I tried asking this question in-game and the few people who responded didn't seem to know.

I got promoted to LT, and got a coin for a new ship. The only choice it gave me was for a Constitution Class ship. Unlike the light cruiser I have before though, I have almost no customization options. The main response was "go to the shipyard", which I did. I am not seeing all the options I saw for my light cruiser.

Is this normal? I see lots of different types of ships all over the place in-game. Do you not get any real choices until higher ranks or am I doing something wrong? I never really liked the way the old fashioned Constitution Class ships looked anyway, and it doesn't seem to provide any abilities beyond the ship I already had. Crew compliment is the same, weapons options are the same ect.

You went from the starter (Miranda) ship and are now Lt Cmdr ? If so, when you get the 'token" from the promotion ceremony you can pick from 3 ship types.

Now.. if you are just LT (not Lt Cmdr) there is no NEW ship. You're still stuck in the Miranda (or variants) or the preorder Constitution ship. I dont know if that preorder ship has any real customization options though.

is it a pre order bonus?

I am not sure...I bought it at Gamestop and it did say on the box that a Constitution class ship is a bonus. So maybe I havnt actually claimed my new ship?

If so, how do I do that? I already went back to admiral Quinn. Is there something I am not clikcing on?

Ok, THAT explains it. Thank you.

I am not due for a new ship yet. The Constitution Class ship is a bonus, not a "real" new ship.

All the Constitution-type ships are essentially the exact same layout despite the difference in component. No you don't get the same variety in layout as you do with the Light Cruiser. But that is true for most of the ships.

Basically all ships have a certain silhouette/layout that will at a quick glance tell you what ship you are facing. eg all Constitution-type ships have the iconic layout, Sabre-type escorts have an integrated primary and secondary hull with nacelles attached to the edge of the primary hull, the t2 science have a voyagerish layout with a smaller triangular primary hull. You will be able to look at a ship and tell what type it is despite the cosmetic variations.

The light cruiser had a bit more variation in lay out because of a) the components used (the weapons rollbar taking the place of the secondary hull) and b) you don't get a choice of ship type at Lt.

The Constitution class ship is from the Gamestop purchase. You don't get a new ship until you are promoted. Also, what you think is the shipyard may not be it. The Shipyard is not where you customize/outfit your ship. The Shipyard is accessed from the turbolift in that room however. I forget who gives you your next ship in that room, but you will know when you see their inventory. Just make sure you know wat you want before you buy. Once you select your freebie it will cost 20K to select your next ship if you want to add to your fleet.

Op is talking about the tier one connie that is a preorder bonus.

at tier 2(ltcmdr 1)you get a choice of different ships that have more variety in configurations, looks and playstyles.

escorts have higher dps and are suited to cannon type weapons but are squishy
cruisers have moderate dps slow turning but can take a heavy beating and still come out alive
science have moderate dps and survivability but can buff/debuff such as shutting down an enemies shields very early in a fight or increasing an allie's shield regen rate for a short time.

Thanks for the additional info everyone. They should add this stuff to the tutorial.