedpans. But, looking around, we noticed the other guests happily munching. (Only afterwards did we discovered that there was a veggie option.)
About the time waitresses were preparing to bring out the sugary hamburger desserts, people started mingling. After all, it only took rolling over to the other side of the bed to talk to your neighbour.
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