The OP was not left with no means to pay. She offered to transfer funds from her bank by internet transfer but the shipping line said it could not (which usually means would not) accept that.
We are told that the note contained a requirement to pay in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (although allegedly that was offered not to be enforced).
So I suspect it contained an exclusive Florida jurisdiction clause - something no European would be wise to accept, given the differences between US and UK (and other European) costs rules.
She was promised a facility, in exchange for a promissory not. What she got was (apparently) an instrument of oppression in stead.