diff --git a/lib/ansible/modules/cloud/vmware/vmware_guest.py b/lib/ansible/modules/cloud/vmware/vmware_guest.py
index 36f4dd5d68..69ba777e69 100644
--- a/lib/ansible/modules/cloud/vmware/vmware_guest.py
+++ b/lib/ansible/modules/cloud/vmware/vmware_guest.py
@@ -1722,6 +1722,8 @@ class PyVmomiHelper(PyVmomi):
         # next priority, cluster given, take the root of the pool
         elif self.params['cluster']:
             cluster = self.cache.get_cluster(self.params['cluster'])
+            if cluster is None:
+                self.module.fail_json(msg="Unable to find cluster '%(cluster)s'" % self.params)
             resource_pool = cluster.resourcePool
         # fallback, pick any RP
         else: