Fancy sipping champagne while taking in a panoramic view of Keppel Harbour and Sentosa, all in the comfort of a crystal-adorned, glass-bottomed cable car with plush leather seats?

Now you can, at a whopping $888 for a round trip.

This VIP cabin – which carries up to four passengers – is decked out with Austrian Swarovski crystals, and boasts ambient lighting and a state-of- the-art sound system.

Half of the proceeds from this cabin will go to a charity that is yet to be decided upon.

The special cable car is part of the revamped cable-car system that links Mount Faber to Sentosa.

The renowned attraction, dubbed the Jewel Cable Car ride, reopens today after a 10- month hiatus and a $36-million overhaul. Its completion marks the end of a five-year masterplan by Mount Faber Leisure Group to turn the location into a lifestyle destination.

Ms Susan Teh, the group’s chief executive, said: “It’s a historic moment for all of us. This unique cabin is something that will differentiate us from the rest of the world as it delivers a dazzling experience for Singaporeans and tourists alike.”

Those who prefer a more affordable ride can hop on one of the 67 black-and-chrome regular cabins, each of which holds up to eight people. Previously, each cable car could take only six people at a time.

A one-way journey – which takes around 13 minutes at a speed of 3m per second – costs $24 for adults, while a return trip is $26. These used to cost $17.90 and $18.90, respectively.

Children aged three to 12 years now pay $14 for a one-way ride and $15 for a round trip, while those aged below three years ride for free.

Ms Teh said the slight rise in the ticket cost is largely because it now includes a $2 Sentosa admission fee.

The group plans to roll out a slew of family packages and special rates for Singaporeans and Singapore residents.

“We want to make sure that Singaporeans have a chance to take a ride on this national icon,” Ms Teh said.

The system has been improved with a switch to a mono- cable system, which makes the ride smoother than before.

The cars are also now wheelchair- and pram-friendly. Each is equipped with interactive touchscreens which provide information and entertainment, and a communications system connected to a control room.

Ration packs containing snacks and drinks are also stowed in each car, in case of emergencies.

The group hopes to raise ridership by 20 per cent in the first year of operations.

Just before the revamp, 1.65 million people rode on the cable-car system in a year.

Marketing assistant Robin Tang, 24, is looking forward to testing out the new-and-improved cabins.

She said: “I remember going on the cable cars as a kid and being so excited. I can’t wait to relive those memories.”

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