Yeti or Stanley? Bringing Your Own Cups To A Cancun All-Inclusive

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You’ve seen it happen. You’re lounging by a stunning, turquoise pool in Cancun, and you watch a fellow guest walk up to the swim-up bar. But instead of getting their piña colada in the resort’s standard, small plastic cup, the bartender fills up a massive, glistening, 40-ounce Stanley or Yeti cup. They return to their lounger with a drink that will stay ice-cold for the next four hours, while yours is already melting in the tropical sun.

This is the new reality of the all-inclusive vacation. The single best travel hack for a Cancun resort in 2025 has nothing to do with booking or upgrades—it’s about the cup you bring with you.

For years, travelers have wondered if bringing their own insulated cup is allowed. Is it tacky? Is it against the rules? Here at The Cancun Sun, we’ve looked into the policies and the traveler consensus, and the verdict is clear: bringing your own cup is a complete game-changer.

Is It Actually Allowed?

Let’s get this out of the way first: Yes, absolutely. The vast majority of all-inclusive resorts in Cancun and the Riviera Maya are perfectly happy to fill your personal insulated cup. As long as it is not made of glass, which is a safety hazard around pools, you are good to go. The bartenders see it hundreds of times a day and will gladly fill up your giant Stanley, Yeti, Hydro Flask, or any other insulated tumbler you bring.

Why Is This the Ultimate All-Inclusive Hack?

So, why is this simple trick becoming the new standard for savvy travelers? The reasons are incredibly practical.

• Your Drink Stays Actually Cold: A standard resort plastic cup is no match for the Cancun sun. Your frozen drink will turn into a lukewarm slush in about ten minutes. A high-quality insulated cup will keep your drink icy cold for hours, even when it’s sitting in direct sunlight.

• Fewer Trips to the Bar: A 40-ounce tumbler holds three or four times as much as the small resort cups. This means you can truly relax in your lounger or float in the pool without having to get up for a refill every 20 minutes. It’s a simple luxury that dramatically improves your relaxation time.
• It’s Eco-Friendly: Using one cup for the entire day significantly cuts down on the number of single-use plastic cups you use, which is a small but meaningful way to reduce waste during your vacation.

Pro-Tips for Bringing Your Own Cup

To do this like a pro, there are a few things to keep in mind.

• Tip Your Bartender: This is the most important rule. If a bartender is making you a giant, multi-shot margarita in your personal cup, a dollar or two tip is a great gesture of appreciation and will ensure friendly service all day long.
• Bring a Reusable Straw & Cleaner: Many tumblers come with their own straws, but packing a spare and a small straw-cleaning brush is a great idea for keeping things fresh.
• Think Beyond the Pool: Your cup isn’t just for cocktails. Fill it with ice water to stay hydrated on the beach or with coffee from the buffet to keep it hot while you enjoy the morning views from your balcony.

The verdict is in. Packing that insulated cup is the single best thing you can do to upgrade your all-inclusive experience. It’s a small change that makes a huge difference, ensuring you spend less time at the bar and more time enjoying paradise. The only question now is, do you choose Stanley or Yeti?

Happy cold drink travels!