It's a real problem with the bonus skill points every time when levelling a Klingon or Romulan character. New (free) ships only become available after a certain story mission.
I think for the Romulan you need to get to the point where you have chosen your allegiance (whether you are a Klingon or Federation aligned Romulan).
It doesn't stop you from acquiring C-Store ships, but if you don't own any already, that will be of little help (and buying them just for levelling is excessive.)
Star Trek Online Advancement: You start with lowbie gear, you end with Lobi gear.
Answers
edit:
more over I think some are plot mission locked.
I think for the Romulan you need to get to the point where you have chosen your allegiance (whether you are a Klingon or Federation aligned Romulan).
It doesn't stop you from acquiring C-Store ships, but if you don't own any already, that will be of little help (and buying them just for levelling is excessive.)