When the Ricardo's and Mertz's arrive in Europe they're are in England. However, the S.S Constitution and her sister ship the Independence operated for the American Export Lines on the New York to Genoa and Naples route via Gibraltar and the Mediterranean. Thus, Lucy and company would not have taken either ship if they were intending to arrive in England first.
When Desi Arnaz is being lifted up by the helicopter, he accidentally kicks Vivian Vance in the face.